Last night while giving Robby his bath, Scott noticed water dripping through the ceiling. He called for me and I immediately took off running down stairs. I have learned that when a leak is spotted, the dry wall will be hastily removed. By the time I arrived, he was already ripping down pieces of our ceiling.
After looking at the pipes--courtesy of the newly created hole in the ceiling--we were left perplexed. At this point Scott remembered that the bathtub has an access panel so we went upstairs and removed the panel. We immediately diagnosed the location of the leak. We reasoned that the drain in the tub became unsealed, allowing water to seep through when the tub was filled. Thankfully it will be an easy fix!
Scott and Robby settled into bed to watch hockey, and I was working on the computer. I was trying to put the leak out of my mind. After about 30 minutes I heard a meow. Scott heard it as well, and we began to search for the cats.
Sophie was easy to locate. She is old, pudgy and sedentary. She was asleep on Robby's race car bed. We knew that we were looking for Charlie.
Meow... meow... meow. The cries were loud but the location was difficult to locate. We went downstairs and it became louder. Meow... meow... meow. Standing under the newly formed hole the sound became even more pronounced. Scott and I exchanged looks and immediately knew that we had a problem.
The access panel was still off of the bathtub and Charlie took the opportunity to explore. The poor little kitten was imprisoned in our ceiling. He was scared, and Robby became frantic about his little companion being trapped.
Since I became an amputee, I have learned to hate ladders. I avoid climbing at all costs, but rescuing the kitten was worthy of trying. Despite my efforts, I couldn't keep my footing secure enough to grab Robby's furry little friend.
Scott took over and climbed to the rescue. Using a can of cat food we were able to lure Charlie within reach. Scott grabbed him. I heard the cat squeal, and then I heard Scott scream. In a flash, I saw the ladder get kicked out.
Dangling from the ceiling, I could only see Scott's torso and legs kicking wildly in the air. Drywall began to crumble. Between Robby crying, the cat squealing and Scott screaming a few choice expletives, it was quite a scene. I grabbed the ladder and tried to direct his feet onto the rungs.
Unfortunately he lost his grip on the cat. Robby continued to fret and was nearly inconsolable. He also took the opportunity to repeat every choice word he had just heard muttered.
After nearly an hour of cajoling and failed attempts, Scott managed to get another grip on Charlie. He screeched and fought but he was finally removed from the ceiling. Robby was delighted to have his little friend back. He smothered him with hugs and kisses before reprimanding the "damn cat" for getting caught in the ceiling. Charlie began to purr and seemed to immediately forget the drama. Meanwhile I lathered Scott in Neosporin to treat his scratches and cuts.
We immediately put the access panel back on the bathtub. Today I will to go Lowes to buy a new seal for the drain. The hole in the ceiling, which became shaped like a semi-circle when Scott's stomach became wedged, at some point will need to be repaired. In the meantime we have a Christmas quilt jammed into the hole, just in case the curious little kitty decides to go exploring again. And I thought we were going to have a calm night!
About Me
- Peggy
- 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.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Fish Wrangler
Robby's Nana gave him the greatest present ever last week. After dropping me off at the airport, she and Robby went directly to the sporting goods store where she bought him his very own, "big boy" fishing pole.
He apparently spent countless hours fishing off her back deck. According to my mom, he only stopped to get a snack or to get the fishing line untangled. I suspect that her gift had an ulterior motive of keeping him occupied in my absence. It certainly worked!
On the way back to Virginia on Sunday I remembered that the beloved Animal Park opened for the year. Robby and I have been going to this little zoo since he was one year old, and it is one of our favorite places. We both miss going when it is closed for the winter.
I told Robby that I had a secret but that I wasn't going to tell him what it was. I called Scott who packed a picnic and met us. Robby was beyond excited when I turned into the zoo. He began clapping his hands and screamed "Hooray! Spring has sprung in Virginia. Now let's get going to see those animals."
After petting his favorite little goat friend, we headed down to the pond. We talked about how he can bring his new fishing pole for the fishing derby this year, and Robby is convinced that he is going to catch a "ginormous cat fish."
Down at the pond we started chumming the water with cat food (which was stashed in my purse). The fish (carp) were swimming everywhere, extremely close to the shore. So close, in fact, that Scott told Robby to reach down and try to catch one with his bare hands.
I wanted to kick Scott for telling our little fisherman to try to
wrangle a fish! I knew that we were destined to spend hours down by the pond as Robby tried to grab a fish. Two hours and a box of cat food later, Robby was not able to catch a fish. He got a good grip a few times, but the fish wiggled out of his hands.
