The Good, the Better, and I’m Getting Shoulder Surgery Tomorrow. Coffee Date: May is Crazy Edition.
May News, updates, and epic links…Time for a Coffee Date.
Ok, so this Coffee Date may call for a venti, extra-hot whatever-you-drink. I’ve got one super-packed post, and I’m short on time, so let’s caffeinate well, and dive in!
I hope you had a great Mother’s Day weekend and that you’re keeping sane, because there’s no way around it — May is always cray-Z. It’s end-of-year-everything, right?… Final exams, graduations, weddings, summer-planning, and the kids are all plain nuts. It’s ok. We’re in this together so let’s just: hold. on. tight.
Well, it’s been a packed spring for us, and I don’t see things slowing down anytime soon. There are some big things coming up that make me feel all at once like busting some dance moves, and throwing up. ha. We’ll get to those things in a minute, but first let’s catch up on some big stuff that’s happened around here lately…
1. LUKE! WON! STATES!
This kid is the Hawaii State Surf Champ, and we are so proud of him!
Luke’s had an incredible season, and I just have to stop to say THANK YOU for all of the kind notes after my recent “surf update post“. Readers reminded me that many of you have cheered Luke on since he was just a little guy, and people feel like they’ve been a part of his whole journey. Seriously. This makes me happy cry! I hope you can stick with us as he goes to US Champs in a few weeks, and if he accomplishes his goal of being a pro surfer one day, you can say you’ve been on Team Luke from the beginning!
Side note for Waikiki-loving friends…During Luke’s State Championships, we were blessed with a truly perfect room at the Ilikai Waikiki…It was so spacious and the view was amazing. Having our own kitchen made it feel so homey too. (not that I cooked, but still! :)) If you’re planning a trip and want to be at the west (Ala Moana Mall-) end of Waikiki, this hotel should definitely be on your list!
2. Josiah is home from college for the summer.
And we are all sooooo happy.
When friends ask how it’s been having him back, my response is: “He’s settled right back in to being Josiah.” Which means he is still kind and helpful, fun and flexible, a great conversationalist, interesting and interested in what we’re all doing…I love having this kid around! (Side note: This “kid” will be 20 in a very short time! WHAT!?)
3. Luke’s been away LIVING HIS BEST LIFE in the PNW
Luke and his best buddy Shiloh just spent a week in the Pacific Northwest with my parents. It’s been Luke’s dream for years to bring Shiloh with him to experience all of his favorite things.
And I just hope I’ll be half the grandparents these two are when it’s my turn. They are such a gift.
4. Meanwhile… I had a great Mother’s Day with the other Three.
Thanks to Dave and the boys (and a few years of patience and training to get where we are) I was blessed with a super special Mother’s Day.
NOW…WHAT’S AHEAD!?…
I’m getting SHOULDER SURGERY TOMORROW!
What!? Yep, you might recall my carrying on about my frozen shoulder in my last coffee date post. Remember, I was so happy and hopeful for a hot minute (about 2 weeks) because I had gotten a manipulation that I was hoping would fix me. But…sadly, the pain returned, and my shoulder tightened up again, and got worse and worse… it became clear something more was wrong. So, FINALLY, the doctor ordered an MRI. And as I suspected, the images showed a bunch of issues that need to be fixed: a torn labrum, a frayed biceps tendon (needing to be reattached to the bone) and at least 3 bone spurs. So, clearly that frozen shoulder issue was actually a result of underlying problems. And…it also makes sense that the physical therapy and stretches I forced myself to do alldayeveryday hurt like a mommasita; I was essentially scraping my tendon over bone spurs. Hello, and ouch.
I’m not gonna lie– this process has been frustrating in many ways. But I’m keeping perspective. It’s just my shoulder, and it’s all repairable. I should be better very soon, and the doctor says I should be able to write, pain-free soon too. Prayers for a successful surgery are appreciated! (Also Netflix suggestions since I’m not typically very good at lying low…)
In much happier news…
JONAH’S GRADUATING!!!!
Oh how I love this kid! Thankfully, he’s planning to take a gap year so we get to enjoy all of the happy of the celebration and none of the sad parts of preparing to say goodbye. Win. Win.
And indeed…Summer is very much in the air around here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
OK…Is your coffee wiped out yet? Well, hang in there just a minute because I have TWO announcements to make and then some epic links to share below.
