About Me

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I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.

Friday, May 24, 2019

Winding Down the School Year

Today marks Robby's last enrichment class in Fairfax. Every Friday, and for the half the year on Wednesdays as well, Robby attended a private school for his school electives. I remember driving him to his first class. He was so scared and nervous, unsure about what to expect and insecure about everything. Today he is sad that his classes are coming to an end and he is eagerly anticipating the start of the new session. The school has been amazing for him!

Our great cyberschool experiment is coming to an end. Motivated to finish at the same time as his cousins, Robby worked diligently and managed to complete his classes four weeks ahead of the deadline. He has grown academically and developed strong organizational and time management skills. I am so proud of him.  

Tomorrow morning we are heading up to Pennsylvania to celebrate Memorial Day with my Mom.  We have attended her local craft fair every Memorial Day (minus 2006 when I was giving birth to Robby) since 1990. Robby and I are looking forward to discovering new treasures while Timmy is excited about seeing his Nana.  

Have a wonderful long weekend and welcome to the "Sunsational Summer of 2019."

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Crutch Day

I've been trying to remain upbeat. I listen to the meditations and I have been journaling my positive thoughts. Despite these efforts, my limb issues are really starting to drag me down. When pain is involved, happiness is often feigned.  

I'm tired of hurting. I'm tired of dealing with an ill-fitting leg and liner discomfort. I'm tired of my prosthesis remaining omnipresent with every single step. (I'm sorry for complaining, but I if I'm going to provide a realistic account of life with limb loss, sometimes it is necessary.)

Last night I waved the surrender flag and pulled out the crutches. I need to stay off my limb so that it will heal. The blister bandaids provide relief, but the delay in healing is a frustrating trade-off.  

It is supposed to storm throughout the day, so I figured that it might be the perfect day to go without my leg. Hopefully Timmy will be content to play quietly with his trains and toys, allowing me to keep my crutching to a minimum. It is a lot easier to use my crutches when we aren't playing outside all afternoon.

In preparation of my crutch day I had the boys pick up all the legos, trains, tracks and assorted plastic toys that were scattered around the floors. (Crutching on top of a train or plastic track can lead to disaster!)    Wish us luck!

Warning- gnarly picture below.















Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Positive Thoughts

After the pressure of a stressful class registration window, the rest of our way was laid back and fun.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous. With temperatures in the mid-70s, the sun shining brightly against a blue sky and no bugs swarming or biting, it was hard to stay inside. Timmy, Robby and I spent hours playing in our yard, digging for worms and riding bikes.

Thank goodness for blister specific Bandaids. Without the added protection and cushioning, I doubt I would have been able to walk. I am frustrated by the lingering limb issues but I'm trying to concentrate on the positives. At least I can adequately protect my limb to minimize the pain. Too many of my friends aren't able to walk at all without debilitating pain. I'm uncomfortable, but in the greater picture, I am still very lucky. 

Focusing on the positive, especially when my limb issues are involved, isn't something that comes naturally for me. I've been working with my meditation app and trying to make a deliberate effort to focus on my blessings instead of my woes. I continue to find myself drifting back into negativity but I'm becoming more cognizant about my detrimental thought processes. 

My limb is thoroughly bandaged, and I'm ready for another beautiful day outside. Today Robby is going to take his Science final before we head to the park for a celebratory picnic. I love this weather!


Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Registration

I woke up early this morning, not because of Timmy but instead to register Robby for his Fall classes. He has his heart set on Early American Espionage, RPG and WWII 3D history, both of which offer limited class size and are highly coveted by teen boys. He also wants to take Baking for Teens, but it was brought to my attention that Robby's interest in the course more lies with mingling with his fellow classmates (whom he assumes will be female) than it does with baking cookies.  

Of course, it took me a little while to realize his sudden baking motivation. Robby started to stammer and deflect when I protested the course. Not keen on leaving the city at 3 PM every Friday, I pointed out that he could bake with me at any time. Finally Scott intervened, sending Robby a lifeline by pointing out that baking with friends is more fun. (It wasn't until later that Scott confided Robby's intentions for taking the baking course. Apparently, my little baker is hedging his bets that his classmates will be predominantly female.)

Registration for next year's classes opened at 6 AM. I was on the couch at 5:30, devising the best click through the catalog to secure a spot in all three classes. As soon as the website went live, I clicked through my rehearsed pattern.

Robby will be thrilled to learn that his registration in all classes has been confirmed.  The espionage and WWII classes both sold out within 45 seconds, so I am glad that I followed my instincts by getting up early. Next year he will spend every Friday in Fairfax, which will make his schedule easier for both of us. I think he will enjoy having his classes all on one day, and I know I will love spending less time in the car.

The weather is going to be 20 degrees cooler today, so I'm sure that my little Hamlet will have me outside for much of the afternoon. I still need to take it easy because of the blister on my limb, but the blister guards are working magic for the pain. I know that my limb would be healed quicker if I stayed off my leg for a few days, but that isn't an option. Instead, I'm muddling through knowing that the healing will be somewhat slowed but at least I'm able to keep up with my boys.  



Monday, May 20, 2019

Birthday

Friday night Timmy's fever rose so high I was scared for him. It is torturous to watch your child sick and suffering without relief.  Thankfully his fever broke Saturday afternoon, and by Sunday my energetic little tornado was operating at full force.  I am amazed at how Timmy can become so sick, only to recover just as quickly.  

Sunday was my birthday, and by far my favorite gift was the return of Timmy's health. Watching him play, hearing him giggle and smothering him with kisses was the best possible way to spend my special day. Because he had been sick, my birthday was a low-key affair.  I met my Mom for lunch and made a nice dinner for the boys. We had cake and called the celebration complete.

To be honest, I'm glad that my birthday is over. When I was younger, I used to anticipate my birthday with the same excitement as Christmas. As a child, the concept of not loving your birthday was both foreign and unnatural. Now that I'm older, the enthusiasm for my "special day" has definitely waned. 

Yesterday was lackluster at its best, bordering on depressing. With two kids, one of whom has been sick, being spoiled and doted upon just wasn't in the cards. I went to bed last night feeling an odd sense of relief that my birthday was over. I'm ready to just move on and tackle the year ahead.