Every season has behind it a reason. When we brought Deb to Freedom Inn a day ago she asked Mieke to drive down some of the more prominent areas of Holland where the tulips are now in full display. Some things never change. Deb has never found a tulip time she did not like and I think she knew that the rehab was going to be hard. So she got to see the flowers in full bloom before we committed her to the rehab place. Freedom Inn is a good place. They practice an art that I might call "Dutch Love". For those of you that have not experienced this it means that the care, the food,and the love is sent out in extra proportion.
Some years ago Deb's dad had a liver transplant. The surgeries needed for this resulted in some very advanced scars in his midsection. He survived the surgeries but some years later he was sitting at a pool and the guy next to him observed him. He took one look and said, "I hope they found what they were looking for". I use this now to tell you you that the procedures of the past weeks fall someplace in this league. In other words the it is hard for me to imagine the level of pain. At the same time steps towards recovery are being made. It is a long and slow and filled with obstacles but we are gaining.
Stay with us. We are not there yet but we are moving forward.
Stan
I enjoyed seeing the tulips in Holland today and Deb I really appreciated our time together. You are an amazing woman and you have so much strength. Thanks for being an inspiration to me!
ReplyDeleteEllen J
Debra I am so glad to know you are back in the mother land full of tulips and Dutch love at every turn. Hope to see you soon, Deb
ReplyDeleteHey Deb if you need anything, just call.
DeleteVickie P
We are definitely still with you! Praying this next step brings huge improvements for such a brave lady.
ReplyDeleteso glad to hear you could see the tulips, they are beautiful! i am glad to hear stan thinks the Inn is going to treat you well and feed you well! and i know you'll grit your teeth and muscle thru the rehab!! i'll keep praying:) anything specific? love mary leeuw
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! the tulips are beautiful and by the time the junk food wagons get here, you'll be ready to eat some of that stuff too! Well, okay, one can dream right? You can send Stan down to get it and he can tell you how good it is... Hang in there. You are doing an amazing job in this recovery.
Hugs and Much love,
Deb Hamelink
Deb,
ReplyDeleteAren't those tulips absolutely beautiful?
They know just when to show themselves to us and give us pleasure with their presence... it's all in God timing when they will appear each year. Just as God is in control of the tulips, He's in control of you and your healing. It might take some time before you're back to full health but in no time at all you'll be like those flowers and be in "full bloom" in all your beauty and sweet spirit. Love you Deb... my prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Ellen Waterway
Deb, as I was driving in to work tonight I passed Freedom Village and said a prayer for you. I would have tried to come in to visit, but a: I would have been late for work, b: I think right now you don't need every Tom, Dick and Harry checking you out. So as I drove by I talked to God and know that he is going to give you what you need today. I am glad that you got to see the tulips on your way over, because when Tulip Time is officially here, I don't think there will be much more than stems and leaves for the visitors to see. Oh well........... one day at a time is all that you can do, and you are doing that so well. I know this recovery is so hard and all of us here at the Birth Center are thinking of you and praying for you!!!!!!! Keep smiling! Claudia M (BBC)
ReplyDeletehi Debbie, you have been in my thoughts so much....my tulips are no longer has the neighborhood cat used them as a bed...Lily sends a newfie kiss and I send you a hug....take care my friend....love ya...char and lily
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, I follow your blog and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am happy to know you are back in Holland. Soon I hope to be able to say Hi Debbie its break time. Don't know if you remember our conversation about me and my lack of computer skills, But figure I am getting better because I have been following your blog and now actually typing something to you. Just know I am thinking of you and praying rehab goes well. Jane
ReplyDeleteSo very happy to hear of your improvement! You are one amazing gal and so deserve the new surroundings with tulips to view on your way over. I'm thinking of you and praying for you each day.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sandy Buller
Stan & Deb, Thankful you are back in Holland...almost home! Stan as I read your blog I was reminded of these words-you get it!
ReplyDelete"Life is not being religious but becoming religious;
not being healthy but getting well;
not being anything but becoming;
not resting but working.
We have not arrived, but shall do so;
not yet is it finished, but it is in motion;
the end is not yet but we are on the way;
not everything is bright and shining,
but it is being polished." Martin Luther
greg