I was hoping that he would forget about Daddy's suggestion of catching a fish with his hands. Those hopes were dashed this afternoon when I heard him talking to his fishing pole as he was practicing casting. I overheard him say, "Charlie (the name he has also given to his fishing pole as well as his cat), I will take you to the fishing derby at the Animal Park. I will put you on the picnic table so that you can watch and I will reach into the water and grab that fishy with my bare hands. I am strong and he won't wiggle through my fingers this time."
He apparently spent countless hours fishing off her back deck. According to my mom, he only stopped to get a snack or to get the fishing line untangled. I suspect that her gift had an ulterior motive of keeping him occupied in my absence. It certainly worked!
On the way back to Virginia on Sunday I remembered that the beloved Animal Park opened for the year. Robby and I have been going to this little zoo since he was one year old, and it is one of our favorite places. We both miss going when it is closed for the winter.
I told Robby that I had a secret but that I wasn't going to tell him what it was. I called Scott who packed a picnic and met us. Robby was beyond excited when I turned into the zoo. He began clapping his hands and screamed "Hooray! Spring has sprung in Virginia. Now let's get going to see those animals."
After petting his favorite little goat friend, we headed down to the pond. We talked about how he can bring his new fishing pole for the fishing derby this year, and Robby is convinced that he is going to catch a "ginormous cat fish."
Down at the pond we started chumming the water with cat food (which was stashed in my purse). The fish (carp) were swimming everywhere, extremely close to the shore. So close, in fact, that Scott told Robby to reach down and try to catch one with his bare hands.I wanted to kick Scott for telling our little fisherman to try to
wrangle a fish! I knew that we were destined to spend hours down by the pond as Robby tried to grab a fish. Two hours and a box of cat food later, Robby was not able to catch a fish. He got a good grip a few times, but the fish wiggled out of his hands.I was hoping that he would forget about Daddy's suggestion of catching a fish with his hands. Those hopes were dashed this afternoon when I heard him talking to his fishing pole as he was practicing casting. I overheard him say, "Charlie (the name he has also given to his fishing pole as well as his cat), I will take you to the fishing derby at the Animal Park. I will put you on the picnic table so that you can watch and I will reach into the water and grab that fishy with my bare hands. I am strong and he won't wiggle through my fingers this time."
Monday, March 21, 2011
Welcome Home Present
Despite the adventure and "Mommy break" of last week's conference, I was ready to come home. It felt like the final leg of my flight home was taking an inordinate amount of time. Eager to see Robby, I admit that I threw an elbow or two to get off the plane quickly. I couldn't wait to see my little boy!
As soon as I walked passed security, I saw Robby. I knelt down (I knew that I risked being knocked over by him if I wasn't stable) and he ran into my arms. After my hug he turned and ran back to his Nana and retrieved something. He ran back to me and presented me with a treasure.
Robby and his Nana (my mom) went shopping to buy me something special. Robby initially wanted to get me diamonds because he knows that "Momom likes sparkly pretty things." Unfortunately he only had $20 of Kohl's cash.
He found something better than diamonds because what he chose is covered in glitter and is yellow. It happens to feature one of his favorite objects, the egg. Robby bought me an egg tree which he thinks is nothing short of magical.
Since presenting it to me, Robby has been insistent that the egg tree always be within my reach. If I walk out of a room, he quickly follows carrying the little treasure. At Robby's urging, the egg tree sat buckled into the front passenger seat on the ride back to Virginia. Since I returned home, the tree has been in the kitchen, the living room, my bedroom and, much to my chagrin, the bathroom. He is so proud of his gift that he showed it to Charlie Cat and to Mr. Bill.
Mr. Bill, after appropriately ooing and ahhing over the egg tree, asked Robby when the eggs were going to hatch open. He told my little animal lover that the eggs hanging on the branches need to be kept warm so that they will grow and hatch. I immediately told Robby that Mr. Bill was teasing, but I knew that part of Robby thought that Mr. Bill might be right.
I think I managed to convince Robby that the kitchen is the perfect location because I can look at it all the time. My little buddy agreed, and added that the kitchen stays nice and warm, especially when we bake cookies. I took that comment as a hint to start baking.
He was not hinting for cookies. I walked into the kitchen to find my cute little fake egg
tree swaddled in a towel. Robby immediately offered his explanation, "Momom, you just never know what might be inside those eggs, so it is a good idea to keep it warm just in case. There might be a little tiny baby birdie in there."
I guess I should be happy that Mr. Bill didn't tell Robby that he needed to sit on the eggs!
