The news left me feeling helplessly overwhelmed. While I am more comfortable with my head in the sand on the issue of racism, pretending that it does not exist is part of the problem. Racism is alive and thriving in our country. This admission has left me shattered.
Robby and I had a long and open discussion about racism and the events unfolding. He was shaken but resolved to be part of the change. He took Timmy's sidewalk chalk to the end of the driveway and wrote messages of support for the protestors. Maybe there is hope for the next generation?
Timmy, who is too young to understand the protests, was content and happy to spend his afternoon in his new pool. I swore I would never do another Easy-Set pool after the disaster ten years ago, but this summer we felt like it was the perfect recreation solution. Because all pools have been closed due to the pandemic, our only options for swimming will be those we create at home.
Sitting in the middle of our driveway, next to our trampoline, is our brand new 10 ft round by 32 inches deep pool. Obviously I won't be swimming laps, but it is the perfect size for cooling off with Timmy. It is a little lopsided, but it works.
Timmy is delighted with his new pool. He hopped into it as soon as the hose began to flow. The cool temperatures and the cold water over the past few days have done nothing to dissuade my little fish. (Oddly, he finds particular delight in swimming completely naked.)
Unplugging from the news and watching him play leaves me feeling happy and relaxed.
A 14th birthday, a pandemic, riots across the country and a rocket launch. My goodness this weekend was eventful. I'm starting a new week feeling frazzled and emotionally spent from the events from the past three days. My heart aches this morning.
Despite all of the growing tensions and the pandemic, Robby had a fantastic birthday. He spent the day at home, enjoying being doted upon and receiving calls from all of his friends. We showered him with attention and love, treating him like a king for the day. It is hard to believe that my little Koopa is now a full blown teenager, but I could not be prouder of the young man he is becoming.
Each evening Scott and I found ourselves glued to the television, watching the riots raging across the country. I am scared and heartbroken. We are at a cross roads in this country and I pray that we, collectively, chose the correct path. I fear what we will become if our course is not corrected.
Well, the weather did not cooperate with our plans to play outside. It was hot, humid and stormy all day. Although I could have easily convinced Timmy to go outside, he seemed content to quietly play inside for most of the day. I think the activity of the past few days has caught up with him and his body was grateful for the chance to rest and reset.
While Timmy was busy playing, I took the opportunity to knock out a lot of work. By the time I logged off my computer in the late afternoon I was both impressed and astonished by everything I managed to accomplish. I actually feel like I'm ahead for the first time in months! I'm glad that I am ahead on my to-do list because this weekend is all about my Koopa.
It is hard to believe that my not-so-little Robby is going to be 14 tomorrow! I look at him and I see a beautiful mixture of the little boy that he was and the amazing man that he is becoming. The years have flown by but I can honestly say that I tried to enjoy every single stage.
Fourteen years ago I laid eyes on my sweet little baby. I remember feeling terrified at the prospect of being a Mom. We were clueless and so many times I think both Scott and I tried to just stay one step ahead of him.
I can't say that we've done everything but, but there is no doubt that Robby is a great kid. He has the kindest heart and is generous to his core. I am beyond blessed to be his Mom!
Happy Birthday to my sweet Koopa!
It wasn't nearly as sunny and warm, but that didn't stop Timmy from rewashing all of our cars. He spent another 3 hours with a sponge in one hand and the hose in the other, scrubbing and rinsing everything in sight. He had a great time, and the cooler temperatures did nothing to sway his resolve.
In the evening we managed to squeeze in a long family bike ride through the neighborhood. I had a chance to try out my new bike, which is lower and features thicker tires for stability. The smaller frame also means that I can easily mount and dismount the bike from either side, which is a task I never thought I would be able to do.
I absolutely love my new bike! I have been a timid bike rider since my amputation. Because I can't go up on my tip toes, I have always had a fear of falling. If I started to lose balance on my prosthetic side, I always doubted that I would be able to catch myself in time. At my age, bicycle falls can quickly equate broken bones.
My fear of biking hasn't stopped me from riding with the kids, but it has definitely robbed me of the carefree joy that others experience. Every moment I am on a bike I am constantly evaluating and worrying about falling. My new bike has remedied every fear. For the first time in my post-amputation life, I feel comfortable and safe when I'm riding a bike!
Yesterday was busy from the moment I woke up until long after the sun finally set. I wish I had more to show for my efforts, but I wasn't busy with anything particularly fun or productive. Sometimes, tying up loose ends and putting the finishing touches on projects takes an inordinate amount of time.
Thankfully the weather was cooperative, allowing Timmy to happily play outside while I camped out on the picnic table with my laptop. Even if I was working, it felt wonderful feeling the warm sunshine on my face and shoulders. Timmy was happy as could be washing the cars and playing with the hose. He spent nearly three hours dutifully washing both cars (several times), relishing in the task and the prospect of earning "metal money."
After a few hours I logged off, put my computer inside and joined him for a water fight. He loves nothing more than trying to squirt me with the hose while I run to avoid it. Inevitably, he always wins and I always end up getting wet. It didn't take long before I was as soaking wet as him, but hearing him shriek with laughter was worth it.
What started out as a bleak and depressing day actually shaped up to be quite nice. By late morning the clouds lifted and the sun began to shine. The temperatures warmed and invited us to come outside to play. Quarantining during Memorial Day caused us to shift our plans, but we ended up having a surprisingly pleasant day!
We went for a long walk in the afternoon. I honestly can't remember the last time our little family went for a stroll. Timmy was a little chatterbox, pointing out all of the numbers and letters he spied along the way. He is learning by leaps and bounds right now. I'm glad that we are all home to be able to help foster his new discoveries.
In the evening Robby and I escaped through the neighborhood on our bikes. We rode for nearly an hour, just enjoying the weather and chatting. It is hard to believe that he is going to be 14 in a few days. He is growing up so quickly, but I love that he still wants to spend time with me.
I definitely missed my extended family and our traditions, but when push came to shove we ended up having a nice day. I'm hoping that this virus dissipates soon so that we can reunite the Cousin Crew. I know that my boys are chomping at the bit to hang out with their cousins again!
Today is Memorial Day. Typically I would be at my Mom's house, visiting a craft fair and preparing for a cook out. Instead we are at home, sheltering in place. Like every other celebration and holiday in the past few months, this year we are breaking traditions and doing things differently.
Instead of having a picnic with extended family, we will grill burgers in Virginia. We won't be going to a craft fair, and Robby won't be playing with his cousins. With the exception of conference calls being removed from my schedule, today feels very much like every other Monday.
If the weather were nicer we could play outside, but the drizzling rain is keeping us inside. The rain and the cloudy skies are adding further insult to my sullen mood. I know that soon the quarantine will lift and we will begin a new normal. Unfortunately, right now, I am missing our traditions and my extended family.
