Some Big News

I know whenever anyone in my stage of life says that they have big news, the news is expected to be a baby.  And that is big news.  But that's not my news.  I have two big bits of news that I've been consumed with the last few weeks.

First, I'm going to have my left hip replaced.  My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 30th.  What an anniversary it will be for Steve and me!  In the past two months I've seen four specialists (one rheumatologist and three orthopedic surgeons) about my arthritis and hip pain.  The pain in my left hip has become extremely hard to live with and my quality of life has decreased significantly.  I can't even walk to get the mail without significant pain.  I limp everywhere I go and there aren't many positions that don't cause pain.  We've decided that it's time to replace my hip.  It's so strange to be at this point.  I have known for a couple years that I would need a joint replacement, but it was always in the future and something I felt I might be able to push off indefinitely.  I've been surprised by how quickly my functioning has gone downhill.  Just last spring I was able to work out at the gym and now six months later I'm having my hip replaced.  I'm using a cane about a third of the time, though I probably should use it more often.  Although it's a major surgery, I'm actually really excited about having it.  A few days ago Sarah and I were talking about all the things we'll be able to do after I get a new hip and recover....things like nature walks, ice skating, biking, going to the park, riding bikes.  Then there are the other things that I'll be able to do:  putting on shoes and socks, bending over with ease to do laundry, opening and closing the car doors....I could go on and on.  When I think the life I'll be getting back after the surgery I get extremely excited.  I feel really grateful and blessed that we are at Penn State where I have a great medical team.  Steve has already arranged for a "dream team" of anesthesiologists and recovery doctors.  I almost feel like Dec. 30th can't get here soon enough!

This is not my hip, but this is what I'll look like after the 30th.

Second, about five weeks ago I was called to be the Relief Society president.  I was really in shock when the bishop extended the call to me, but I was immediately filled with the Spirit that helped me feel comforted in this new calling.  For me the big challenge is that I don't know many of the sisters in this ward.  We just moved here to Hershey last summer.  But in just the few short weeks that I've been in the calling I've been able to meet and connect with many sisters that I probably wouldn't have had any reason to meet prior to this calling.  I am totally humbled by the responsibility, but also comforted and excited.