About six weeks ago during our monthly pilgrimage to Five Guys for burgers and fries, I asked Scott to stop the car and pull over. In the middle of a busy intersection I spotted a camera. Obviously the camera had not been there long because, with the traffic whizzing by and the sun beginning to set, it was a matter of moments before it would have been run over and destroyed.
I ran out of the car and darted into the intersection to retrieve the camera. The only damage seemed to be in one corner where it had fallen onto the asphalt. I could only assume that we were the first car to come upon the lost camera. Lacking any identification I turned it on. I have to admit that I was a little worried viewing somebody's photos and videos! Hoping that what I was about to view was not pornographic, I pressed play.
I watched three videos of a happy family singing happy birthday and another two showing what appeared to be a middle school volleyball game. I tried to identify the school but we couldn't figure it out. I was beginning to feel discouraged but, channeling my inner Mr. Monk, I decided to watch the last video. Finally, the last video of a little boy in a karate class began to play. Zooming in I was able to identify the name of the karate studio on the back of the uniform. We had our first clue!
At home I Googled the karate school and found two locations. The next morning I grabbed the camera and drove to the school that was closest to where we found the camera. I had an instructor view the video and, after pausing the frame on the little boy's face, he was able to identify the child.
Thrilled that we had located the rightful owners, I left my contact information and took the camera home. For some reason I simply didn't feel comfortable leaving the expensive electronic with somebody else because I felt like I had a responsibility to turn it over directly to the rightful owners. I placed the camera on top of my microwave in the corner of my kitchen and waited for the call.
Apparently the karate instructor did not view contacting the family as a priority. They didn't receive my message that I had found their camera until yesterday! I had nearly given up on returning it and was beginning to ponder simply dropping it off at the school and hoping for the best.
The owner was thrilled when we spoke yesterday. As I suspected, she had placed camera on her back bumper and had driven away. She told me how she had retraced her route, posted flyers and put out an ad on Craigslist all in an attempt to locate the camera. She wasn't concerned about the device but was upset about the loss of all of the videos and photos. She remarked that her husband had given up looking but that she persevered, maintaining that sometimes people do the right thing and that it might be returned.
As it turns out, last year she was in a similar circumstance to me. She explained that she had found a diamond engagement ring in the dressing room of a store. Uneasy about leaving it with mall security, she left a description and her contact information.
In the meantime she visited local jewelery stores asking if the piece could be identified. At the final store she was delighted when the jeweler recognized the workmanship and contacted his client. Because of the time she took, the ring was returned to the happy bride.
Robby and I had a good time playing detective. We formulated a plan and looked for clues. Not only did I sincerely want the camera to be returned, I felt that it was a good lesson for him. Too many people don't take the time to do the right thing and to go the extra steps to help a stranger.
Hearing the camera owner tell the story of the found engagement ring, I can't help but think how the situation has gone full circle. She found something treasured and actively sought the owner. To her husband's surprise, we located her camera and returned the favor. I think that good karma has been established.
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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Stones
Last year at this time my life seemed to revolve around Robby's bathroom habits-- or more specifically his lack of toilet use. This year I find my conversation again revolving around all things bathroom related, only this time the subject is different: I've been dealing with kidney stones which have been making me miserable!
I was diagnosed with the pesky little pebbles about two weeks ago. Since then, it seems that every conversation somehow involves my urinary tract. Is there still blood, have I passed more stones and my favorite inquiry comes from Scott, "How is everything flowing down there?" I appreciate the concern but I am frustrated that my conversations still revolve around toilet activities!
I thought that I had passed my last stone before my Las Vegas trip. Because of my commitments in the exhibition booth, I fully admit that I did not consume enough water last week. My self-imposed dehydration has apparently obstructed the passing of the the remaining stones, so the past few days I have been miserable.
