So... today it's medically ok if I walk outside the room, down the hall, out of the building briefly. But first it's best if I get the gizmo tubing shindig removed from the main surgical area. Didn't get to that until early afternoon. My girlfriend from 15 years ago (serious relationship) now lives in Scottsdale - she is wonderful - set a time for her to drop by. She couldn't find the weekend entrance to the building, texted me for help, I went outside the room for the first time to find the building entrance. This was quite confusing because I was teleported to my room (I think it's called anesthesia) and have no clue which way is what in this building. I wandered around, found a nurse and they said the weekend entrance is open and pointed where it was, people outside can just hit the button. Started walking in that direction, down a long hall, turned another corner. And three ladies turned the same corner at the same time. They stopped.
And I am standing in front of Stephanie from Florida. I had crashed her New Years' party in Florida 3 weeks ago. After staring slack-jawed for I don't know how long, I realize next to her is Cassie from Florida who helped me sneak into Steph's neighborhood coming-out party. And can that possibly be Tia Anne from Colorado?
Tia Anne's GCS thread is one of the reasons I decided to arrive here when I was shopping for a GCS surgeon.
I have never been so surprised in my life, and I've done a few things. I have no idea how long I stood there completely stunned, but I definitely remember one of the three reminding me to breathe. I literally had to wipe drool off my mouth. Twice. Yeah I'll admit that. I still cannot believe what just happened. Obviously we hugged but I don't remember what I babbled. Good thing all the sensors and wires were removed a couple days ago, I'm sure all sorts of loud buzzers would have gone off.
As pure coincidence my friend from Scottsdale was let into the building by Cassie from Florida. Cassie apparently walked up to the building, found the door just worked and let her in. She texted she had made it to the room while I was standing down the hallway, stunned by the impossible.
Dena showed up, and then Mariah and Jamie came back over. Steph handed me this incredible card - filled with notes and wishes from people here. Of course I cried - things like this just don't happen. I will cherish this forever.
So that's how my first steps outside this room went.
Jamie, Mariah, Cassie, Dena, Kendra, Tia Anne, Stephanie.
Arizona, Arizona, Florida, Arizona, Seattle, Colorado, Florida.
