
Excused Absence
When I last posted at the end of May I had, what I thought was, a garden-variety respiratory infection. I thought I would work my way through it in a week or so and be back at the gym in 10 days. No biggie.
Then the night after I published my last post, I was helping our daughter finish up her graduation dress and knew that something was really wrong. Long story short I ended up in the hospital with what turned out to be a serious virus. It took two weeks just to get a conclusive diagnosis and the treatment for it just ended a couple of days ago. I got out of the hospital two hours before our daughter’s graduation from middle school and had to wear a mask to the ceremony to prevent giving the virus to everyone else there. I missed giving the keynote address at Quilt Canada and a two-week teaching tour in Australia. Missing those events was devastating. Heroically, Bill was able to step in at the last minute and teach all of my classes and give the lectures I was supposed to give in both Canada and Australia. I stayed at home with our former foster Godzilla, cried a lot that I was missing out on these wonderful experiences, did what the doctors told me to do, did painful breathing treatments every four hours, took massive amounts of medications and underwent a seemingly endless battery of medical procedures and tests. Wanting the people who signed up for my classes to know that I REALLY was sick and was genuinely sorry to miss being there, Bill and I decided to have him start the keynote address with the picture above.
The medications I had to take for this virus prevented me from being productive for the first six weeks, made it impossible to sleep more than two hours a day (for 10 weeks) and, oh yeah, typically cause massive weight gain. I’ve read of people gaining anywhere from 35-100 lbs on this drug. I was able (with a LOT of meditation and prayer) keep my gain down to 10 but it is a huge downer. I am slowly working it off now. At one point the medical team had to stick a camera and diagnostic tools into my lungs (I’ll pause while you gasp at that thought), which damaged my vocal chords a bit more so I’m a bit more hoarse than I was before this mess. Seriously. I wouldn’t have wished these past 10 weeks on my worst enemy.
Between the drugs and the medical procedures, I found it impossible to read contracts, reconcile our accounting software, respond to emails promptly and do my job. Unfortunately in our position, there are no paid sick days and no one is able to do a lot of my job. Bill and our staff did everything they could but some things just had to wait for me. So I fell behind for awhile and am just now digging my way out of the piles of unanswered emails and unsigned contracts. Needless to say, I was too overwhelmed to post here nor did I know what to say. My doctor wasn’t sure how long this would last so we had to just wait it out.
Last week, I was able to travel with my family for two days of vacation prior to teaching at Maine Quilts, my first time teaching since I contracted the virus. I’m still regaining my strength but was able to exercise each morning and make it through my classes. I finished my final dose of medication right before we boarded the plane to come home.
It’s been a really rough summer. I’m trying to tell myself that I’ll catch up and that deadlines will just have to wait. I have taken so much inspiration from Nancy Zieman who, like me, is someone whose body has not been able to keep up at times with her aspirations. Seriously, that woman is my hero. Honestly, one of the hardest parts of this has been trying to figure out how much to talk about it publicly. Some would say that if I told people that I had been sick it might hurt our business. I worried about that A LOT. But I’ve just gotten to the point in my life that I can’t be concerned about that anymore. I just need to tell people what’s going on and deal with the fallout, come what may.
I know someone will inevitably ask “How did you get this virus?” I will quote a doctor who I once heard respond to that question, “Standing next to the wrong person on the bus.” Stuff happens. We deal with it and move on but I sure do wish people would stay home when they are sick. I was at spin class feeling great the day before all of this happened.
So as I catch up I’ll post here when I am able. It probably won’t be every day but I have a huge backlog of posts in my head and will get to them in time. In the meantime, I’ll just be taking it a day at a time and being grateful for health insurance, a great medical team and a husband who is able to do my job when I can’t.
Onward.
I will just say I really hope you feel better (even more better) soon, have been missing your posts, will be glad when you feel well enough to post a lot as you brighten up my day. It sucks you missed Australia, but Maine must have been nice, the summer in New England has been pretty pleasant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Sometimes it’s the simple things, like helping my daughter in Maine shop for her high school wardrobe, that bring me joy. I’m just trying to get a bit stronger each day.
