First and foremost I want to thank my amazing husband and kids! I just realized I had not mentioned them like I should have. They have been beyond supportive and helpful in every way possible. They are the reason I could do what I had to do. They propped me up when I questioned myself and when I lost it. They were there every step of the way. They are the best!

I also want to thank my extended family, both blood related and by choice, for your moral support, care and love. Your generosity of your precious time and knowledge of all things medical have been helpful and appreciated beyond belief! Iris sending a baby monitor over to my mom’s house-that will make my life infinitely easier. Wow. You all rock!

I want to thank my friends, old and newer who reached out with offers to help and a shoulder to cry on. I haven’t been able to take all the calls and I apologize for that but reading your texts and emails when I have a minute has been fantastic!

My mom also has an incredible network of friends who love and care about her.   Everyone should live to be her age and have people like that in their lives. There were times the phone rang so much I wanted to cry, but every single person called with great concern and with offers to help in any way they could. I am so grateful and overwhelmed.

As one wise person said to me, “this is just the beginning. The surgery is the first step-there’s a lot more to do.” I needed that reality check. One hurtle at a time.