My problems resurfaced during the long flight home on Thursday night. I began to feel severe back pain. The discomfort, combined with a near constant urge to urinate combined, made for a torturous flight home. Of course, the sudden onset of what I can only suspect to be food poisoning did not help my situation. By the time I finally arrived home (at 2 am) I was exhausted and sick.
I spent most of the weekend drinking water and trying to flush those little stones out of my system. I found myself sleeping in my liner out of convenience because I was constantly getting up to use the bathroom. It is during those moments that I find myself cursing my amputation- I wish I could just get up and go like my bi-legged friends.
Although I am physically recovered from the food poisoning, I am fairly confident that I will never eat another mozzarella and basil sandwich. I'm feeling better, but I am still worried. My doctor is going to check me today, and if my stones aren't gone, I will be hospitalized. Not only do I want to avoid a hospitalization and surgery, I am really tired of discussing the bathroom. Here's hoping that I flushed those little rocks away!
I was diagnosed with the pesky little pebbles about two weeks ago. Since then, it seems that every conversation somehow involves my urinary tract. Is there still blood, have I passed more stones and my favorite inquiry comes from Scott, "How is everything flowing down there?" I appreciate the concern but I am frustrated that my conversations still revolve around toilet activities!
I thought that I had passed my last stone before my Las Vegas trip. Because of my commitments in the exhibition booth, I fully admit that I did not consume enough water last week. My self-imposed dehydration has apparently obstructed the passing of the the remaining stones, so the past few days I have been miserable.
My problems resurfaced during the long flight home on Thursday night. I began to feel severe back pain. The discomfort, combined with a near constant urge to urinate combined, made for a torturous flight home. Of course, the sudden onset of what I can only suspect to be food poisoning did not help my situation. By the time I finally arrived home (at 2 am) I was exhausted and sick.
I spent most of the weekend drinking water and trying to flush those little stones out of my system. I found myself sleeping in my liner out of convenience because I was constantly getting up to use the bathroom. It is during those moments that I find myself cursing my amputation- I wish I could just get up and go like my bi-legged friends.
Although I am physically recovered from the food poisoning, I am fairly confident that I will never eat another mozzarella and basil sandwich. I'm feeling better, but I am still worried. My doctor is going to check me today, and if my stones aren't gone, I will be hospitalized. Not only do I want to avoid a hospitalization and surgery, I am really tired of discussing the bathroom. Here's hoping that I flushed those little rocks away!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Boot Sale...
Sometimes I think it is strange how my amputation has impacted various aspects of my life. I knew that it would affect me physically, psychologically, and socially. I had no idea how much my limb loss would affect my fashion decisions.
I have never been a Fashionista. If a garment is pretty and doesn't make me look fat, I am satisfied. If it is on sale, I often overlook the "pretty" requirement.
Shoe shopping has been especially challenging since my amputation, and I know that I will soon need a pair of winter boots. My little guy turns into a snow bunny and can play in his winter wonderland for hours at a time! While he is snug and warm, the snow becomes packed between my sneaker and my sock. I am cold and uncomfortable within 15 minutes.
I have searched for a solution to my boot dilemma. Because of my prosthetic. it is difficult for me to slip my foot into a boot. I require a large opening in order for the foot shell to slip inside, and because I don't have ankle movement, I need the opening to extend to the bottom of the boot so that the angles are minimized. The boot material must come up over my Proprio ankle, but must not be form fitted. The ankle moves and cannot be contained.
With all of these requirements, I gave up on the boot being cute. I was willing to settle for anything that would work, regardless of its visual appeal. When I found a pair of boots with a large opening, the ankles were too severe to allow my foot to slide in. We looked into a pair of goulashes, but they were too heavy. The weight of the material would have caused my leg to lose suction. That would not be a good thing when sledding!
I had all but given up and accepted my chilly foot fate. Every search left me feeling deflated and frustrated. It is strange how one small failing, such as not being able to find a pair of boots, can amplify every negative feeling I have about being an amputee. I was close to giving up.
