A Year of Gratitude While Recovering From Surgery: I Got by With a Little Help From My Friends

As group publisher here at 270 Media, I wanted to take the opportunity to share my story of gratitude. Last year, I learned how lucky we are to live in a county that constantly earns top marks in health, longevity and, most recently, happiness.

My story begins, as they often do, with a love affair. For over 20 years, my heart has belonged to Mount Tam. It has been a constant in my life, but as with many passions, there’s been a price. In 2022, my story took a bit of a twist when I heard those fateful words that many of us in our, eh, fifth decade hear: “In order to continue hiking, you’ll need a knee replacement.” 

First step: denial. I tried to find an alternative (doctor and cure), but eventually my husband, Vic, rolled me into Kaiser Surgery Center, as I surrendered to the fact that this was my only way back to my mountain. 

My Road to Recovery Wouldn’t Have Happened Without Community 

It began with the incredible team at Club Evexia. Much more than a gym, it became my sanctuary. From the moment I learned I’d be facing knee replacement surgery, the community support there was unwavering. It was where I regained my physical strength and rebuilt my confidence. Special thanks to my trainer Jordan whose relentless optimism and quirky humor turned grueling workouts into something I actually looked forward to.

And then there’s my Evexia squad — the friends who became a lifeline I didn’t know I needed. Once I got home from surgery, the floodgates opened: flowers, homemade soup and my favorite carrot cake muffins (all very appreciated!). But more importantly, they brought their unique blend of sarcasm, empathy and friendship into my living room and reminded me that laughter is just as essential to recovery as physical therapy.

Before I joined the club, I had my hiking tribe. For 20 years, they’ve been by my side, and after surgery they were the first to break me out of the house for brunch. Among them is Heather, a true warrior. Heather has faced a journey far more daunting than mine, having recently undergone a full heart transplant. Watching her navigate her recovery with such grace and resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. She showed me what real grit looks like. 

And, my husband — what a trooper. From mastering the ice machine to building the perfect pillow fort, he was my rock. His patience turned frustrating moments of recovery into something we could laugh about. And, let’s be honest, he’s never going to let me forget the many middle-of-the-night bathroom trips (TMI?). He didn’t wear a cape, but he might as well have. Then there are my children, Mikalia and Zak, who know that I am fiercely independent and not great at being limited but taught me that it’s okay to let others step in and help. I’m beyond blessed to have these incredible humans in my life.

I’m deeply grateful for all of the health care professionals, starting with Jyzen Labs, located upstairs from Club Evexia. They have a unique approach to health through biohacking, wellness optimization, regenerative techniques and personalization. Here, I found a particularly helpful physical therapist, Tamarra, who always knew when to push me and when to say, “Let’s just do some shockwave therapy and a massage today.” Her expertise and intuition made the recovery process feel more manageable. And then there is my chiropractor, Dr. Alex Brown. He didn’t just address my physical pain; he gave me hope that while I may be “vintage” (or better yet, “classic,” according to him), I could and would return to my active self.

This year, for me, has been all about showing up. My friends, doctors, colleagues and family — they all showed up for me. Their presence reminded me of what it means to truly be there for someone. It’s easy to show up when things are good, but the people who stick by you during the hard times are the ones who matter most. Showing up doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sending a text, dropping off a meal or, in my husband’s case, becoming the world’s most dedicated nursemaid.

Back on the Mountain

Then, of course, there’s Mount Tam. It’s always been my refuge, my escape. Even when I had to put hiking on hold, I felt the mountain’s pull. When I finally returned to the trails, it was like coming home. Mount Tam has always provided clarity and peace, a place where I can reconnect with myself. Post-surgery, as I sat on those familiar trails, the sense of calm was indescribable. Sometimes, healing happens on a mountaintop, surrounded by nature’s steady rhythms.

As I look to the future, I carry with me a new knee and a heart overflowing with gratitude. According to Google, there are over 790,000 knee replacements a year in the United States. So my journey, although not unique, has shown me that we are stronger together. No matter the challenge, with the right people by your side, you can face anything.

So here’s to a year of showing up, laughing through the pain and walking (or hiking) with resilience.