LikeLike
What to say? Glad that the doctors were able to find the cause, glad that you are better? Both seem to trite for a season of time and experience lost to illness. But I am genuinely glad that you are feeling better. I had wondered why you hadn’t gone to Australia and noticed your posting was much more quiet. I thought to reach out but didn’t because, well…. these on line ‘friendships’ are near and far in nature, so I didn’t want to intrude. I am glad you shared what you did and I’ll keep you in my prayers for continued healing and increased strength.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ruthann. It doesn’t seem trite at all. Sometimes, there’s just nothing you can say other than what you said. Sometimes, just acknowledging that someone is dealing with a frustrating situation or is suffering is very much appreciated. I think sometimes people feel an obligation to put a happy face on it and that can feel like people don’t get it. I think saying, “I’m so sorry you are dealing with this” is always welcome. Thank you for your prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep doing what you’re doing to gain your strength and health. I will pray for you. I’ll look forward to another post when you’re ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I have so much I want to write about. Just need to find the time and energy.
LikeLike
Weeks—You are an incredibly strong woman. Your life has lots of opportunity for stress—that’s the crack that can open your system up to an infection like this. Be easy on yourself and take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Patricia. Exercise helps a lot with the stress but the medication I have to take for my asthma makes me more susceptible to infections. No matter how well I manage the stress and how healthy my lifestyle is, the drugs compromise my immune system. I was just born with some bad organs, unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad you are on the home stretch of recovery and feeling better and stronger. Such a timely reminder that good health is the key to most everything we want to be able to do and we shouldn’t take it for granted, not even in the bus line. Big kudos to Sophie and Bill who I shouldered so much of the load while worrying about you every moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. It’s hard to explain to people because so many REALLY don’t get it. I had a conference call a couple of hours before I was admitted to the hospital that I really couldn’t get out of. The person kept saying, “Well you sound fine…” and I kept thinking, “You have noooooooo idea.” I’ve had a lifetime of knowing how to breathe to stay calm waiting for medications to kick in. It’s an invisible illness and people think that if you’re not bleeding, you’re fine. If you’re well enough to do what you want to do on any given day, you have a lot to be thankful for. Bill and Sophie did a great job and had a lot of fun together.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you’re on the mend, and hoping you’ll be back up to speed and caught up with work soon. Nancy, Bill and you are all heroes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bill!
LikeLike
im so glad to hear you are on the mend. what an ordeal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry you’ve been ill! I was hoping nothing was wrong when you stopped blogging, I have really enjoyed them and missed them. My thoughts for easing back in to life are with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been worried since you “disappeared” from the blog… Kept saying to myself that I hoped it wansn’t something terrible! Although it was terrible, I’m so happy to hear you’re over the hump and are now mending! So awesome the way all around you pulled together!! Missed you, but take your time coming back so you stay healthy now!
Sending prayers and strength,
Wendy
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve missed your blog, and was concerned for you. I hope for continuing recovery, and fast! Put yourself and your family first; everything else can wait!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Weeks – First, please don’t respond; no need. I’m glad to hear again from you. I thought something had gone wrong with my email system! I can vouch for publicity over secrecy. Our daughter was hospitalized for 2.5 months. Everyone knew, everyone prayed, everyone asked questions, everyone rejoiced when she came home. She shared a room with a girl whose family opted for secrecy. She disappeared from high school one day, and they wouldn’t tell anyone what happened. She and they were so alone. As you get better, may the Lord every day make his countenance to shine upon you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with the situation you describe but it is different when it’s a business. It was also hard to share when there wasn’t a diagnosis or time frame for recovery. That took awhile to sort out. Dealing with panicking guilds and shop owners while I was sick would not have been helpful, especially when I didn’t know how long this would last. There were several diagnoses flying around for 2-3 wks so it was tricky. Also I want people to associate my name with our work and not an illness. It’s hard to know sometimes when and how much to share and how much people want to know. I still haven’t figured it out.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you were well enough to come to Maine. It was a pleasure meeting you and I really enjoyed the improv class on Sunday. Seeing your beautiful quilts gave me such inspiration! I wish you continued good health on your road to a full recovery!