I suppose that the adage "it always comes when you aren't looking" is true for more than finding a soul mate. It also applies to finding the perfect boot! Not only do the boots possess every attribute necessary, they are cute. And the best part? They were on sale! I will be ready for winter!
I have never been a Fashionista. If a garment is pretty and doesn't make me look fat, I am satisfied. If it is on sale, I often overlook the "pretty" requirement.
Shoe shopping has been especially challenging since my amputation, and I know that I will soon need a pair of winter boots. My little guy turns into a snow bunny and can play in his winter wonderland for hours at a time! While he is snug and warm, the snow becomes packed between my sneaker and my sock. I am cold and uncomfortable within 15 minutes.
I have searched for a solution to my boot dilemma. Because of my prosthetic. it is difficult for me to slip my foot into a boot. I require a large opening in order for the foot shell to slip inside, and because I don't have ankle movement, I need the opening to extend to the bottom of the boot so that the angles are minimized. The boot material must come up over my Proprio ankle, but must not be form fitted. The ankle moves and cannot be contained.
With all of these requirements, I gave up on the boot being cute. I was willing to settle for anything that would work, regardless of its visual appeal. When I found a pair of boots with a large opening, the ankles were too severe to allow my foot to slide in. We looked into a pair of goulashes, but they were too heavy. The weight of the material would have caused my leg to lose suction. That would not be a good thing when sledding!
I had all but given up and accepted my chilly foot fate. Every search left me feeling deflated and frustrated. It is strange how one small failing, such as not being able to find a pair of boots, can amplify every negative feeling I have about being an amputee. I was close to giving up.
I suppose that the adage "it always comes when you aren't looking" is true for more than finding a soul mate. It also applies to finding the perfect boot! Not only do the boots possess every attribute necessary, they are cute. And the best part? They were on sale! I will be ready for winter!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Miracles Developing
Despite the seemingly endless hours standing on my feet and, to my chagrin the addition this year of a treadmill to our exhibition booth, I thoroughly enjoy working at prosthetic conferences. I love meeting participants from all over the world whose common goal is restoring mobility and creating a high quality of life to amputees. The field of prosthetics is going through a metamorphosis as new technologies are making possible what was once conceived as science fiction.
Yesterday while I was standing in the booth, I witnessed a sight that I will never forget. I saw a paraplegic woman rise out of her wheelchair and walk around the exhibition hall. She was wearing an exoskeleton system on her legs and utilized crutches for stability. Seeing her begin to walk was like witnessing a miracle, and I began to cry.
In many ways, advances in computer and bionic technology is miraculous, especially for those who will benefit from these devices. I saw prototype prosthetic hands that restored the sense of touch for the upper extremity amputee. Imagine being able to feel your child's hand for the first time. Surely that would be a miracle for the amputee who has not dared to dream of that possibility.
Sockets are being designed that will accommodate for volume fluctuations utilizing a smart phone app. The inconvenience of constantly donning and removing socks to achieve a comfortable prosthetic will enhance the quality of life for lower extremity amputees. This technology is being developed and will hopefully be brought to market within a few years.
The engineers, researchers and prosthetists that are pushing the boundaries of technology are creating miracle devices. I am honored and impressed that many of these individuals have taken the time to talk to me during the past three days as they have seemed sincerely interested in the real struggles and barriers that amputees encounter everyday. I am leaving Las Vegas with sore feet, an achy back and an excitement about the future for amputees.
Yesterday while I was standing in the booth, I witnessed a sight that I will never forget. I saw a paraplegic woman rise out of her wheelchair and walk around the exhibition hall. She was wearing an exoskeleton system on her legs and utilized crutches for stability. Seeing her begin to walk was like witnessing a miracle, and I began to cry.
In many ways, advances in computer and bionic technology is miraculous, especially for those who will benefit from these devices. I saw prototype prosthetic hands that restored the sense of touch for the upper extremity amputee. Imagine being able to feel your child's hand for the first time. Surely that would be a miracle for the amputee who has not dared to dream of that possibility.
