Cheeseburgers!

 

The cooling zones in this house are bizarre but, in my opinion, amazingly awesome. The heat wave has been oppressive with temperatures rising above 100 degrees. While our living room and upstairs bedrooms hovered around 80 degrees, our back bedroom stayed a comfy and cool 70 (with that unit turned off entirely).  I'm so used to melting and being miserable in the summer. Being comfortable in this heatwave has been amazing!

 When it becomes this hot it is difficult to find anything to do with the boys. If I were totally honest, I'd admit that I'm bored as well.  Yesterday, in an attempt to break up the monotony of the heatwave, we surprised the boys with a trip to their favorite restaurant du jour- Red Robin. The quick outing was exactly what we all needed to brighten up an otherwise sweltering day.  

The heat will persist today and through the week. I'm hoping it breaks enough to be able to explore a local splash pad in the evening.  Fingers crossed!

 

Back at It

 This past weekend has been our most normal since Scott's cardiac event. Yesterday he and I packed up and headed to the mall to sell FlexyFriends while Robby and Timmy stayed home and out of the heat. This was the first time we have been selling together since the event, and Scott's first foray back into the public and some physical work. 

For a few hours at the mall, I forgot that we were now a cardiac family. I recognize this as a milestone because I remember how my amputation was omnipresent at the beginning. Eventually I didn't think about it during every moment of the day. Yesterday I experienced the same when I managed to 'forget' about my heart fears. I'm calling this progress!

The heat is oppressive, so we are staying inside (with the exception of Cardiac Rehab). With the heat index in excess of 110 degrees, I know that the chances of my leg staying in place are minimal. The last thing this family needs is for me to slip out of my leg, fall and get hurt. Between the captive sweat and the heat condensing socket, these temperatures make my amputee life miserable.  

Thank goodness for great a/c. Our unit at our previous home was antiquated and definitely destined for retirement. There is no way that that unit will cool our old home in this heat. We would have been at a hotel or my Mom's house if we were still living in Virginia. We weren't sure about the robustness of the unit at our current home, but I am incredibly impressed with the comfort that is being pumped into these walls. With everything else in the world going crazy, at least I can stay cool. 

Nutrition

 Oh my goodness, this summer's weather has been as miserable as our moods. Between the stagnant air, the grey skies and the constant storms, our yard has turned into an overgrown jungle brimming with bugs and other unsavory critters. It is the end of June and we still haven't had a day nice enough to try out the neighborhood pool. I suppose I shouldn't complain since parts of this state suffered severe flooding.  I know we are lucky but none of us are feeling particularly jovial. 

Yesterday while Scott was in heart rehab I attended a cardio nutrition class. Finally!  After six weeks, I finally found somebody who could provide concrete guidelines for our new diet. I felt feeling empowered with information and a diet plan that is not too far off the way that we ate preheart attack.   

Today is an 'off' day because we don't have any rehab or medical appointments. We are really hoping that the rain holds off so that Timmy and I can launch some rockets. Fingers crossed, because the odds are not in our favor. 

 

I'm Back

 The past few weeks have been difficult. I feel like my life has been turned in a snow globe of medical confusion and chaos. As the pieces start to float into place I am starting to see my way through into a different future than we envisioned, but one that is now our reality. I think I just needed time to process everything. Time to cry alone and mourn our carefree cardiac ignorant lives.  Thank you for returning to read.

Timmy has been basking in his summer vacation. Last week Tiffany took him on his own personal adventure. Dubbed "T and T Adventures," the pair went to Hershey Park, Red Robin and launched fireworks at night. Timmy's excitement and joy was positively radiant. I also must admit that I am so proud of Tiffany for coordinating her first adventure. She did an amazing job! 

Scott is settling into Cardiac Rehab. We are beginning week three and he is becoming stronger by the day. Thank you for your support and prayers.

I'll be back tomorrow!

 

Happy Birthday Robby

 Friday was a big day in our family- it was the day Robby turned 19!  I can't believe he is almost out of his teens. I could not be prouder of the man he that is emerging. Over the past month he has stepped up and helped both care of his dad and the house. Of course, he has always been and will always be a hero to Timmy.

19 years has passed since I first held him, although when I look into his eyes I still see a glint of the little pirate I used to battle with Nerf foam swords. When I think that his official childhood is over I become overwhelmed with sadness. With so much else sparking my tears, I am not going to invite this abyss. Instead, I'm choosing to focus on the amazing adventures that will unfold with my grown-up son. 

Like most holidays this year, Robby's birthday celebration was low-key. I made his requested cake (vanilla) and we took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. He spent the evening playing a video game with Timmy which absolutely delighted Hamlet.  

Today we start the final week of school and the first week of cardiac rehab.  Sigh.  Wish me luck with both!

 

No Starting Quite Yet

 Its seems we were a bit too enthusiastic about the start of Scott's cardiac rehabilitation. While we did attend the first appointment on Tuesday, him wearing his sneakers and ready to work out and me with my notebook in hand, eager to take notes to help him at home, nothing of import occurred. We filled out forms and watched a PowerPoint presentation about the importance of completing Cardiac Rehabilitation. We were instructed to return next Tuesday to formally begin the program. 

Disappointed that we weren't starting that day, it was difficult to keep Scott's spirits up. He is feeling deflated and useless around the house. I am acutely aware of his frustrations because, while I have never had issues with my heart, I have experienced a life-changing medical event. Thus far I have refrained from offering this reminder as support because I fear it would come off as dismissive when that is the last thing I want to do.  

Yesterday we received a phone call from the cardiac rehab informing us that our insurance has summarily denied care. Ugh! I spent the afternoon working the phone and trying to come to a resolution.  It took me nearly 3 hours but I believe everything should be ready go for next Tuesday. 

Fighting insurance enraged me. Why is healthcare always such a battle in this country? Nobody should ever look at their spouse and wonder if they are going to have the financial means to maintain their medical needs! 

Memorial Day wrap up

 Timmy did a fabulous job presenting his Science Fair project. In a room full of moon phases and bean growth, uranium glass presentation was unique and unusual. His increased comfort level speaking publicly was on full display as he confidently taught everybody and fielded questions about his glass. I am so proud of him!

On Saturday we met my Mom at a local creamery for the afternoon. It was nice to sit outside in a different location and chat face to face for awhile. I know that it is going to be awhile before I can leave Scott overnight, but it is nice to know that my Mom is always willing to drive a little further for some ice cream.

Sunday was (and always has been) Scott's special "Day of Racing." He rises early and begins his day with F1 before the flag drops at his beloved Indianapolis 500. In the evening another Nascar race finishes out the night, logging another 600 miles. I don't get it, but I have learned to understand that this marathon day of car racing is one of his favorites.  

Monday we decided to take the boys to the local Go-Cart track to break up the day. They had a blast. I have a feeling that Go-Carting will become a regular part of our summer rotation.  

Today Scott reports for orientation for Cardiac Rehabilitation. To say that he is nervous would be an understatement. While I'm excited to learn his true limits and to have him begin the process of recovery, he is scared that it will trigger another event.  (The fact that Mr. Bill called and regaled us with a story of his own cardiac rehabilitation, which did indeed trigger a second heart attack, did not help!) While I know that Scott will be safe, I know that he is scared.  Fingers crossed!