Karma
I'm not a terribly religious person but I do believe in the concept of karma. It helps me to think that good, selfless efforts are rewarded while less savory behavior will ultimately lead to some kind of bad fortune.
So, whenever I find myself contemplating something in my life, or the life of a loved one that doesn't make me happy, I look for some way to increase my good karma potential. For instance, right after we found out about John's retinal problems, but before he had surgery, I made a donation to the Heifer International as a part of Cara's fund raising efforts that accompanied her Spin Out project in NYC.
Today we went in for John's third surgical follow up visit. We were really hoping that this visit would bring an easing in what I have come to think of as John's "couch arrest" part of the recovery process. A kind blog reader, Lynette, left a comment on the day of John's surgery wishing us well and mentioning that she was trying to raise money for the American Cancer Society by participating in a local Relay for Life. The ACS is another excellent organization that supports scientific research into cancer at both a national and local level. They provide support for families and people looking for information as well as research fellowships for junior scientists. My doctoral laboratory was supported by a couple of ACS grants. It seemed like a nice way to help build some more good karma and help out a good cause at the same time.
Lynette has the very modest goal of raising $500 for the ACS. She's also a whiz with a sock knitting machine and she's offering anyone who donates a chance to win 2 pairs of custom made socks. So if you feel like you need a little bit of good karma yourself, this is a chance to create a some good karma and have a chance to win some very nifty socks
And I do think that all your good wishes and some of my attempts to create a little bit of better karma have helped. John is still couch restricted, but the retina is still attached and about 85% of the fluid that had built up in his eye has been pushed out. He's still on couch arrest becauase of that last bit of fluid needs to be pushed out, and the best way for that to happen is for him to keep his head in a position that will help the air bubble in his eye push against it and send it packing. But at least much of his bruising is gone and his eye feels much better.
Not being able to go anywhere and having to keep his head at a 45 degree angle is still a bit frustrating, but at least he has a laying on his side position that he can use so that he can have a little more range of motion. We keep reminding ourselves that since a lot of fluid had built up in his eye as a result of the tear not being treated for a while, that we probably couldn't expect everything to go back to normal right away. Healing these eye things just takes time and patience. And we are fortunate that he has a work environment that has been supportive and helpful as he starts his second week away from the office.
For my next acts of good karma, I am working on making sure that everyone who left us a comment gets a personal thank you from me (I am very behind, but I am getting through things slowly but surely). I think I am also going to try to crochet John his very own third eyeball so that we can use it as a way to focus our healing energies. You've got to love the internet. The awesome Lady Linoleum has an awesome eyeball pattern complete with nerve endings. How could I not try one to make one for John?
That good energy will absolutely come back to you tenfold. My father goes through eye surgery (for detached retinas) fairly frequently (well, every few years, to me that seems frequent enough!), and the initial recovery is hard. But John will get better, absolutely! Of course the patience you two show and your positive attitude are the most important things.
I'm all about Karma! Like you, it's really the only thing I truly believe in. It just makes sense to me - it's rational in some ways.
I'm so glad the healing is going well. It must be so hard though. I hope the last 15% goes FAST!
Sending more good karma. It must be tough to be restricted, but it's good to know that it's working and that he is healing. Oh, that eye -- I can't wait to see it!!
Maryse's crocheted bone worked. So will the eyeball! Love the Monster blog.
85% gone is good. I always tell myself, in explanation, that you can't push the river. It helps my human impatience.
Love the eyeball idea. Patience is one of the hardest skills to master, don't you think? Be patient and things will heal. I'm still sending good thoughts your way every day.
I can't wait to see John's third eye! Karma is a great principle to apply.
I'm sure that his "couch arrest" is difficult but sometimes the best that you can ask for is positive progress. I cam't wait to see the eyeball that you make.
Yay, 85%! It's great to see progress-- even though I'm sure you and John both are a bit stir-crazy. I like Laurie's "You can't push the river." I have been thinking of you both!
[My SiL went through the same thing your John is a few years ago. ]
Theresa,
You are definitely a woman of positive kharma. You have done so many things to bring so many people together. Tell John to keep his head up (very bad pun - I'm sorry) and hang in there. Soon this will all be a memory and it sounds as if John's eye is healing as it should be. I think the crocheted eyeball is a great idea. When this is all over, it will also exist as a tribute to your support and hanging in there through the good and the bad.
You're right about the Internet. If you can't find it there, it doesn't exist. Sending good kharma your way!
Thanks so much for the mention about my Fundraising for Relay. This is my 4th year walking and I must admit I've been a bit lazy in the fundraising venu in the past. So this year....with your help....I can hold my head high as I walk the track to Sock it to Cancer.
Best wishes for the eyeball.
I do admit though, that eye stuff makes me squidgy. A remnant, I believe, of much eye related probing by docs in my youth.
I remember my mom after the many eye surgeries she had when I was small and it was never an easy process. I wish you and John both plenty of patience of strength to get through this final phase. I think the third eyeball sounds like a blast!
glad to hear that things are looking up. Best wishes and my thoughts are with you both.
I'm sure that all the good karma you're spreading around is helping dear John to recover. I don't even want to think about eye injury. Ouch. I get the heeby-jeebies when I even *think* about contacts (don't *even* ask me to watch someone put one in their eye or remove one), and reading about what your dear man is going through made my eyes tear up so much in reaction to his pain and discomfort that I almost couldn't finish reading your post! LOL Hugs you both.
I'm very happy to hear that John is having some success with his "couch arrest". I told my husband about yours last night because I knew he would be able to relate to what you are going through with John. I'm pretty sure that Josh (my husband) has been more worried about my breast issues than I have been. Now we are both sending good kharma inducing thoughts your way.
Patience is hard, even from this perspective (it's not MY eye), but at least things are moving along in the correct direction. Hope that last 15% goes FAST!
I'm with you on the Karma issue...........definitely believe in good deeds, and punishment for bad......
Well wishes to John.
I do not know you personally, but it still bothers me that you and your family is going through this.
Sending good Karma your way.
I'm so glad to hear the crisis is ebbing. I love the karmic thoughts, and the squidgy little momento you will have of these trying times.
So I'm thinking that one could knit at a 45 degree angle - and then when you mentioned the crocheted eyeball, it occurred to me that maybe John could spend some time crocheting his own eyeball! Just an idea...... ;-)
Don't you just love that eye with the nerve endings and all - I just saw it today -- it is a perfect focus so send good thought at.... so glad that every visit has shown improvement. Sending healing thoughts your way...