Sockets are being designed that will accommodate for volume fluctuations utilizing a smart phone app. The inconvenience of constantly donning and removing socks to achieve a comfortable prosthetic will enhance the quality of life for lower extremity amputees. This technology is being developed and will hopefully be brought to market within a few years.
The engineers, researchers and prosthetists that are pushing the boundaries of technology are creating miracle devices. I am honored and impressed that many of these individuals have taken the time to talk to me during the past three days as they have seemed sincerely interested in the real struggles and barriers that amputees encounter everyday. I am leaving Las Vegas with sore feet, an achy back and an excitement about the future for amputees.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
36 hours
After Scott and I renewed our vows we celebrated Las Vegas style, by going to an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner. Although I am generally not a fan of buffet style restaurants (I commonly refer to them as browsing at the trough) I know that they are a Las Vegas tradition. Thanks to my sister Sheri who first exposed Robby to this style of dining, he is now a huge fan and was excited to go to what we promised to be the biggest buffet of his young life.
Many things in life fail to meet the hype generated, but the Las Vegas buffet at the Rio Casino exceeded all of our expectations. To describe Robby as glutenous would be an understatement. My little five year old ate three plates of food, promptly followed by two bowls of ice cream and four cookies. He was a happy little boy. I thought we were going to have to roll him into the taxi cab when we were finished!
Robby wasn't the only one who overate. Scott had two plates of crab legs followed by tacos and a variety of assorted carbohydrates. I ate more than my share and consumed so much salt that my leg didn't fit by the end of our meal. We all waddled to our hotel room and promptly fell asleep, likely the result of a food induced coma.
It is hard to believe that in the last 36 hours I renewed my vows, ate an obscene amount of food, packed up my family and returned them to Virginia while working in a conference exhibition booth for ten hours. I returned to my hotel room last night physically drained. I was also struck by the deafening silence.
Today I will be working in the booth all day and I'm looking forward to talking with new and established friends. I love working at these conferences because the change provides me with a unique respite from my normal life. That being said, I hope that the next 48 hours are less hectic but pass as quickly as the past 36. I miss my family.
More wedding photos:
http://dehunt.smugmug.com/Other/Wedding-91911/19117446_8dQmsx#1488385300_nLxnXJG
Many things in life fail to meet the hype generated, but the Las Vegas buffet at the Rio Casino exceeded all of our expectations. To describe Robby as glutenous would be an understatement. My little five year old ate three plates of food, promptly followed by two bowls of ice cream and four cookies. He was a happy little boy. I thought we were going to have to roll him into the taxi cab when we were finished!
Robby wasn't the only one who overate. Scott had two plates of crab legs followed by tacos and a variety of assorted carbohydrates. I ate more than my share and consumed so much salt that my leg didn't fit by the end of our meal. We all waddled to our hotel room and promptly fell asleep, likely the result of a food induced coma.
It is hard to believe that in the last 36 hours I renewed my vows, ate an obscene amount of food, packed up my family and returned them to Virginia while working in a conference exhibition booth for ten hours. I returned to my hotel room last night physically drained. I was also struck by the deafening silence.
Today I will be working in the booth all day and I'm looking forward to talking with new and established friends. I love working at these conferences because the change provides me with a unique respite from my normal life. That being said, I hope that the next 48 hours are less hectic but pass as quickly as the past 36. I miss my family.
More wedding photos:
http://dehunt.smugmug.com/Other/Wedding-91911/19117446_8dQmsx#1488385300_nLxnXJG
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wedding Day!
Yesterday was a whirlwind of excitement. Our wedding was a beautiful event and created memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. Please excuse the brevity of this post, but I am exhausted from all of the Las Vegas excitement! Scott and Robby leave for home today, leaving me here alone. I'll miss them, but I will have more time to write when I am here alone.
In the meantime, I wanted to share the ceremony with everybody.
In the meantime, I wanted to share the ceremony with everybody.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)