Sue Duval
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed it Sue! It was a nice group.
LikeLike
Better to go public, I think! Glad you are on the mend, sorry you missed those great experiences – but there will be others – and your wonderful Bill has kept the flag flying – what a team, eh? Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next, when you are up and running again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad that you are finally feeling better, Weeks. I was disappointed that you couldn’t make Quilt Canada in Lethbridge and concerned when I learned that you were ill. Take your time getting back into things – you don’t want to overdo it. It’s always a downer when you want to do things and your body just won’t, but you’ll be back into the swing of things soon, I’m sure. Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Weeks
It’s so great to hear you are finally on the mend!
I was sorry not to get the chance to meet you here in Sydney in June, but considering how ill you were,I think you were incredibly brave staying home alone. So Thanks for letting us borrow your family for a while as Bill has had an enormous influence on the way I approach my quilting decisions. As for Sophie…. She is a delight; such a impressive young woman. You both must be so proud of her and I was enormously chuffed to see that she made ANZAC biscuits from my cook book!
After the four days of workshops in Parramatta I have since bought your craftsy class. I am still working my way through but hearing you teach these sessions it is clear that you really were here in spirit, if not in person.
Take your time and be gentle with yourself. We will all be ready and waiting
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holy wow! I’m relieved and glad to hear things are better, and surprised to hear how bad things were. I heard about Bill’s Quilt Canada speech second hand and it sounds like he covered quite well for you.
Wishing you all the best for your continued recovery. And be kind to yourself when playing catch up on the business things.
LikeLike
I was sorry to hear you were sick and I’m so glad you are finally on the mend. What an awful time for you.
I had one of the workshops that Bill took for you at Quilt Canada. He was fantastic. I could listen to him talk for days 🙂
LikeLike
Weeks,
I’m so glad to read that you are recovering. What a time for you all! We all are here when you it works for you. Take GOOD care.
LikeLike
Weeks, thank you for sharing the story of your illness and I am glad to hear that you are getting better. Take good care of yourself.
LikeLike
Weeks, when you abruptly stopped posting here, I worried that your health had taken a bad turn and had started to pray for you. I’m so very sorry to read of your ordeal. However I am amazed at your courage and fortitude. You are blessed to have a husband like Bill who is not only willing but actually able to take your place at your business commitments. You are also blessed to have a staff who is willing to step up. Please give yourself whatever time it takes to get through the mountain of paperwork and email that’s waiting for you. It’ll still be there when you are able to get to it. And thank-you for sharing this with us. I see that you are finding much support from you readers . I hope it helps.
LikeLike
Welcome back to blogland and thanks for sharing. I wondered and then worried when you stopped posting suddenly. I’m glad you’re recovering – continue to take care! Sending healing thoughts.
LikeLike
Weeks, I just knew that your illness must be serious when you quit blogging. I was in the process of making your beautiful beach glass quilt, which I enlarged to queen size. As I sewed and sewed, I prayed for you. So happy that you are getting stronger. Whenever I look at my quilt I’ll say a prayer for your continued good health.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear what you have been going through, Weeks, but so glad to hear you’re on the mend. I know it must have been frustrating and disappointing, not to mention worrying, to miss all the things you had lined up, including the trip to Australia. Btw, remember the bus load of Australian quilters you wrote about who came by your studio several months ago? I ran into them one afternoon at Sew Modern in L.A.! Was funny — they were telling me where all they’d been, and they were so excited, and I said, “Wait! You’re the quilters Weeks wrote about on her blog!” Great fun putting all that together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Small world Susan B. Katz!
LikeLike