Last week my Great-Uncle Charlie passed away. He was 91 and lived a full and wonderful life, facts that we are finding solace in as our family grieves. I can't help but smile as I envision Uncle Charlie and my Nan (his sister) reunited again.
In addition to being my grandmother's younger brother, my Uncle Charlie holds a special place in my little family for a very specific reason. He gave Robby his Charlie Cat. It is hard to believe that we adopted that little orange furball nearly a decade ago. My goodness time is moving too fast!
Yesterday I heard from Mr. Bill, who left the neighborhood a year ago to live in Florida. I miss him dearly, but I know that the void is even more profound for Robby. Mr. Bill isn't one for talking on the phone, so our conversations are always concise. Unfortunately, he wasn't calling me with his typical lighthearted banter.
Mr. Bill had a heart attack and underwent a stent replacement surgery. A lump formed in my throat as soon as he told me the news. I could feel the tears start to swell in my eyes as I listened to him recount the experience from feeling pain to ending up in the operating room. I wish that he lived across the street again so that I could check in on him, give him hugs and just help out.
Mr. Bill sounded sad but strong. He promised that he was feeling okay, all things considered, and pledged to take it easy. I hope that he upholds his promise because we still need him in our lives (even if it is from a distance.)
They say that bad things happen in threes, so I am feeling on edge. I don't think I can handle more bad news, so I'm hoping that the adage isn't true!
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, November 20, 2019
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Sick House
I may have one leg and a bum ankle, but right now I am the last one standing in my house. Ironic, isn't it? Not literally of course, but right now I am the only person who has managed to escape the plague that is sweeping through our home.
Robby and Timmy both spent the majority of yesterday feeling icky and nursing fevers. I spent my day running between the two (who were each quarantined in different sections of the house) to try to make them as comfortable as possible. Robby was content to just relax in bed whereas Timmy required considerably more attention and supervision. Needless to say, by the time Scott came home from work I was ready for a break.
One look at Scott trodding up the stairs and I knew that he was sick. He had a fever and a headache, so I tucked him into bed and added him to the patient rotation. Hopefully, everybody will begin to feel better today. Fingers crossed I remain unscathed!
Robby and Timmy both spent the majority of yesterday feeling icky and nursing fevers. I spent my day running between the two (who were each quarantined in different sections of the house) to try to make them as comfortable as possible. Robby was content to just relax in bed whereas Timmy required considerably more attention and supervision. Needless to say, by the time Scott came home from work I was ready for a break.
One look at Scott trodding up the stairs and I knew that he was sick. He had a fever and a headache, so I tucked him into bed and added him to the patient rotation. Hopefully, everybody will begin to feel better today. Fingers crossed I remain unscathed!
Monday, November 18, 2019
Changing Plans
My festive weekend plans didn't quite pan out as I expected. Of course, I should be used to monkey wrenches changing my plans by now. Planning ahead is always iffy, especially when kids are involved.
Timmy wasn't feeling great, which was expected. Although he handles it like a trooper, his infusions always leave him feeling lethargic and uncomfortable. I spent the wee hours of Saturday morning rubbing Timmy's legs to try to relieve the cramping that was causing him to cry. He finally fell asleep, which was a relief for both of us.
Even though he wasn't his normal mischievous self, we were able to take him to see the fireworks on Saturday night. Because of the cold and his fatigue, we ended up watching them from the car. Timmy was awestruck by the magical display in the sky. The view was fantastic, and we were able to stay warm. It was definitely a win-win for everybody.
Sunday morning was spent at the walk-in medical clinic with Robby. My Koopa woke up with a high fever and a sore throat. By the time we returned home Timmy was on the couch, complaining of a headache. Both kids were sick and dealing with fevers.
Going to the display walk was immediately nixed, but thankfully I was able to find a recipient for the tickets. I felt good knowing that our tickets were going to good use, even though we were disappointed to not be able to attend ourselves. Hopefully, everybody will be on the mend soon so we can try to regain our holiday spirit!
Timmy wasn't feeling great, which was expected. Although he handles it like a trooper, his infusions always leave him feeling lethargic and uncomfortable. I spent the wee hours of Saturday morning rubbing Timmy's legs to try to relieve the cramping that was causing him to cry. He finally fell asleep, which was a relief for both of us.
Even though he wasn't his normal mischievous self, we were able to take him to see the fireworks on Saturday night. Because of the cold and his fatigue, we ended up watching them from the car. Timmy was awestruck by the magical display in the sky. The view was fantastic, and we were able to stay warm. It was definitely a win-win for everybody.
