Serendipity!

The Canadian medical providers, at Kingston General Hospital, as good as they were (on 7/15), suggested we return to the United States for more efficient care. <No kidding!>

On Monday, 7/16, we contacted our U.S. orthopedist sharing the findings of our visit to the Kingston General Hospital emergency room. We were granted an appointment on Monday, 7/22, and by 7/25, Pete was in surgery. Western/privatized medicine, has it’s faults, but it also has many advantages.

The Sutter Health Outpatient Surgery Center (Alhambra site) staff were kind, compassionate, thoughtful, respectful, and quite frankly, hilarious! It was clear that this crew loved their work!

One silver lining to our trip home was that we got to attend the Sacramento Fire Academy Graduation Ceremony. Scott, my son, completed a rigorous 26-week program for the oldest fire department in the state. (Established 1850) We would have missed this honor and milestone if it weren’t for this latest cruising detour.

After Pete’s post-op appointment we headed to the family cabin. There’s nothing like the peace and tranquility of a midweek visit to this remote Sierra retreat. We fished Pinecrest Lake, and drove over Sonora Pass to explore Twin Lakes and Annett’s Mono Village Resort. The scenery was exceptional!

We’re back home and enjoying the moderate summer temperatures. Pete’s knee is doing great! He still needs the hinged brace for activity.

By the time Pete is fully recovered, I am contemplating an orthopedic procedure of my own. With advanced arthritis in my right hip, I am managing pretty well, but I cannot enjoy hiking or biking as I used to, and sometimes even walking is a chore. This break from the Great Loop offers a chance to get a new hip and recover fully before our next season.

As I close this post, I noticed a new message in my inbox:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6