Walking out to my van to pick up a Stewart’s coffee this morning, frosty leaves crunched under my feet and I thought about how three and a half months ago, the summer heat would be mostly unfelt while I was to be stuck indoors healing from surgery. In all that time of rest, I didn’t have much energy or head space to type out what it was like. Now I have a day off from work and I am ready to reflect. July 26. Caiius, Katelyn, and my sister Sarah gathered at my apartment before noon to accompany me on my drive to Northway Surgery and Pain Center. As I left my building, two of my neighbors were sitting on the shared porch, mother and daughter. Kathy asked, “Is it your birthday? We saw your sister carrying a gift bag.” “Yes. Well, sort of a birthday. I am having surgery today.” I felt nervous about sharing the details (and didn’t), because Kathy’s daughter had surgery to remove breast cancer earlier in the year. Their faces changed to concern and I heard one of them say “I’m sorry.” I smil...