Sunday morning was spent at the walk-in medical clinic with Robby. My Koopa woke up with a high fever and a sore throat. By the time we returned home Timmy was on the couch, complaining of a headache. Both kids were sick and dealing with fevers.
Going to the display walk was immediately nixed, but thankfully I was able to find a recipient for the tickets. I felt good knowing that our tickets were going to good use, even though we were disappointed to not be able to attend ourselves. Hopefully, everybody will be on the mend soon so we can try to regain our holiday spirit!
Friday, November 15, 2019
Art Class
I'm glad that I spent the past two days relaxing by the fire. I thoroughly enjoyed just sitting by the fire, watching Christmas movies with Timmy and not worrying about work. Today I am back to reality, and back on the go.
Timmy has another treatment today, so our morning will be spent at our local Children's Hospital. He handled it like a champion in the past and I expect no complications today. I hate seeing him endure these issues but compared to what "could be," he is incredibly fortunate.
As a reward for being such a good boy (my optimism in action), I have signed up Timmy for a one-day art class at Robby's school. This afternoon, after we are done with his infusion, we will drive straight to Robby's school for Timmy's highly anticipated class. My little Hamlet has been talking non-stop about going to art class and I am certain that the activity will trump the discomfort he experienced in the morning.
I hate Timmy's infusion day, but this morning we are instead focusing on the art class. I can't wait to see what my little artist creates!
Timmy has another treatment today, so our morning will be spent at our local Children's Hospital. He handled it like a champion in the past and I expect no complications today. I hate seeing him endure these issues but compared to what "could be," he is incredibly fortunate.
As a reward for being such a good boy (my optimism in action), I have signed up Timmy for a one-day art class at Robby's school. This afternoon, after we are done with his infusion, we will drive straight to Robby's school for Timmy's highly anticipated class. My little Hamlet has been talking non-stop about going to art class and I am certain that the activity will trump the discomfort he experienced in the morning.
I hate Timmy's infusion day, but this morning we are instead focusing on the art class. I can't wait to see what my little artist creates!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Mom Guilt
Despite being three weeks since I took my tumble, my ankle is still sore. Although omnipresent, the pain intensity is waning. I am still acutely aware of the injury, but each step is not as tender as it was just a few days ago. I am frustrated that it is taking so long, but I am coming to accept that it takes longer to heal after 40.
Logically, I should not need an excuse to relax and enjoy sedentary activities. I am so used to always moving that I have started to feel guilty for slowing down. I have thoroughly enjoyed just watching Christmas movies by the fire. My motivation to be constantly in motion has been weakening with each passing afternoon.
Timmy has been content to play indoor games and hasn't been chomping at the bit for an adventure. He isn't sick, but I don't think he feels fantastic. Perhaps we are all overdue for a break.
In moments when I feel twinges of guilt for not being outside running with Timmy, or for not scrubbing and cleaning the house, I remind myself that taking it easy is helping my ankle heal. I wish that I didn't feel guilty for slowing down and relaxing! Maybe if I do it more often, I won't feel as guilty?
Logically, I should not need an excuse to relax and enjoy sedentary activities. I am so used to always moving that I have started to feel guilty for slowing down. I have thoroughly enjoyed just watching Christmas movies by the fire. My motivation to be constantly in motion has been weakening with each passing afternoon.
Timmy has been content to play indoor games and hasn't been chomping at the bit for an adventure. He isn't sick, but I don't think he feels fantastic. Perhaps we are all overdue for a break.
In moments when I feel twinges of guilt for not being outside running with Timmy, or for not scrubbing and cleaning the house, I remind myself that taking it easy is helping my ankle heal. I wish that I didn't feel guilty for slowing down and relaxing! Maybe if I do it more often, I won't feel as guilty?
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Vacation
All of a sudden it has become wickedly cold. After the unyielding heat of summer and most of the autumn, the strong cold snap is a welcome change. There is something lovely and cathartic about curling up next to a roaring fire all day. All of my obligations and chores remain, but everything seems to feel more relaxed and comforting when I'm sitting next to a warm and crackling fire.
Robby spent the majority of the day tackling schoolwork. Determined to get ahead in his studies so that he can take Thanksgiving week off, he has double-downed on his efforts. I am so incredibly proud of his diligence when it comes to his studies!
Timmy was equally calmed by the fire and was content to spend the day playing games and working on his letters. With my sidekick happy and busy playing alone, I could have used the time to tackle some much overdue housework. Instead, I opted to watch a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. My new job starts in a few weeks, so I am justifying my relaxation by reframing it as a vacation. Things will become hectic in January, so I might as well relax and enjoy the season while I can.
