Being hospitalized is one of my worst fears as a solo caregiver (i.e. no S.O. or siblings). That fear came true this weekend, but thanks to our friends and neighbors, my world didn’t fall apart. I did temporarily stop writing this daily blog about #OneGoodThing, but I didn’t stop trying to find the good in each day.

I’ve been dealing with recurring kidney infections between my immune-suppressing infusions for the last six months or so. Friday evening, excruciating unrelieved pain in my flank sent me to the hospital’s Emergency Dept. It was a very long, painful night filled with tests and Mama ended up having to sleep in a chair overnight. I was grateful for my awesome nurses and our friend Margo, who took me and Mama to the hospital. These good people were Friday’s #OneGoodThing. Day 319.

By early Saturday morning, it was clear I was going to be hospitalized. Though my kidney was the original suspect, tests showed I have gallstones and would possibly need surgery to remove my gallbladder. Thankfully, I was able to reach Mama’s new helper, who picked her up and took her home to rest, made her several meals, and walked Paisley. I’m deeply grateful to Shelby. And then I got to see this gorgeous sunset over Santa Rosa from my hospital bed. Shelby and this view were Saturday’s #OneGoodThing! Day 320.

On Sunday, Mama came back to the hospital to keep me company and stay overnight. A third scan showed that I didn’t need emergency surgery. Instead, I’ll be able to schedule it at an opportune time between infusions and after I get my port. Huge thanks to Margo for driving Mama and bringing my unicorn pillow! Sunday’s #OneGoodThing was learning that surgery could wait! Day 321.

Monday—today—I finally got to come home! Paisley and I were overjoyed to be reunited, which clearly must be today’s #OneGoodThing. I was thrilled to get some rest again and be in my own bed! Mama was also happy to return home. Huge gratitude for my friend Gail, who brought us home today!

Many thanks to the neighbors and friends who checked on Mama and Paisley and gave us rides, as well as everyone who sent well wishes! We couldn’t have got through this without you! Our community is truly the #OneGoodThing from these last few days in the hospital. Day 322 of 365.

What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments! Kindness is Everything.

Now totaling 1,418 days in a row! (Here’s the first 366, & the following 365, & the third year of 365 good things)!

1 year ago Fri-Mon: Head in her bowl — Same-day crown — Smell of pie baking — Waking up warm

2 years ago Fri-Mon: My chemo buddy — Love is in the air — and on our shirts! — Pet door solution — Lovely sunset at home

3 years ago Fri-Mon: I fixed the faucet! — Peacock tree — Peppermint scrub without the pain — New warm friend

7 years ago Fri-Mon: Across the Grand Canal — Glassblowing at its Finest — Finding G-d Again — Remembering a Friend