Last week, as I was scrolling through the photos on my phone, one stopped me in my tracks. In it, I was seated on a hospital bed with layers of bruises covering my arms and hands from repeated blood draws and failed IV insertions and had faded bruises on my legs from tumbling up and down my back stairs too many times. Over 36 hours last June, I progressed from sure-footed to unsteady on my feet to having my right leg fully paralyzed and losing strength and coordination in my left leg. (This was during the final crunch of the Tale of Two Cities Dickens Universe planning, and there was still so much to do!)
When I finally made my way to the ER, I was swiftly diagnosed with transverse myelitis and treated with extremely high doses of steroids to reverse the inflammation in my spinal cord. I spent two weeks in the hospital learning how to walk again and 11 months in various rehabilitation therapies.
(The previous item in my photo gallery was a video I sent my husband from my hospital bed when I was able to wiggle my toes! It was such a huge milestone!)
So many people stepped in to take over the Universe's planning and management last year. JoAnna Rottke came out of retirement, Antje Anderson traveled from Nebraska, and Renée Fox and John Jordan put in long hours to make the conference a success. I also want to acknowledge the Friends of the Dickens Project board members, the student workers, and the various staff within UCSC’s Humanities Division who made invaluable contributions of their time. All their efforts allowed me the time and space to focus on rebuilding my strength and endurance. And thank you to the Dickens Universe community, who sent continued messages of love and support!
“It is not possible to know how far the influence of any amiable honest-hearted duty-doing man flies out into the world; but it is very possible to know how it has touched one’s self in going by…” Great Expectations, Chapter 14
I'm happy to report that I’m mobile again and a founding member of a new running and walking club in Santa Cruz. Members are of all abilities, and many, like me, are in various states of recovery following injuries. I have made tremendous progress but have residual symptoms that will likely remain for years to come. One that you may notice is intense fatigue. It is unpredictable and saps all my mental and physical energy. After a nap, I'm right as rain, but I can’t push through without rest. If I need to step away during the Universe, you'll be in extremely capable hands with my assistant, Ava Brennan, Road Scholar Group Leader Mark Gordon, and board members identifiable by their orange lanyards.
It's been a long year, and I can't wait to connect with you again, chat about one of my favorite novels, and return to the wonderful world of Dickens. I’ve missed you!
*Article title from Great Expectations, Chapter 59