As soon as I walked passed security, I saw Robby. I knelt down (I knew that I risked being knocked over by him if I wasn't stable) and he ran into my arms. After my hug he turned and ran back to his Nana and retrieved something. He ran back to me and presented me with a treasure.
Robby and his Nana (my mom) went shopping to buy me something special. Robby initially wanted to get me diamonds because he knows that "Momom likes sparkly pretty things." Unfortunately he only had $20 of Kohl's cash.
He found something better than diamonds because what he chose is covered in glitter and is yellow. It happens to feature one of his favorite objects, the egg. Robby bought me an egg tree which he thinks is nothing short of magical.
Since presenting it to me, Robby has been insistent that the egg tree always be within my reach. If I walk out of a room, he quickly follows carrying the little treasure. At Robby's urging, the egg tree sat buckled into the front passenger seat on the ride back to Virginia. Since I returned home, the tree has been in the kitchen, the living room, my bedroom and, much to my chagrin, the bathroom. He is so proud of his gift that he showed it to Charlie Cat and to Mr. Bill.Mr. Bill, after appropriately ooing and ahhing over the egg tree, asked Robby when the eggs were going to hatch open. He told my little animal lover that the eggs hanging on the branches need to be kept warm so that they will grow and hatch. I immediately told Robby that Mr. Bill was teasing, but I knew that part of Robby thought that Mr. Bill might be right.
I think I managed to convince Robby that the kitchen is the perfect location because I can look at it all the time. My little buddy agreed, and added that the kitchen stays nice and warm, especially when we bake cookies. I took that comment as a hint to start baking.
He was not hinting for cookies. I walked into the kitchen to find my cute little fake egg
tree swaddled in a towel. Robby immediately offered his explanation, "Momom, you just never know what might be inside those eggs, so it is a good idea to keep it warm just in case. There might be a little tiny baby birdie in there."I guess I should be happy that Mr. Bill didn't tell Robby that he needed to sit on the eggs!
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Good... and The Bad
Yesterday was a long day working in the booth. It's physically exhausting to stand within a 16 foot space for eight hours. I was mentally drained after smiling, answering questions and engaging in small talk for hours on end. When I finally made it back to my hotel room, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep--which is exactly what I did!
Standing in the booth I am afforded the opportunity to meet prosthetists from all over the world. I met so many practitioners who exuded love for their profession and their patients. I was touched by the compassion that they demonstrated as they sought products to help their patients reach their goals.
Unfortunately, I met with some prosthetists who seemed to be lacking both interest in learning and compassion for their patients. My heart sank as I spoke with some of these individuals. Simply put, I am astonished by the sheer number of really bad prosthetists.
I was told repeatedly that "computerized components aren't worth trying" and "I will never even let my patient try (fill in the blank)." One practitioner from the New England area informed me that he doesn't encourage his patients to learn about components and prosthetic options because he's "been doing this for 22 years and he will always know more."
Practitioners bragged to me about how much money they earn, remarking that they choose components that provide the highest profit margin. I was left speechless (which doesn't happen often) when a prosthetist actually referred to me as a "fly girl." When I asked him to explain, he told me that my job (patient model/ company Spokesperson) was "simply to be another member of the freak show that walks around this hall."
Yes, a prosthetist actually referred to a group of amputees as freaks. The fact that this man actually has a practice and sees patients scares me. My heart goes out to those who seek care from this man!
How many amputees are settling for poor prosthetic care? Apparently the number is higher than I realized. Thankfully I also interacted with a multitude of practitioners who were interested and excited to embrace innovations. I would feel comfortable having some of these individuals treat my friends and family. The good prosthetists outweigh the number of the inept, but it doesn't diminish the fact that some amputees are receiving sub-par care.
Innovations are occurring at a furious rate in the field of prosthetics. Now, more than ever, it is important for the amputee to become educated about components. If your practitioner refuses to discuss a product with you or is unwilling to explore other prosthetic options, seek care somewhere else.
We don't return to a hair dresser after we receive a bad haircut, yet many amputees continue to patronize prosthetic facilities that are creating ill-fitting sockets, manufacturing inappropriate prosthetics and are unwilling to consider patient input. One of the most important jobs of a prosthetist is to listen to the patient. If you aren't being heard, I urge you to find somebody who will listen. If you need help locating a new practitioner, let me know and I'll try to help.
Standing in the booth I am afforded the opportunity to meet prosthetists from all over the world. I met so many practitioners who exuded love for their profession and their patients. I was touched by the compassion that they demonstrated as they sought products to help their patients reach their goals.
