Sunday, December 5, 2010

Return from Rochester

Thank you so much for all the prayers and positive thoughts during our recent journey to Rochester, Minnesota.  We managed to travel both directions safely, and missed most of the snow and bad weather.   It began snowing as we headed back home.  For a couple of hours, we drove through a white winter wonderland.   I now have a new appreciation for the word "cold".  Temperatures were usually between 10 and 20 degrees.  If I ever again complain about cold temperatures in my part of the country, my friends to the north are more than welcome to stuff their mittens and mufflers in my mouth!

Actually, the people in Rochester are quite smart.  The majority of hotels, shops, restaurants and Mayo Clinic buildings are linked by a series of underground tunnels and skywalks.  You really do not need to venture out into the cold much at all.

We were able to dine at the same restaurant where my husband often dined, as a child, with his mother and a beloved aunt.  The restaurant, Michaels, is still owned and operated by the same family 50 years later.  His favorite entree of roasted duck with wild rice is still served.  Our meal was delicious, and the waitress kind enough to listen to my husband's trip down memory lane.  Bless her heart!

We also took a quick detour to Janesville, to catch a quick glimpse of his grandparents' home.  The building which once housed his grandfather's Chevrolet dealership and repair service is still standing, although greatly modified and serving a different purpose.  The grocery store and Dairy Queen, where many nickles and dimes were spent on treats, are still in business.

We also walked down hallways at the Mayo Clinic where his mother and father once might have walked.
It is somehow reassuring to know that some things never change.

The ophthamologist, with whom we met, described my case of thyroid eye disease as one of the most severe and complex he has seen.  Treatment options that might be advantageous to others, will not benefit me.
The best that can be offered is a series of surgeries that will lessen, but not completely reverse the double vision.  He believes the amount of time that I am currently able to align my eyes for normal vision will continue to decrease.  Each day, I seem to notice more deterioriation. 

His surgery schedule is currently filled for the next three months.  So, we have time to continue researching, thinking and making decisions.  Should openings in the surgery schedule become available, we will be notified.  Truthfully, at this time, I am not too eager to agree to additional surgeries.

The journey to Mayo Clinic did make one thing clear.
The halls are filled with thousands of people, all searching for their own medical miracle.
While our individual battles may seem insurmountable to each of us, many are fighting wars that may never be won.  They would gladly trade places with me.

The holidays are a time of hope and miracles.
I continue to cling to that promise.
I also continue to pray for grace to accept and make the best of my situation --
what it is now, and what it may become.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am thankful your trip to and from was safe... I was concerned with the "lovely" weather that has moved across the Country. To me the Mayo clinic has always sounded scary, but your description of all the wonderful memories of years past really helps to make it less intimidating. It was neat to read of the restaurant and his grandfather's Chevrolet dealership. (My grandfather owned a Buick dealership ~ Ballantyne Buick in El Cajon, CA)
I am sorry that the doctor did not have more uplifting news for you. You do have my continued prayers for healing and for what ever lies ahead.
Meg

Missy said...

Love you Jan. Will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Missy.

Judy said...

May I be more like you. You are always so uplifting. Thanks for sharing. I have been wondering how it went and how you are doing. We will keep praying for a miracle for you. We leave it in God's hands...the master healer.

Rettabug said...

Awwww, Jan...I'm so disappointed that you were not given better news. My sister asked me about you yesterday...her prayer warriors continue to petition the Lord in your name (initials only, for He knows the needs)

You remain in my mind & heart, Honey. Your patient resolve & acceptance of this rotten hand dealt to you is an inspiration to us all.

Joan said...

Oh, dear Jan, you do have a way of framing the scary news within the warm family-remembrance news.
I'm glad the trip home was not too challenging, and continue to pray for a Christmas miracle for you! (((HUGS)))

Love,
Joan

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Hi my friend.
I will continue to keep you light and good wishes that you will indeed be cured. I read a quote the other day that said, "if you expect nothing but the best, you often get it." I can't remember who said it, but I know I really liked it. Expect the best and I shall do the same for you.
Anything is possible. :)
xx, shell

Unknown said...

still praying for you and that you will find the the cure for your eyes.
Hugs
Sara

Eileen said...

I was glad to hear you had a safe trip but sad you did not get the news we all were hoping for. Prayers going up that you make the decision that works best for you.

Unknown said...

Dear Jan,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. When we took our 21 year old daughter there, we were looking for a miracle. It really was our last hope. We saw many people looking for the same thing. Doctors were able to finally give us a diagnosis but her condition is not one for which they have a cure. It was truly a time of great hope but also a time of great stress and sadness and yet we were grateful that our daughter was and is so much better off than the many people we saw and met while we were there. We came back emotionally exhausted. But I do believe they have some of the best doctors in the world and we found some for Ashley to return to when she has issues with her disease.
Hugs to you,
Mary

Chris V. said...

I am glad that you had a safe trip and 'enjoyed' our cold and snow but I am so sorry that the news wasn't better about your eyes! You remain in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Chris

Cynthia Gilbreth said...

Jan,
My prayers are with you. Be brave!

Claudia said...

Dear Jan, I so admire the way you handle this very troubling situation with such grace. I am praying for you and I continue to trust in miracles, my friend.

xo
Claudia

Piper said...

Jan,

I am so glad that you made it back safe and sound. I am so sorry that the news you were searching for was not better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and that you find something that can help you.
Hugs
Piper

Anonymous said...

Jan, know that my prayers for you continue...each and every day and hugs!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I am so very sorry to read what the dr's mentioned. Will keep you in my prayers that GOD will show you the answers and how you can be used for his purpose. He will give you grace and it may take time. Seek and you will find the answers. Get quite with the lord each and every day in his word. HIS awesome grace is real, its there for the asking and taking. God has a plan for your life, watch out when you ask him what he wants from you and hold on tight for some awesom joy where you least expect it. Joy is real in the hard times as well as the good. Its starts with knowing God first.
I am praying for you in Jesus name for healing and grace.

Unknown said...

I'm so very sorry that you did not receive better news. However, remember that this is the season for miracles and I will continue to pray for one. May our Heavenly Father touch you with his healing embrace.

Karen said...

You are such a sweet and lovely lady, Jan. You have such grace and dignity. I, too, like the quote about 'expecting the best'. I envision only the best for you. You are God's child. God loves you all the time. Blessings, Karen

dlogan said...

Hi Jan,
You continue to be a role model for me. I admire your courage and strength of spirit. I am praying for you as you continue to seek His will.

Grace and Peace,
Darby

Anonymous said...

Keep safe, Jan and bless your hushband, offering more to you on this hard trip for you both that inmagened.
Lieve groeten
Godeliva van Ariadone

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