Update Day 7, Klee is Home: A Long Week, A Happy Ending (For Now)

This morning, Klee and I found ourselves in a moment of quiet suspense, waiting on the results of her latest blood tests. These results would determine whether she would finally be discharged from the hospital after seven long days at the hospital. The hours of waiting wasn’t easy; there was a bit of concern due to a rough moment she had during the night, but we held on to optimism.

It’s been a challenging few days—an emotional and physical rollercoaster that began last Friday when Klee started experiencing severe abdominal pain and a debilitating loss of energy. By the end of the weekend, her symptoms had worsened to the point where we knew a trip to the hospital was unavoidable. What followed was a week of uncertainty, long hospital nights, and the kind of exhaustion that makes every second feel like an hour.

To say we were ready to go home is an understatement. Luckily, this morning, we got the news we’d been hoping for: Klee was coming home! I can’t even begin to describe the relief and gratitude I felt when I saw her smile, knowing she would be able to sleep in her own bed tonight. The moment they told her, she smiled at me with excitement in her eyes and asked, “Where are my clothes?” It was such a small but significant moment that broke through the tension of the past week and made us both laugh.

Of course, getting discharged from the hospital is never a quick process. The doctors and nurses needed to make sure all her pain and inflammation medications were ready for us to pick up on the way home. They also provided us with a hefty stack of printed test results, progress notes, and discharge instructions—a treasure trove of information that will help us navigate her symptoms and pain management now that we’re back at home.

After leaving the hospital, we made a quick stop for medication and a detour to pick up some groceries, including baby food—which, strangely enough, has become her go-to snack during all of this. (Turns out, it’s gentle on the stomach and a surprisingly good option while she recovers. On a personal note, banana is delicious… how is this only for babies?!)

While we’re still not entirely sure exactly what’s going on, we now have a lot more information to work with. The doctors sent us home with a mountain of paperwork, test results, and prescriptions, which we’ll be discussing with a gastro specialist (Which we lovingly refer to as the butt doctor), later this week. For now, we’re taking it one step at a time, grateful to have made it through the scariest part and hopeful for definite answers soon.

Klee described coming home as surreal, like a dream. The hospital staff was incredible, and we’re so thankful for the care she received, but there’s nothing quite like the comfort of being in your own space. We got home, organized the medications, and read through all the reports. Of course, we couldn’t help but laugh when we came across one of her symptoms listed as “SOB.” For a split second, we thought the paperwork was calling her something inappropriate, but it turns out it’s just short for “shortness of breath.” (Hospital acronyms: simultaneously informative and unintentionally hilarious.)

The next few months will be focused on her recovery, and I’ll be stepping into the role of nurse while we navigate the road ahead. It’s a huge relief to have her home, surrounded by love and support—not just from me, but from all of you. Your messages, well-wishes, and generosity have carried us through this difficult time in ways I can’t even begin to explain.

As we settle back into some alternate version of normal this week, I’ll be catching up on orders. If you’ve purchased something recently, or ordered calendars, you’ll hear from me soon. Many pieces are ready to ship, and I’ll make sure everything gets out as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this whirlwind.

If there is anything I can share from this experience, it’s this: Don’t take anything for granted, and don’t allow yourself to get all humdrum about the fact that you are alive and well. Appreciate every moment, every good meal you can enjoy, and worry less about the small stuff. In the grand scheme of things, most of it really is small stuff.

To say I love this woman is an understatement. She is resting now while I type this. Seeing her happy and cozy at home, supported by such an incredible community, fills my heart with gratitude. We still have some hurdles to overcome, but today, we’re celebrating this small but meaningful victory.

Thank you all for being part of this journey. Your support means more than I could ever put into words. ❤️