Running Away

I have discovered another "benefit" of wearing a prosthetic. A few days after working in the yard, I now only develop a poison ivy rash on one leg! I really need to remember that "leaves of three--let it be" saying, especially when working in the woods!

My leg, both wrists and my elbows are covered with an ugly, icky poison ivy rash. Between the calamine lotion and the bumps, I am beginning to look a bit like Patrick the Starfish from SpongeBob. Poison ivy isn't just itchy; it is painful!

My sister, who suffered a stroke last month, was readmitted to the hospital on Wednesday night. Information has been sketchy, which has contributed to the frustration and our growing feeling of helplessness. We know that she fell down her stairs, but we are unclear if the headache preceded her tumble. She has no broken bones, but is having difficulty with her speech and mobility.

I would be lying if I didn't admit to being worried, but I am trying to remain strong so that I can be of some assistance during this time. Sometimes it is just hard always trying to be strong! I will update the blog over the weekend when I have more information. In the meantime, all we can do is try to keep her children as happy as possible.

I suppose my mind was occupied with thinking about my sister and not scratching my rash when I took a misstep yesterday afternoon. I was holding the laundry basket and missed the bottom four steps. I didn't fall far, and thankfully I didn't break anything. Unfortunately I banged my elbow which immediately became swollen and purple.

Ironically, my elbow is almost the same shade of purple as the colored paint that Robby was splattering all over my dining room walls when I fell. He had discovered a new painting technique which creates little dots of colors on the paper. Unfortunately, it also covered everything within a five foot radius. (My poor white cat Sophie is now donning purple, red and yellow dots for Easter.)

Last week ended with my feeling optimistic and excited. In the course of one week my stress levels have soared as I worry about my sister in the hospital. My body is covered with red poison ivy bumps, my elbow is purple and my cat is now sporting a new fur colored polka dotted coat. My cream walls now look like they have been painted by Jackson Pollock. Robby Rotten has seized the opportunity and has been hopscotching all over my remaining nerve. I can hardly wait for the adventures that lie ahead of me this weekend! (Am I too old to run away from home?)