Somewhere Over the Rainbow

This will be a gripping tale of intrigue, love, betrayal and loss. Sorry – it will be none of those things. Just a celebration of being home in my own bed and seeing Jeff. We had to take another brief trip to the ER for a small adjustment of something, but other than that, it’s been smooth sailing.

Somewhere, over the rainbow – way up high, there’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby

Sleeping is not as easy as it would seem, certainly not all in one block. I think its the meds. Jeff has taken care of me like a fully trained first year nursing student. Bathing is fun. Nothing like a giant wet slippery baby who can’t help herself to stand. It’s been a long time since someone washed my hair for me and brushed it. Jeff is a champ, making sure he approaches it like he does everything – with precision, patience, and a plan.

Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue – And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true

But I accomplished something monumental today. Beyond anything I thought I could do a week ago. I was able to put on my own bra and take it off. Now, I know what you’re thinking How does she do it? But for me this was a major milestone. Slowly, slowly I feel like I’m getting better. Stronger.

Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me – Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that’s where you’ll find me

Jeff has been busy too. And not just with me. He decided that it was time to apply his sewing skills to protect us over the long haul. We should be immune but they aren’t sure yet how long that might last. Being the crafty person he is, Jeff sacrificed some old clothes and whipped up some masks for us.

Now our laundry looks a little different. The bras and socks on the laundry octopus have been joined by the masks he made for us, after they’ve been boiled and washed. Having a husband who sews is a pretty cool deal. I can’t wait to be able to go outside in my new designer Masks by El Jefe. It will happen.

Somewhere, over the rainbow blue birds fly – birds fly over the rainbow, why oh why can’t I?

This week, I sat on the balcony on a chair in the sun. It was warm and there was a breeze and it was heaven. I could sit there and see the world go by. I heard a bird singing and leaned forward and saw a big black bird with a bright orange beak singing a song. I listened for awhile and the voice of Judy Garland singing, that’s been running through my head for nearly two weeks now, suddenly came to me again. Jeff said I sounded like a 2 pack a day smoker just a week ago. But the bird singing inspired me so I gave Over the Rainbow my whole voice.

If happy little bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow – why oh why can’t I?

(lyrics by Yip Harburg)

The bird just sat on the light, on top of the pole watching me. When I was done I looked over and Jeff was standing in the door, silent – smiling. I’m not sure my rendition was anything to write home about, but it felt good to sing without a care for who might be listening, and it made him and the bird happy. These days, it’s the littlest things that mean the most to us. Maybe we just needed a reminder. That’s how it should have been all along.