10/07/2026
I’m feeling especially grateful tonight(and sleepy so I apologize if this doesn’t make sense)
Grateful for every call, text, visit, meal, message, check-in, hug, and every other little way people have shown up for us through this. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully put into words how much it has meant.
The surgery ended up being a little more complex than originally anticipated. Once the surgeon got in there, he realized what needed to be repaired wasn’t really repairable and ultimately had to reconstruct my labrum with a cadaver graft and multiple anchors. There was quite a bit of work done, and I am so incredibly grateful for the care and expertise that went into it.
The first couple of weeks of recovery look a lot like resting on my back, resting on my side, and very short intervals of sitting. Minimal weight, bearing with crutches. There isn’t a whole lot of “doing,” which has definitely been an adjustment for me. But I honestly feel like my spirits are as high as they are because of all of the love and support surrounding us.
I’ll be honest, I had a moment where I felt guilty … like maybe we didn’t deserve this much support because we’ve been through injuries before and people have shown up for us before, too. And then I reminded myself that what I would want for someone I love is for them to receive love and gratitude without hesitation. So I’m trying to give myself permission to do the same.
I’m also realizing that this injury is really a compilation of so many things that have happened over the years. It feels like a missing piece to a puzzle that’s been there for a long time (circa reeves pregnancy horrors). And with that has come a lot of peace and validation within myself. There is something really comforting about finally having some clarity around a piece of my story that I’ve carried for a long time.
So I’m laying here and allowing myself to feel all of it.
Even on the days when I’m stinky in bed or can’t get comfortable, I’m reminding myself that I’ve done hard things before. Really hard things. And this one is leading me in what I truly believe is the best direction I’ve had toward healing, yet.
I am soooo genuinely grateful for the care I received at CVMC. From start to finish, it was incredible. And in the event that somebody reads this that knows somebody …A very special thank you to my pre-op nurse Anne, PACU nurse Alex, the anesthesia team, Dr. Begley, and everyone else who took such good care of me.
Also to the physical therapists (who never get enough recognition for being as important as they are) — thank you to mine for helping me navigate what comes next and for being another person in my corner as I work my way back.
Also my regular therapist … who’s pretty much the best person around… thanks for
the pep talks, and the important reminders.

And Steve and his mama. The real MVPs. Keeping the house standing, taking care of four kids, taking care of me, and somehow managing all the things that still have to happen while I’m laying around doing basically nothing. I could not do this without you. Ever.
Mel - for taking me and being there all day
To our family who has shown up in so many ways, and to our friends who keep checking in, bringing food, sending messages, and reminding us that we aren’t doing this alone — thank you.
I feel incredibly loved. And even on the hard days, that makes all the difference.
So I guess what I’m hoping you all feel from us is gratitude and love💛
if you made it this far… Thank you again!
-Lemon Fair View Homestead
