'Hope' came in for a landing today

That dark cloud passed pretty quickly, thank Gd. I am feeling much better today. It's due, in part, to a few important things that happened--

I had a meeting with a pain specialist visiting from Canada. A dear friend put me in touch with her (thank you, BG), and we got to meet today. She is very learned, intelligent, compassionate, and really knows her stuff. (and we knew each other for a brief time right after I came home after NF and her daughter was helping out here with the kids)

She had recommendations for me regarding changing my meds. She explained why the ones she recommended would be more suited for me than what I have now. For example- one medication also helps prevent migraines, another one helps with pain as well as what it is originally intended. She recommended a sleep study be done because she is suspicious of the sleeping pills I take, that they may not be good for me. I already made an appointment with my doctors who can help with this process, and obviously to get their input. I felt so much better after my talk with her.

Then this evening, I went out to a concert. It was in the home of the musicians, an intimate concert played by classical musicians who are not only close friends, but also colleagues.

I really enjoyed the music. And the company. I really want to play again. So I will. :-) Maybe even tomorrow. Maybe the next day.

I also met there a new couple who just arrived here from the States on Aliyah. They came just last week from North Carolina! We talked about the crazy snow storm we were all in a few weeks ago. The woman is 7+ months pregnant, and had actually written me an email a month ago or so asking about doula options with me here in Be'er Sheva, and about the birthing scene in general. They came to Israel with their two children, both of which had been homebirths. So, they were at this concert, too, and we finally got to meet. It was lovely. They came back to my house after the concert and took down lots of info they'll need in the coming weeks and months. It was a real upper for me, musically and birth-ally. (like that word?)

Going to sleep now, after a good day. Did I mention I also took my kids out to a children's theater performance this afternoon?

Hydrotherapy tomorrow. Love that.