I added this picture because I like the idea of a bunch of monks saying “WHEEEE!” as they take a plunge into the unknown. I can relate.
An update for everyone:
Jonathan and I heard back from a member of the team of doctors who have been making decisions about my surgery, and they have decided to go ahead with surgery on Tuesday, October 8th, as 12:15, as planned. Jonathan describes this surgery as “minimally invasive brain surgery,” in which they are taking out the lesion in my left temporal lobe which they believe is responsible as a starting site for the seizures. What they have decided not to do, at this point, is the more invasive surgery in which they take out larger portions of the temporal lobe and left hippocampus. The doctors are hoping that this surgery that takes “less real estate” (as they often refer to the brain) will stop or at least greatly diminish the seizures. If not, I might be facing a second surgery. However, the more invasive surgery came with more risk of significantly impacting my language and memory, and so I think we all feel good about trying this and hoping that it works (there’s a good thing to keep in your prayers!).
We are getting everything ready to head out of town shortly. Thank you to everyone who has been helping, in so many large and small ways along the way — they all feel huge. Thank you for supporting Jake and Leda (who will be here in Pullman during this upcoming week). Thanks to Chip and Trina at church, and the talented group at Aloft Yoga and Nia who have come together to teach for me and keep things going while I am away. Thanks to members of the CCUCC and UCC communities, the yoga/Nia community, the Muslim community, the St. Gertrude’s prayer chain, several LDS communities, the Hindu community, my friends who describe themselves as the “atheist well-wishers,” the Buddhist community, Native American friends, and many, many others who have let me know they will be holding me, Jonathan, Leda, and Jake close this week . . . It means a lot to us. We feel surrounded by God’s grace, your care, and the beautiful mystery that facing challenge in the midst of love brings front and center.
I have spent this past week doing some things for Jake and Leda, talking to my mom, catching up on some concerns with members of the church, planning and teaching Nia and yoga, and today I began working on an idea for my first sermon back at the church and some creative worship for Advent. I told Chip that it’s good to know that, even in the midst of a week like this, when I know something will be dramatically different inside of me next week, I still wanted to spend this week doing all of the same things I always do, because I truly love the many things I do that make up my life. I go into what lies ahead knowing that I journey with that incredible gift of feeling fully alive, and having the privilege of a life that is interwoven with so many wonderful people.
Seize Joy 
Kristine, beautifully said on all levels! Your thank you to me (at the church) is so not necessary. I feel blessed to be apart of your life and apart of such a wonderful congregation made up of tons of beautiful people who do love and care so much, not just about you but about each other as a whole community, it’s so powerful and lovely! Our family will be keeping your family in our prayers and daily thoughts. Let Jonathan know if he or the kids need anything while you and him are out of town, we’re happy to help. Also, once home, I’m down to make Mexican food for ya’ll!!! Just let me know when and I’m on it! I’ll miss you terribly and look forward to seeing your bright smiling face and hearing that laugh in the office upon your return. Sending love!
Feeling the outpouring of love and energy in our community as we danced with you last night is evidence of the power of love we all have for you and your journey. Through our long history, you have been a model of how to face a storm in an upright and powerful way. We love you and are there with and for you. Press on.
Thanks, Beth. That love is abundantly clear to me — I feel it all the way down to the bones. I am so grateful for the outpouring of caring, and for those of you who are keeping things going with so much grace and joy ❤ Kristine
Tea Bag “wisdom” …
Serendipity 1: “Let your mind dance with your body.” Surely this has been so as you learned, planned and taught NIA and YOGA. For the plasticity of your brain responded; and
changed on its own!!! HOORAY!!! Plasticity!!!
Serendipity 2: “Bliss is a constant state of mind, undisturbed by gain or loss.”
And, It has been so!, With your deep prayer and deep meditation …God’s Gifts of Grace…
“May the Spirit of Wholeness restore your rhythms of body, mind, brain, spirit…
and Grant you Peace!! AMEN AMEN hb
I will be sure to spend extra time out among our rolling hills, catching some of that magic that flows downhill at night and send it to you and your family in a prayer. be well my daughter of the Palouse.
Thank you, lovely Suzanne, fellow Daughter of the Palouse. Take a good look at Kamiak for me on Tuesday morning, okay? I love you and Scotty both. And maybe I will FINALLY come out and pick up that chair when I get back. It could be my “recovery throne.” 🙂
Linda and I will be holding you and your family in our hearts this week and during your recovery. We are better people because you are in our lives – here’s to blessed healing, friend. Feel the love. . . Kym and Linda
“Bliss is a constant state of mind, undisturbed by gain or loss.””
“Tea Bag Wisdom” in response to your seziure posting. It is so, for you dear friend!! Helen
“Let your mind dance with your body.”
“Tea Bag Wisdom” Surely your brain was dancing as you learned, planned and taught
NIA and YOGA!! YEAH Plasticity!! Amen hb