So, go grab a refill, I’ll wait here...
Ok, ready for this? If you haven’t signed up to be on the list for the upcoming BOY MOM BOOK LAUNCH TEAM, I want to invite you to put your name there now.
BECAUSE…I have some super duper fun book updates which I’ll be emailing to that whole group very soon, and I’d hate for you to miss the news…Here’s a link to sign up: BOOK LAUNCH INTEREST GROUP.
ALSO: In just a few weeks, the BOY MOM PODCAST with Monica Swanson and friends will be making its debut. It only took me approximately 86,429 tries to record the first couple episodes, so I think we’re off to a flying start…(where’s that laugh/cry emoji when I need it?)
Seriously, this is entirely new territory for me, and it’s made me a little crazy, but here’s to learning and being stretched (always!) and in the end…I really do think I’m gonna LOVE podcasting! I hope you’ll enjoy it too.
NOW FOR SOME EPIC LINKS:
Leaving you now with some links to articles and recipes which ought to keep you busy for awhile. Depending on how my shoulder recovery goes, I hope to be back pretty soon. And, of course, you’ll always find me on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the shoulder, and allofthethings.
ARTICLES:
Middle School Misfortunes: Then and Now. (This is written by a teacher, comparing the life of a student in 2008 to 2018. I actually cried reading this.)
Younger Siblings are funnier than their older siblings, My (younger) boys loved this.
18 Books Every Teen should Read by the time they are 18. A few I hadn’t heard of on this list.
How to Launch your kid Well: 7 things to do to be ready for a Successful Launch when the time comes. (My post from last fall which has been shared a lot recently. )
Impact Teenagers by Speaking Life. YES to this!!
Exercise Makes you Happier than Money, Yale and Oxford Study Says. Love this one. (who needs that 2nd job?)
RECIPES:
8 Easy Homemade Granola Bar Recipes. (Because we’re all pretty much sick of the boxed kind.)
Everyday Mediterranean Salad . (Mmm. I could eat this every day.)
The very Best Peanut Sauce. (Pinch of Yum is actually doing an entire week of amazing sauces this week, but this one is my latest obsession!)
Coffee Creme Brûlée with Chocolate Drizzle. (I actually drooled while scrolling through this post.)
In light of Mother’s Day, and in case a few of you (besides me) relate, I wanted to leave you with this… 🙂
Your turn to talk!! Leave me a comment and tell me what’s new: Life updates, summer plans, (Netflix suggestions) recipes your loving….I READ EVERY COMMENT!! 🙂 And I am so grateful for all of you!
Until next time…
Oh Wow! You are so busy! I hope surgery goes well, and I am sure everyone here is praying for you along with me! We should really meet up and do a real coffee date someday! Congrats to Luke and Jonah! That is so exciting!
Love, Emma
Prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, Monica! Really looking forward to the podcast. That’s my favorite form of media these days.
oh yay! Thank you Melissa! (Podcasts have become my favorite too!) I hope mine comes together and becomes one of your favorites! 🙂 Much aloha!
Hi Monica,
I love your blog. I have 2 boys, 13 and 10, and I’ve been subscribing for years now. Your posts are inspiring, reassuring, and always a comfort, especially as my oldest is now a teen! So thank you for keeping at it 🙂 Re shoulder surgery: Three years ago I broke and rotated my upper humerus and had to have surgery and a plate with 13 screws put in. If I have any advice to give you, this is it: Have patience with your healing. It will take time. Every day post-op is one day closer to your “new normal”. Don’t gage progress from day to day but more from week to week or longer. Get off the drugs asap. Don’t be too proud or afraid to ask for help. Find a good physical therapist and go as much as you can and for as long as you can. After my 6 month’s worth of insurance PT benefit ran out, I did my exercises on my own for a while until we moved to Bend, OR and a year later, I went in for some more PT to hone in on where I still felt weak movement points. I found that once I was cleared to get in a pool, I did my PT exercises in the deep end and that really expedited healing and building back strength. I have made swimming a part of my new normal to keep and increase my shoulder/upper bicep mobility. Eat healing foods (obviously you do this already) 🙂
Can’t wait to read your new book and listen to your podcasts!
You’ll do great!