Unfortunately, I met with some prosthetists who seemed to be lacking both interest in learning and compassion for their patients. My heart sank as I spoke with some of these individuals. Simply put, I am astonished by the sheer number of really bad prosthetists.
I was told repeatedly that "computerized components aren't worth trying" and "I will never even let my patient try (fill in the blank)." One practitioner from the New England area informed me that he doesn't encourage his patients to learn about components and prosthetic options because he's "been doing this for 22 years and he will always know more."
Practitioners bragged to me about how much money they earn, remarking that they choose components that provide the highest profit margin. I was left speechless (which doesn't happen often) when a prosthetist actually referred to me as a "fly girl." When I asked him to explain, he told me that my job (patient model/ company Spokesperson) was "simply to be another member of the freak show that walks around this hall."
Yes, a prosthetist actually referred to a group of amputees as freaks. The fact that this man actually has a practice and sees patients scares me. My heart goes out to those who seek care from this man!
How many amputees are settling for poor prosthetic care? Apparently the number is higher than I realized. Thankfully I also interacted with a multitude of practitioners who were interested and excited to embrace innovations. I would feel comfortable having some of these individuals treat my friends and family. The good prosthetists outweigh the number of the inept, but it doesn't diminish the fact that some amputees are receiving sub-par care.
Innovations are occurring at a furious rate in the field of prosthetics. Now, more than ever, it is important for the amputee to become educated about components. If your practitioner refuses to discuss a product with you or is unwilling to explore other prosthetic options, seek care somewhere else.
We don't return to a hair dresser after we receive a bad haircut, yet many amputees continue to patronize prosthetic facilities that are creating ill-fitting sockets, manufacturing inappropriate prosthetics and are unwilling to consider patient input. One of the most important jobs of a prosthetist is to listen to the patient. If you aren't being heard, I urge you to find somebody who will listen. If you need help locating a new practitioner, let me know and I'll try to help.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Peer Discussions and Confessions
I enjoy working at these prosthetic conferences for a variety of reasons. Selfishly, I relish the time alone where I am allowed to order room service, walk around in my roomwith no pants and put whatever I want to watch on the television. I am able to sleep soundly with the knowledge that I don't need to listen for Robby.
When I am not working, my time is my own. I don't need to finish housework, make dinner or wash another load of clothes. Of course, a week's worth of these tasks will be waiting for me when I return.
I also find it refreshing to be among other amputees. I feel a sense of relaxation when I know that I am not the only prosthetic user in the room. Carbon fiber and titanium limbs are commonplace around the hotel, at least for this week! I am the norm, not the anomaly. It's a nice change!
I enjoy talking with other amputees, comparing experiences and discussing prosthetics. It amazes me how quickly a casual conversation can shift from "what type of foot do you use" to more personal confessions such as "I still can't look at myself naked in the mirror." I'm not sure if everybody working in the booth has a similar experience, but I tend to field a lot of personal questions.
Some things are simply instinctively understood by another amputee. As much as I try, I cannot accurately describe what it feels like to have an ill-fitting socket, or the frustration that is felt when nerve pain keeps me up at night. It is nice being around others who deal with similar issues.
Today I will spend the entire time working in the booth. I'm hoping that I will have the opportunity to explore to exhibition hall today. I do know that I will meet more interesting people with fascinating experiences. I am also sporting a brand new green headband in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
On a completely unrelated topic, I am missing Robby and Scott. This hotel is a family destination. My room overlooks the pool, including a water slide and waterfall. Robby would have loved it here!
Last year we had so much fun on St. Patrick's Day. Thankfully he doesn't understand calendars yet, so I can have the Leprechaun come to the house any day I pick. Knowing that doesn't make me miss him any less.
Oh well. I have another long day in the booth. Wish me luck and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
When I am not working, my time is my own. I don't need to finish housework, make dinner or wash another load of clothes. Of course, a week's worth of these tasks will be waiting for me when I return.
I also find it refreshing to be among other amputees. I feel a sense of relaxation when I know that I am not the only prosthetic user in the room. Carbon fiber and titanium limbs are commonplace around the hotel, at least for this week! I am the norm, not the anomaly. It's a nice change!
I enjoy talking with other amputees, comparing experiences and discussing prosthetics. It amazes me how quickly a casual conversation can shift from "what type of foot do you use" to more personal confessions such as "I still can't look at myself naked in the mirror." I'm not sure if everybody working in the booth has a similar experience, but I tend to field a lot of personal questions.
Some things are simply instinctively understood by another amputee. As much as I try, I cannot accurately describe what it feels like to have an ill-fitting socket, or the frustration that is felt when nerve pain keeps me up at night. It is nice being around others who deal with similar issues.
