Whether We Like it Or Not!

Nine days ago Dad had a heart attack.  He was in the hospital preparing to undergo shoulder surgery to reverse his rotator cuff and 'anatomical neck of the humorous'; a procedure called Reverse Shoulder Replacement Prosthesis.  After the nerve block was administered to numb Dad's shoulder, he reported a heaviness in his chest just as the anesthesiologist observed an abnormal pattern on the heart monitor.  The appropriate medication was immediately given and a heart attack was investigated.  Leave it to Dad to have a heart attack while hooked up to a heart monitor and surrounded by doctors trained to look for anomalies.  God knows if he had one at any other time he would not have had the same results.

Seven days ago five bypasses were performed.  Some time ago his heart began its fight against the blockages by rerouting its own vessels to supply blood through new channels; they were effective until, of course, they weren't.  Seven hours of poking, painting, harvesting, bypassing, stitching, breathing, filtering, watching, sucking, sewing, taping, responding, pulling, pinning, plugging...  Of waiting, praying, resting, laughing, remembering, hoping, worrying, discussing, reassuring, encouraging, thanking, praising...  A surgery that intricate involves as many thoughts and fears and emotions as it does hospital staff ten fold.  Five bypasses.  Five successfully repaired, fully functional, life delivering bypasses.  To all of you who have held the hands of loved ones and prayed for a surgeon's steady hands, I now understand and appreciate your strength.

I am here now, sitting next to Dad in front of the TV while 'Hunt for Red October' sings the house to sleep.  I am pleased to hear him laughing heartily at the dog when he pounces on his rope;  the dog, not Dad.  He has a medication schedule that he follows with mindfulness and dedication; Dad, not the dog.  Dad's heart pillow rests on his chest as a reminder there was actually a procedure done, for other than a bit of laziness one might not even guess at the possibility of such a thing.  Seventy-six years old and his current actions are only slightly different than they were eight days ago.  Just as his body only suggested it was in need of help, he now only suggests he needs anything but company.  What a great role model he is for all of his children and grandchildren and I am glad to sit next to him now and fulfill his need, and mine.

Scott is home.  He has called at least ten times a day to speak to me and ask about Dad.  Curt and Laura have the kids generously and graciously taking 'grand-parental' care of them.  An even divide of chocolate cereal and pancakes for breakfast, roller-blading for lunch, school shopping for dinner and fireworks for dessert.  I haven't seen them in nine days, which is a number two greater than I have ever reached before, but FaceTime and text messages have brought them into Mom and Dad's living room and my face to Maine.  I have, though, spent precious, memorable time with Evelyn, Olivia, Juliet and satisfied needed time with Olie and Kelly. We have all moved the unimportant aside to gladly and eagerly meet Dad's unspoken requests.

And then there is Mom.  Mom and Dad have been married for 37 years.  Walked together down the isle.  Bore and raised children side by side.  Festered over bank accounts.  Butchered chickens; one cut the heads off, one plucked the feathers.  Tolerated beer drinking horses and tree climbing kids.  Whelped puppies and nursed a countless number of other sick animals somehow allowed in the house.  Kicked some hard habits and enabled a few others while sharing a sofa between two very individual end tables.  A week ago they were separated: one was asked to put his life in the hands of others and one was asked to give them permission to take her life in their hands.  I am amazed by her strength and trust and love and faith in all things.  In herself.  In a hospital full of strangers.  In God.  In Dad.  In Fate.  In knowing that everything happens the way it is suppose to happen whether we like it or not.  What a great role model she is for all of us who follow her example, whether she likes it or not.

Thank you for your patience, Dear Reader.  Tomorrow is a brand new day~

Anna~

Delicious and Divine!

The vacation is over.  I may have gained a few pounds and lost a few readers but I have not misplaced my mission of investigating the root of all health; food.  Over the last month I (with my family) have eaten home grown peppers, cukes and green beans from SC, grass fed beef from Jamestown, RI., fresh cheese curds and brats from WI, garden grown bells and toms from northern IL, and an array of restaurant specials along US highways and byways.  My pallet was teased and pleased.  My food fantasies were wined and dined.  My desires were satiated and my waste-line is the proof.  Food is the foundation for all things health!

Wednesday we arrived home after 30 days of stop and go travel.  My husband knew we would be a bit starved for vegetables as road food usually includes fried potatoes, greasy beef, limp lettuce and cheap cheese, so our table was covered in crisp peppers and onions, seared beef tips, fluffy rice, a great bottle of red wine and tall glasses of ice water.  Thursday we ate BLT's with smokey provolone cheese on sourdough bread and last night we enjoyed seared pork tenderloin with a bright green greek salad.  The menu from around the country was delicious, but cooking at home and eating at our own table is divine.

Tomorrow I plan to get the blog back online with information, explanation, suggestions and encouragement.  For now, I will just remind you to eat real food, give your vitamins their vitamins, drink plenty of water and remember to wash your hands.  Think "back to basics!" You might start by eating a great home-made meal around your table~  More tomorrow.

Anna~

An Ad'vegetable'ture!

Yesterday, my husband asked me if we should participate in a CSA (community supported agriculture) and reap the benefits of the produce that comes from a farm down the road.  I hesitated (which sounds weird, considering I am all about food as the foundation of health) because I wonder how many of my family members would eat parsnips and rutabagas, kale and cabbage, beats and brussel sprouts.  In season veggies are not exactly 'Walmart Produce', though summers in RI do offer an abundance of fruits and veggies.

"I worry about how much we'd waste," I offered in my hesitation.  "I am willing to try any veggie that you bring home.  I will try them," he assured me.  More than feeling we were living out a page in 'Green Eggs and Ham', I felt proud of his willingness to take part in parsnips and dandelion greens.  My husband grew up as many of us had; corn, green beans, baked beans, carrots, potatoes, tomato sauce and the occasional asparagus spear and broccoli tree.  Now he is enjoying asparagus, sweet potatoes, broccoli, peppers, onions, avocados, whole tomatoes, and broccoli rabe.  The progress makes a share in a CSA almost a good idea~

First, we will 'farmer's market'.  Local farmer's markets offer in season veggies in many varieties and colors where you live while the season lasts.  Fruits, veggies, wheat, flour, eggs, herbs, spices, dairy and meats can be found in the gardens just down the road.  Super markets, grocery stores and commissaries offer some local produce in the in-season, but they are typically days old offerings (I am guilty of shopping on the day old shelves, too).  If he wants to try parsnips, then by george, we will have fresh, local, in-season parsnips!  Then maybe some kale and sweet cherries for good measure.

I encourage you all to find the foods that fill the gaps in your diet.  Expand your palate, investigate your local produce and brave new foods.  Share a new bounty around a large pitcher of ice water and with laughter and conversation.  And, after your meal, a walk and the dishes, remember to wash your hands.
Have a fantastic 4th of July Celebration~  See you all next week.

Anna~