Bobby

 Sometimes a message comes through that changes the fabric of a family. Last week I received such a text. My beloved older cousin Bob- Bobby to his family- suffered a heart attack and suddenly died. I really don't have the words to process this loss.

Bobby was among my first heroes. He was raised by my grandparents so we saw him frequently when we were growing up. We were the loud and excited little kids who infringed on a teenagers space, toys and newly released video games. We thought he was the coolest person ever.

I had a chance to travel with Bobby as an adult. It was fun to redefine our relationship as adult cousins. I went to visit Bobby in Phoenix exactly one month before my foot was crushed. He was my last bi-ped adventure, and I will always cherish those memories.

My heart is broken. My mom's heart is shattered. Bobby held a special place in my heart, but he was her first nephew. Her first experience with the unconditional love that only an adult can feel for a child.  There is so much more I could write, but for now the words lay too heavy.

 

Scott has Covid

 This is definitely the season of the unexpected. 

Scott woke up early Wednesday complaining of a headache. After checking his bp and fever, we decided to run a Covid test. Surprise! He has Covid.

His other bouts with Covid have leaned towards the mild. This time, what Scott is experiencing reminds me more of the flu than a mild cold. He has been knocked down with a fever, cough and general malaise. Perhaps the most frustrating is that his completion of the cardio rehab program has been delayed because he must skip sessions while he is sick.

I know that missing a few sessions is not catastrophic, but it is certainly a frustration. I've been diligent about making sure that everything is on schedule and appropriate to set Scott up for the best chance for recovery from the heart attack. Now stupid Covid infected him and messed up my calendar.  (LOL).

The past 48 hours have been about Covid control and containment. The boys have been staying in the game room (primarily), venturing down to visit with me and to obtain more food. Scott has taken over the bedroom because it is so much cooler than the rest of the house.  I get the living room, which is the only area of the house that struggles to remain cool.  At this point I'll gladly accept the added heat over getting infected by Scott.  

Another day in paradise begins....

 

Cheeseburgers!

 

The cooling zones in this house are bizarre but, in my opinion, amazingly awesome. The heat wave has been oppressive with temperatures rising above 100 degrees. While our living room and upstairs bedrooms hovered around 80 degrees, our back bedroom stayed a comfy and cool 70 (with that unit turned off entirely).  I'm so used to melting and being miserable in the summer. Being comfortable in this heatwave has been amazing!

 When it becomes this hot it is difficult to find anything to do with the boys. If I were totally honest, I'd admit that I'm bored as well.  Yesterday, in an attempt to break up the monotony of the heatwave, we surprised the boys with a trip to their favorite restaurant du jour- Red Robin. The quick outing was exactly what we all needed to brighten up an otherwise sweltering day.  

The heat will persist today and through the week. I'm hoping it breaks enough to be able to explore a local splash pad in the evening.  Fingers crossed!

 

Back at It

 This past weekend has been our most normal since Scott's cardiac event. Yesterday he and I packed up and headed to the mall to sell FlexyFriends while Robby and Timmy stayed home and out of the heat. This was the first time we have been selling together since the event, and Scott's first foray back into the public and some physical work. 

For a few hours at the mall, I forgot that we were now a cardiac family. I recognize this as a milestone because I remember how my amputation was omnipresent at the beginning. Eventually I didn't think about it during every moment of the day. Yesterday I experienced the same when I managed to 'forget' about my heart fears. I'm calling this progress!

The heat is oppressive, so we are staying inside (with the exception of Cardiac Rehab). With the heat index in excess of 110 degrees, I know that the chances of my leg staying in place are minimal. The last thing this family needs is for me to slip out of my leg, fall and get hurt. Between the captive sweat and the heat condensing socket, these temperatures make my amputee life miserable.  

Thank goodness for great a/c. Our unit at our previous home was antiquated and definitely destined for retirement. There is no way that that unit will cool our old home in this heat. We would have been at a hotel or my Mom's house if we were still living in Virginia. We weren't sure about the robustness of the unit at our current home, but I am incredibly impressed with the comfort that is being pumped into these walls. With everything else in the world going crazy, at least I can stay cool. 

Nutrition

 Oh my goodness, this summer's weather has been as miserable as our moods. Between the stagnant air, the grey skies and the constant storms, our yard has turned into an overgrown jungle brimming with bugs and other unsavory critters. It is the end of June and we still haven't had a day nice enough to try out the neighborhood pool. I suppose I shouldn't complain since parts of this state suffered severe flooding.  I know we are lucky but none of us are feeling particularly jovial. 

Yesterday while Scott was in heart rehab I attended a cardio nutrition class. Finally!  After six weeks, I finally found somebody who could provide concrete guidelines for our new diet. I felt feeling empowered with information and a diet plan that is not too far off the way that we ate preheart attack.   

Today is an 'off' day because we don't have any rehab or medical appointments. We are really hoping that the rain holds off so that Timmy and I can launch some rockets. Fingers crossed, because the odds are not in our favor. 

 

I'm Back

 The past few weeks have been difficult. I feel like my life has been turned in a snow globe of medical confusion and chaos. As the pieces start to float into place I am starting to see my way through into a different future than we envisioned, but one that is now our reality. I think I just needed time to process everything. Time to cry alone and mourn our carefree cardiac ignorant lives.  Thank you for returning to read.

Timmy has been basking in his summer vacation. Last week Tiffany took him on his own personal adventure. Dubbed "T and T Adventures," the pair went to Hershey Park, Red Robin and launched fireworks at night. Timmy's excitement and joy was positively radiant. I also must admit that I am so proud of Tiffany for coordinating her first adventure. She did an amazing job! 

Scott is settling into Cardiac Rehab. We are beginning week three and he is becoming stronger by the day. Thank you for your support and prayers.

I'll be back tomorrow!

 

Happy Birthday Robby

 Friday was a big day in our family- it was the day Robby turned 19!  I can't believe he is almost out of his teens. I could not be prouder of the man he that is emerging. Over the past month he has stepped up and helped both care of his dad and the house. Of course, he has always been and will always be a hero to Timmy.

19 years has passed since I first held him, although when I look into his eyes I still see a glint of the little pirate I used to battle with Nerf foam swords. When I think that his official childhood is over I become overwhelmed with sadness. With so much else sparking my tears, I am not going to invite this abyss. Instead, I'm choosing to focus on the amazing adventures that will unfold with my grown-up son. 

Like most holidays this year, Robby's birthday celebration was low-key. I made his requested cake (vanilla) and we took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. He spent the evening playing a video game with Timmy which absolutely delighted Hamlet.  

Today we start the final week of school and the first week of cardiac rehab.  Sigh.  Wish me luck with both!