It’s not what you think. It’s not benefits for Anna. I try to make this blog mostly Anna focused. But then who is Anna with her Warrior? The children or adult we care for are dependent on us. But I will be experiencing short term disability in a sense. I will be dependent on Paul for the next 4-6 weeks, as I prepare to be in a sling with my dominant arm.
This is surgery for the messed up shoulder from the fall on February 3, 2025 (Warrior Down). This will take place tomorrow. I will be in a monstrosity of a sling, dominant arm immobilized and sleeping in a recliner (thank you Gabrielle) for I’m not sure how long. When your surgeon states, “Most people find sleep more productive in a recliner,” you ask your daughter for the one she is getting rid of and set up your new bedroom in the living room.
I’m a Warrior mom. Surgeries are not new to us. We know how to plan, both mentally and physically. I have been listening to “”The shoulder recovery book” on Audible. I have arranged my new sleeping quarters. I have purchased a shirt that snaps all around that I will wear almost constantly, bought boxer shorts to wear instead of tight underwear and cancelled all my plans for the next two weeks. I have mentally prepared to watch Paul cook, feed dogs, clean, care for Anna and do all the mornings with her, help dress me and all the rest.
The hardest part is that I cannot do anything for Anna for at least four weeks. No dressing, no bathing, no fixing hair, no putting on the bus, no doing her nightly tuck in, feeding pump, trips to the store with mom, no girls trip alone slated for 4/12/25. I’ve literally cancelled all things that are extra until August! This is what wells my eyes with tears and makes me feel the reality of this surgery.
Then I got to thinking. I have to be like Anna in a way, A small tiny way. I can still walk, talk, eat, read, bathe, etc. I am going to have my struggles but this is not what she has to endure all her days and in her life. So I’m going to be a champ at this. I may even enjoy resting, at least I will try my darndest. I’m determined to make it fun and even comical at times. I can still get up and support Paul in the mornings; and doing things together might get a few laughs.
I may be able to use the ceiling lift when the sling comes off but I cannot lift Anna until August. Yes, August. This is a 4-6 month recovery. Thank goodness it’s not Christmas or not I’m having my new grandbaby born, that would have been awful. Yes, things will be hard but I’m gonna let Anna show me the way, afterall she’s been depending on us for 22 years! Time to see what it’s like being the cared for person.
Paul and I have always had this quote, “What seems weird at first over time becomes normal and even embraced.” This is what we do on a daily basis as Warriors. This is our motto and we will get this accomplished. The whole house will feel the rumble but we are strong. We are going to make this time fun and it is possible. Hold tight for some fun stories . . . .
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