Heal(ed)

 The last time I saw my Mom she was preparing to leave the rehab hospital. Nearly a month has passed since she was discharged and released to out patient PT. Although I've kept up with her progress over the phone it has been impossible to get a true gauge of her recovery. When I asked her, she simply responded that it hurt and that it was difficult. (Both are understandable but neither are terribly descriptive about her ambulation.)

I was delighted when I arrived at her house on Wednesday and saw her walking around the kitchen without an assistive device. Her walking is slow and deliberate, but she is moving! At this point the difficult part of her recovery is in the mirror. She is now working on regaining her strength and 'breaking in' the new knee.

Yesterday Timmy and I enjoyed visiting with the PA crew while Robby and Scott were still in Virginia. It was really nice hanging out and chatting outside of a hospital setting. We didn't do anything overtly exciting, but we did light up the fire pit at night for some s'mores. (Timmy was particularly enthusiastic about the campfire.)This morning the boys are packing up and driving north, stopping by here to pick me up en route to the WWII Weekend in Reading. 

Whereas Robby annually anticipates this event, Timmy is less than enthusiastic. Despite the influence of his brother, Timmy has zero interest in planes and tanks. Instead of coming, he has asked to stay with his Nana and cousins. Initially I was worried about him staying so soon after my mom's surgery, but seeing her moving and walking around, I am feeling more comfortable. 

This afternoon Robby will begin his favorite weekend of the year. Hopefully the weather holds out for us!

Birthday Recap

 Despite having to do schoolwork, Robby had a great birthday. Based on his emotional reaction to his impending birthday on Monday night, I wasn't sure what to expect on the big day. Growing up is hard and Robby has never been a kid who relished the passage of time. He becomes comfortable with an age and, although he loves being celebrated, he has always struggled with the change. 

Yesterday he was able to push the change out of his mind so that he could concentrate on reaping the benefits. He loved his gift (a new Apple watch) and immediately began to set it up. Every once in awhile we hit it out of the park in terms of a gift. Yesterday was one of those times. 

With the birthday festivities behind us, today I am looking ahead to our next adventure. This weekend is the World War II Weekend. Robby anticipates this trip every year. While Robby loves the event, Timmy is less than impressed. (They are so very different!)  While Robby, Scott and I are going back in time to the 1940s for the weekend, Timmy will spend his time with his Nana and Aunt Sheri. 

I have to admit that I'm nervous about leaving Timmy so soon after my Mom's surgery. She is getting around better and her pain is waning, but ambulation is still not easy. I feel somewhat comforted with the knowledge that Timmy is self-sufficient and requires little more than supervision. I also know that my sister will be around to help. I know that it will all be okay, but that doesn't mean I don't worry.

Happy Birthday Robby

 17 years ago this afternoon I held Robby for the first time. It is hard to believe that so much time has elapsed since that amazing day. Today my sweet little Koopa is 17!

I have to tread carefully this year when celebrating Robby. While he is excited about his birthday he is having a difficult time processing 17. Growing up is hard.  Although the growth is exciting and wonderful, it can also feel frightening and overwhelming. Today I am focusing on celebrating Robby without focusing upon the number. 

I feel guilty because I think that Robby's anxiety about his birthday this year may have been exacerbated by a joke I made. I was teasing him and reminded him that he had one year before he was expected to be an adult. As soon as those words hit the air he froze. I saw the panic and tears swell in his eyes and I felt shattered. Although it was unintentional, I had hurt him.

Today I'm going to focus on spoiling Robby on his special day. In addition to gifts, he has asked to go to hibachi for dinner (yum) and I am making him a special cake. His day will be rather low-key (by design) but his celebration will ramp up in a few days when we are at the WWII weekend.  In the meantime, I need to work towards reminding him that he is not expected to leave in 12 months.