Thank you for sharing your experience Beth!! That is super encouraging, though I think you had it a lot worse than I do! (poor thing, I can’t imagine!) Great advice for me as I am not good at being patient or doing anything “slow.” 🙂 I think getting in the water will be super helpful, and since it’s summer and flat here on our North Shore I will work towards that! Do you still live in Bend? We love it there! Blessings to you and thank you so much for being a part of my blog community. It’s so much fun hearing from you! aloha-
Monica, I have been following your blog for two years already, and I am thrilled by all your insight and inspiration, and you bet I will subscribe to your Podcast; I cannot wait! Prayers for your surgery and a fast recovery! The way you write really makes me feel like I am talking to you, and since two years ago I have called you a friend. THANK YOU for all the work your are putting out there! 🤗 🙏
Netflix: Rotten, somebody feed Phil, chefs table!
Monica, I’m praying for a successful surgery and quick recovery! I loved the update and all the exciting things happening for you and your boys 🙂
I don’t have any Netflix suggestions, but if you find yourself in need of some great worship to take your mind off the pain, try some of these:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuaZPD2X8fgPeiPQ4AbJQCQ
Take care 🙂
Debbie
Hello! I am a kindergarten teacher and mom to one daughter. I really enjoy reading your Boy Mom posts. They help me understand the special little boys in my charge every year. It really is different raising boys compared to girls 🙂
Mrs. Swanson,
I keep up with your blog and IG posts. Thanks for keeping my spirits lifted! I just want you to know that I can empathize with you about the frozen shoulder issue. I had severe shoulder pain back in Dec of 2017, diagnosed Jan of 2018, tried PT, massage, acupuncture, AIRROSTI, chiro, cupping, you name it, to try and ease my pain, but it seemed to only aggravate it. I elected to have surgery in Nov 29, 2018, almost a year after my pain started!! I, like you, had some bone spurs that had to be shaved off, the adhesions cut and the area cleaned. I will say this, there was pain after surgery for about 2 months (they made me start PT as soon as the nerve block wore off😫), but it was definitely worth it!!!!!! I was able to raise my arm to comb my hair, get something off the top shelf, sleep….finally. Now, after finishing PT on April 23, I am back to push ups, strength training and lots of yard work and I LOVE it! I wish you the very best when you go have your surgery done. It’s worth it, I promise!
Congratulations on all of the other good things happening in your life with your boys. You must be a proud momma!
Oh thank you so much for sharing all of that!! Big encouragement as I head in for surgery this morning! It really is helpful to hear other’s stories and Yes, I can handle a bit more pain, if I believe I’m headed somewhere!! 😉 Blessings and thank you for taking the time to share! aloha-
Monica your writing style always makes me smile and of course your wonderful photos brings back our dream to live near the ocean (at least for part of the winter) someday!
Prayers have been sent to our Father and will continue to be said for you!
The Lord Lives!
Blessings from OH
Debbie 🌸
Aloha Monica! I hope you’re recovering well from your surgery. Dear Monica, I hope you’re recovering well from your surgery. After reading your post, it’s any wonder why you were in so much pain! You’re a trooper to stick it out so long.
Congratulations to Luke, that is quite an accomplishment, especially in Hawaii!
Congratulations also to Jonah, and I’m glad you have him home for another year. I think Gap years are great!
Glad Josiah made it home safely from Westmont, and that you get to have him home for the summer, and I’m sure that makes your little guy really happy :).
I think you’ll be in CA for more surf meets, but I’ll be returning to Haleiwa next month for the summer, can’t wait ;). Be well and our prayers are with you.
Hi Monica,
Best wishes for a successful and quick shoulder surgery. My husband had this exact surgery (a torn labrum and his biceps tendon ripped in two) last May. I just want you to know that a year later he is back to doing his Crossfit thing. You’ve got this!
Sending get well wishes from Athens, Greece.
Best,
Kimberly
Good luck for your surgery 🍀 - I have frozen shoulder too, but managed without surgery – although I am only back by 98%. But I am already grateful for this.
All the best and I hope there isn’t too much pain.
Tanja
Prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy and complete recovery!
Prayers for your surgery—it will be so great to get that shoulder working again! Love the poem! So true ♥️
Follow your Physical Therapists exercises to the dot. Don’t do more and don’t do less. Ice is your friend, like seriously, have the boys run to the store and buy BAGS of ice, you will want it all.
Good advice!! You’d be happy to hear I have a wonderful therapist! She’s super cool and smart too..so I think I’m in good hands! 🙂 Hope you’re doing well Sandy!!