The team work is working. Last May we understood that we had to operate differently in order to support Anna. She was quite ill and there was no way that she was going to be able to care for herself without help. We had to lay a plan but we also had to go with the flow and see what arose from day to day. We had to see our selves as a team, the five of us, Anna, Sara, Casey, Doug and me. We thought that we would need more help with treatments but so far even that has worked well between us.
We make plans one week at a time. We assess everyone's schedules, Anna's appointments, how we are doing individually and go with a plan. It can change each week and we have to have the flexibility to let it do so. Like this week, I arrived yesterday afternoon instead of the morning. Sara took over the morning to do treatments. I can not yet really walk well or go to the grocery store as is my usual Monday job so Doug took over that job on Sunday. He did Anna's grocery shopping in Livermore and cooked up a grand batch of barbeque to last a number of days. Doug took the day off to take care of me, take me to my post surgery appointment, and drive me back to Sunnyvale. When we arrived at Anna's condo we stacked the refrig for the week.
While Casey and Sara were back at work I started treatmenting again in the afternoon. Doug did more errands. Now we are set for the week. Today, Anna and I will be pathetic patients sitting on the couch with oxygen tubing, wrapped knee, ice water flowing, only to get up to eat and treatment. Where are the bon bons Guys? Hey, can't we have a little indulgence here?
Last night we also celebrated Casey's birthday! Flexibility again. We were all together, the team. His birthday is really today but the celebration could not wait. Happy Birthday, Casey, truly a special guy and very important part of our team. At birthday dinner last night it was announced that we now have a name for our team, are you ready? It is Team, Anna Banana's Bunch! Hey that is cute. Five bananas hanging out together, so appealing.......
What makes this team work well together?
• We have a common cause, save Anna.
• We are very honest with each other, there is no other way to be in this situation.
• We have a structure with wiggle room.
• We laugh when ever we can.
• We cry when ever we need to.
• We fill in for each other and watch out for each other. It is not OK for any one of us to get too tired or burned out.
• We love to eat good food and enjoy good wine at our evening meal.
• We are committed and will do everything it takes.
• We have great friends and some very sweet family members who support us.
• We believe in this miracle of new life for Anna through transplant.
So, go us! Team, Anna Banana's Bunch! We still have steam, it has been about two months of this concerted effort. We are weathering the storm of me partially down for the count, but coming back, slowly. We may have more months of this. Or it could change today........ who knows? Let's stick in there fellow bananas, we can do it!
After all, we are, birds of a feather who stick together..... or, is that just plain, too corny? I know, yes, it is, I can hear you groan, "Oh, Mom!" Just could not resist, it is me and the feather, bird thing.........
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