Today I will spend the entire time working in the booth. I'm hoping that I will have the opportunity to explore to exhibition hall today. I do know that I will meet more interesting people with fascinating experiences. I am also sporting a brand new green headband in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
On a completely unrelated topic, I am missing Robby and Scott. This hotel is a family destination. My room overlooks the pool, including a water slide and waterfall. Robby would have loved it here!
Last year we had so much fun on St. Patrick's Day. Thankfully he doesn't understand calendars yet, so I can have the Leprechaun come to the house any day I pick. Knowing that doesn't make me miss him any less.
Oh well. I have another long day in the booth. Wish me luck and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wimp or Introvert?
Yesterday I kissed my little boy good-bye, pulled my suitcase out of the trunk of my Mom's car and watched them drive away. Robby was upset and I am fairly confident that we both had tears in our eyes. I am going to be gone until Saturday night which is the longest I have ever been separated from him.
I later learned that his tears were fleeting and he smiled a giddy grin for the remainder of the day. My Mom took him to Bass Pro, a huge sporting goods store, where she bought him a real fishing pole in his favorite color--yellow. So much for missing his "best buddy!"
The sun was shining and the weather was warm when I arrived. I checked into the hotel at 2:00, and I immediately noticed the gorgeous pool area. The perfect place to soak up the sun and get a little exercise. Unfortunately, I left my swimsuit and water leg at home. Bummer!
Being in Orlando, I realize that I am surrounded by world famous attractions. Disney and its affiliate resorts, Sea World and a plethora of other fun destinations surround me. I had hours to explore and have fun.
The problem is that I don't enjoy doing "touristy" things by myself. I wish I could write about my afternoon adventures. The truth is, I pulled the black-out curtains and took a nap. I did enjoy the nap though!
I have concluded that I am either an introvert or simply a wimp. I become anxious when I am in new areas by myself. This is partly because I am an amputee woman; I feel more vulnerable. I know that I a female tourist with one leg is an easier mark. I detest feeling vulnerable, so I retreat to the safety of my hotel room.
My staying within the confines of my hotel has become a joke in my family. I don't bother to check the weather forecast before my trip because I'll never leave the hotel. I think I am leaning more towards the "wimp" label.
Today I have to work a session in the morning, but I won't be needed again until the evening. I will have the afternoon off. I am not doing any of the tourist destinations (they are both cost prohibitive and not fun solo) but I do vow to leave my hotel.
I wasn't sure what I was going to do or where I was going to go, but last night I found my answer. I was unpacking my suitcase when I discovered that I had apparently forgotten to pack underwear. On a five day trip, the lack of underwear could become an issue. I have even more motivation to get up the gumption to leave the boundaries of this hotel. Let the great underwear quest begin!
I later learned that his tears were fleeting and he smiled a giddy grin for the remainder of the day. My Mom took him to Bass Pro, a huge sporting goods store, where she bought him a real fishing pole in his favorite color--yellow. So much for missing his "best buddy!"
The sun was shining and the weather was warm when I arrived. I checked into the hotel at 2:00, and I immediately noticed the gorgeous pool area. The perfect place to soak up the sun and get a little exercise. Unfortunately, I left my swimsuit and water leg at home. Bummer!
Being in Orlando, I realize that I am surrounded by world famous attractions. Disney and its affiliate resorts, Sea World and a plethora of other fun destinations surround me. I had hours to explore and have fun.
The problem is that I don't enjoy doing "touristy" things by myself. I wish I could write about my afternoon adventures. The truth is, I pulled the black-out curtains and took a nap. I did enjoy the nap though!
I have concluded that I am either an introvert or simply a wimp. I become anxious when I am in new areas by myself. This is partly because I am an amputee woman; I feel more vulnerable. I know that I a female tourist with one leg is an easier mark. I detest feeling vulnerable, so I retreat to the safety of my hotel room.
My staying within the confines of my hotel has become a joke in my family. I don't bother to check the weather forecast before my trip because I'll never leave the hotel. I think I am leaning more towards the "wimp" label.
Today I have to work a session in the morning, but I won't be needed again until the evening. I will have the afternoon off. I am not doing any of the tourist destinations (they are both cost prohibitive and not fun solo) but I do vow to leave my hotel.
I wasn't sure what I was going to do or where I was going to go, but last night I found my answer. I was unpacking my suitcase when I discovered that I had apparently forgotten to pack underwear. On a five day trip, the lack of underwear could become an issue. I have even more motivation to get up the gumption to leave the boundaries of this hotel. Let the great underwear quest begin!
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