Wise turtle Acupuncture is easing back into practice after a medical leave of over two months.  I underwent open heart surgery in September and recently the surgeon cleared me to take baby steps back into work.  I am doing quite well, after having a childhood defect repaired. I am eager to see patients, those returning and new ones too! Give me a ring and we can set appointments to suit your needs!

Hi Dear Patients!

I will be seven weeks post-op this coming Wednesday. On September 19 I underwent open heart surgery to repair a mitral valve prolapse. It was a successful surgery, but the recovery is simply long and hard. I see the surgeon this week and hope to be cleared to drive and to use my upper body in a meaningful way. My practice is missed and I will post soon as to when I am able to get back to practicing.

This surgery was due to a childhood murmur that was never much of anything. But it became a big something over the years and I did not know it until last May, when it was discovered during a trip to Urgent Care for an unrelated issue. Talk about being grateful! I could have slipped into heart failure sooner rather than later. Fatigue was the only symptom. 

I am now a fan of regular check-ups with your western doctor. Look forward to seeing you all soon!      ​

I went to my summoning patient and her family was beginning to gather and show up. She asked me to come over  next to her and we held hands. “Please stay until the end,” she said. “You came. I wanted you to come,” she told me. I shared with her that I felt called to see her today. A friend of hers told me it was God tapping on my shoulder. I told her that I had been so blessed to play for her and what a gift it was to be in her sacred circle at this time. She expressed her delight and smiled and whispered gratitude. Grace — such grace, right to the end.

There was a book titled “The Art of Dying” on the night table.

Friends and family spiraled around the bed.  Pain meds were offered and taken and she drifted in and out. I played for two hours: everything from unknown Irish harp tunes to ancient hymns to modes and songs about birds. At one point I played Kum bey ya and her mother and others were singing to her. She asked for a comb and she combed her nonexistent hair (lost to chemo, I imagine). This sweet gesture brought tears to my eyes. Her mother thanked me and particularly loved Dona Nobis Pacem. She told me how beautiful and meaningful the harp music was.

After those two hours, it was time to leave. I had to get home to my dogs and was told, no matter, this would be going on for some time. They understood. I went to my friend and held her hand again and said I’ll see you on the flip side, which made her smile. She said she would blow me kisses as I drove in my car. She kept thanking me. I did not want to leave but my eyes were blurring. I could not clearly see my harp strings anymore and the dogs were sending psychic messages about needing to go out.
​
To this beautiful woman, who I have held in my heart all day and will forever, I love you. Thank you. And peace be with your gentle and kind family, who so tenderly and quietly were with you, holding you and holding space. I am so honored to have been included and to have given you my humble gift of simple harp music.