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, November 22, 2019

Hermit

After a week of being housebound with sick kiddos, yesterday I was finally able to leave the house. While staying quiet has done wonders for my ankle, I was beginning to go a little stir crazy cooped up inside. It was nice to finally have a reason to put on both pants and a bra!

I met my friend for lunch, which is something that I do far too infrequently. Spending time with my friends always does wonders for my perspective and my mood, but I never seem to find the time to get together. I am vowing to make more time for friends and for myself in the coming year. I am a better mom and wife when I find the time to just be a friend.

I tend to become a hermit, a result of both my antisocial tendencies and my situation. Holing up at home isn't good for anybody, especially me. I am so glad that I have friends who are both understanding when I retreat and greet me with open arms when I am able to get together.

While I enjoyed a quick lunch and a great conversation with my friend, Timmy played with new buddies on the playground. After seeing him sick all week, it was refreshing to witness his carefree and happy side. When he is healthy, he is such an energetic and spry little boy. I am hoping that his infusions will lead to more feel-good days in the coming months!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Convalescence

With Robby on the mend, yesterday was dedicated to schoolwork. He is determined to create enough of a buffer between assignments so that he doesn't have to worry about school during Thanksgiving week. At the rate he is going, I think he is going to make his self-imposed goal.

While Robby was busy with schoolwork, Timmy and I worked on crafts and mastering his letters. My little Hamlet is like a sponge, soaking up as much information as possible. I took a leap of faith and signed him up for some classes next month. Hopefully, he remains healthy enough to attend and to participate. I know that he will be in his element!

Although I hate seeing the boys sick, I'm trying to acknowledge the silver-lining. Since they were both sick and unable to do much beyond watch television and YouTube, I was able to continue my ankle convalescence. For the first time in nearly a month, my ankle no longer hurts when I bend and walk. It feels wonderful to experience the complete absence of pain.

It looks like I'll be tackling Black Friday pain free!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop

Last week my Great-Uncle Charlie passed away. He was 91 and lived a full and wonderful life, facts that we are finding solace in as our family grieves. I can't help but smile as I envision Uncle Charlie and my Nan (his sister) reunited again. 

In addition to being my grandmother's younger brother, my Uncle Charlie holds a special place in my little family for a very specific reason. He gave Robby his Charlie Cat. It is hard to believe that we adopted that little orange furball nearly a decade ago. My goodness time is moving too fast!

Yesterday I heard from Mr. Bill, who left the neighborhood a year ago to live in Florida. I miss him dearly, but I know that the void is even more profound for Robby. Mr. Bill isn't one for talking on the phone, so our conversations are always concise. Unfortunately, he wasn't calling me with his typical lighthearted banter.

Mr. Bill had a heart attack and underwent a stent replacement surgery. A lump formed in my throat as soon as he told me the news. I could feel the tears start to swell in my eyes as I listened to him recount the experience from feeling pain to ending up in the operating room. I wish that he lived across the street again so that I could check in on him, give him hugs and just help out. 

Mr. Bill sounded sad but strong. He promised that he was feeling okay, all things considered, and pledged to take it easy.  I hope that he upholds his promise because we still need him in our lives (even if it is from a distance.)

They say that bad things happen in threes, so I am feeling on edge. I don't think I can handle more bad news, so I'm hoping that the adage isn't true!

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Sick House

I may have one leg and a bum ankle, but right now I am the last one standing in my house. Ironic, isn't it? Not literally of course, but right now I am the only person who has managed to escape the plague that is sweeping through our home.  

Robby and Timmy both spent the majority of yesterday feeling icky and nursing fevers. I spent my day running between the two (who were each quarantined in different sections of the house) to try to make them as comfortable as possible. Robby was content to just relax in bed whereas Timmy required considerably more attention and supervision. Needless to say, by the time Scott came home from work I was ready for a break.

One look at Scott trodding up the stairs and I knew that he was sick. He had a fever and a headache, so I tucked him into bed and added him to the patient rotation. Hopefully, everybody will begin to feel better today. Fingers crossed I remain unscathed!

Monday, November 18, 2019

Changing Plans

My festive weekend plans didn't quite pan out as I expected. Of course, I should be used to monkey wrenches changing my plans by now. Planning ahead is always iffy, especially when kids are involved.

Timmy wasn't feeling great, which was expected. Although he handles it like a trooper, his infusions always leave him feeling lethargic and uncomfortable. I spent the wee hours of Saturday morning rubbing Timmy's legs to try to relieve the cramping that was causing him to cry. He finally fell asleep, which was a relief for both of us.

Even though he wasn't his normal mischievous self, we were able to take him to see the fireworks on Saturday night. Because of the cold and his fatigue, we ended up watching them from the car. Timmy was awestruck by the magical display in the sky. The view was fantastic, and we were able to stay warm. It was definitely a win-win for everybody. 

Sunday morning was spent at the walk-in medical clinic with Robby. My Koopa woke up with a high fever and a sore throat. By the time we returned home Timmy was on the couch, complaining of a headache. Both kids were sick and dealing with fevers.

Going to the display walk was immediately nixed, but thankfully I was able to find a recipient for the tickets. I felt good knowing that our tickets were going to good use, even though we were disappointed to not be able to attend ourselves.  Hopefully, everybody will be on the mend soon so we can try to regain our holiday spirit!