Debbie is taking me for our first "outing" since my surgery a month ago. Oh sure, I've been back and forth to the hospital and the doctor's office ... walking around the 'hood for exercise ... but that's about it.
So today, out of the goodness of her heart (and to get me out of the house so it could be cleaned) we set our course for two places that she just knew I would enjoy: The Nail Salon and The Grocery Store.
I could hardly contain my excitement.
First stop was the nail salon. I slumped into my chair and Debbie slipped in next to me. "Whew", I thought, "I don't see anyone I know here." This was important for two reasons ... one, whomever saw me would have a great story for their husbands and two, I hate the thought of having my nails filed ... I will probably cry like a baby.
I pressed the massage button on the chair, closed my eyes ...
"Well, I'll be ... Joel! I was just thinking about you ..."
Oh no ... I slowly opened my eyes.
"Hey Lisa ... wow ... I haven't seen you in forever."
Next to me sat one of the very special nurses who took care of my brother when he was in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at All Children's Hospital about 20 years ago. She made such a difference in his life. Two nurses that I will always remember ... Lisa and Cindy. Lisa was there when he was alive and Cindy was with him when he died.
"I saw your blog posts and wanted to write to see how you were doing. I even had a dream that we ran into each other."
"And here we are getting pedicures together ... who'd of thought?" I can't believe these words were coming out of my mouth. I might have just as well asked her what color she picked out for her nails. Debbie knew Lisa and actually worked with her mom at Delta so we had a chance to catch up and talk about so many "girl" things. Seriously, it was great talking to Lisa. She is one of the truly "good guys" who has made such an impact in so many lives.
So ... after I got clipped and Debbie got painted and cooked ... we were off.
I only ran into 5 people I knew at Publix ... a couple of retired guys who just wanted to talk to another guy and veteran shoppers who have the dash and grab down to a science.
I love my new rehab life! (silent scream)
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