Robby spent the majority of the day tackling schoolwork. Determined to get ahead in his studies so that he can take Thanksgiving week off, he has double-downed on his efforts. I am so incredibly proud of his diligence when it comes to his studies!
Timmy was equally calmed by the fire and was content to spend the day playing games and working on his letters. With my sidekick happy and busy playing alone, I could have used the time to tackle some much overdue housework. Instead, I opted to watch a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. My new job starts in a few weeks, so I am justifying my relaxation by reframing it as a vacation. Things will become hectic in January, so I might as well relax and enjoy the season while I can.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Weekend Frustrations
Scott and I had been planning to spend our three-day weekend outside, tackling the overwhelming number of leaves in our yard. We were both excited when the forecast looked favorable for us to conquer our mission, and we had prepped both boys to spend a great deal of time outside working and helping. While yard work isn't an ideal activity for most kids, both boys seemed amicable to the idea.
We woke up Saturday morning ready to work. After reviewing our job list over breakfast we bundled up and headed outside. We were moving like a well-oiled machine, with each family member dutifully beginning their assigned chore. We didn't realize that our progress had peaked during those initial moments.
Instead of conquering our leaves, we were dealt with a stream of frustrating disappointments that stalled our progress and derailed our plans. While the boys started to rake out the flowerbeds, Scott and I began the task of assembling our new electric log splitter. I love my husband dearly and we are compatible in so many ways. Unfortunately, product assembly is not one of them! After scrapping and arguing over the directions for over an hour, we finally managed to complete the "simple" assemble our new log splitter.
We fired it up and prepared to split some of our firewood. It didn't take long to realize that the splitter was not what we needed for our job. The machine struggled to split even the smallest log. After fumbling and trying for another hour, we agreed that a 5-ton splitter was not strong enough. We disassembled the machine, packed it back into the box and returned it to the store. The entire fiasco ate away at most of our afternoon.
Sunday Scott hopped onto the lawnmower, ready to mulch and bag the leaves that were carpeting our lawn. The mower wouldn't start. We jumped the battery and got it to rev. It was then that we discovered that the steering wheel had no impact on the wheels. Somehow the entire steering mechanism had broken. At that point, we both wanted to cry.
Without the ability to mulch and bag our leaves, we couldn't tackle our leaves. Instead, we decided to assemble and try the 10-ton hydraulic log splitter. Thankfully the machine was easy to assemble, but my goodness it is exhausting to use. In order to split a log, the levers must be manually moved back and forth. It takes a lot of energy to break through a log, even with the benefit of hydraulic assistance.
My arms are sore and tired. I don't have a lot of upper body strength but what I do have I spent yesterday trying to split those logs. After a frustrating weekend of nothing going right, I'm looking forward to the monotony of the week. Hopefully, we won't have any surprises!
We woke up Saturday morning ready to work. After reviewing our job list over breakfast we bundled up and headed outside. We were moving like a well-oiled machine, with each family member dutifully beginning their assigned chore. We didn't realize that our progress had peaked during those initial moments.
Instead of conquering our leaves, we were dealt with a stream of frustrating disappointments that stalled our progress and derailed our plans. While the boys started to rake out the flowerbeds, Scott and I began the task of assembling our new electric log splitter. I love my husband dearly and we are compatible in so many ways. Unfortunately, product assembly is not one of them! After scrapping and arguing over the directions for over an hour, we finally managed to complete the "simple" assemble our new log splitter.
We fired it up and prepared to split some of our firewood. It didn't take long to realize that the splitter was not what we needed for our job. The machine struggled to split even the smallest log. After fumbling and trying for another hour, we agreed that a 5-ton splitter was not strong enough. We disassembled the machine, packed it back into the box and returned it to the store. The entire fiasco ate away at most of our afternoon.
Sunday Scott hopped onto the lawnmower, ready to mulch and bag the leaves that were carpeting our lawn. The mower wouldn't start. We jumped the battery and got it to rev. It was then that we discovered that the steering wheel had no impact on the wheels. Somehow the entire steering mechanism had broken. At that point, we both wanted to cry.
Without the ability to mulch and bag our leaves, we couldn't tackle our leaves. Instead, we decided to assemble and try the 10-ton hydraulic log splitter. Thankfully the machine was easy to assemble, but my goodness it is exhausting to use. In order to split a log, the levers must be manually moved back and forth. It takes a lot of energy to break through a log, even with the benefit of hydraulic assistance.
My arms are sore and tired. I don't have a lot of upper body strength but what I do have I spent yesterday trying to split those logs. After a frustrating weekend of nothing going right, I'm looking forward to the monotony of the week. Hopefully, we won't have any surprises!
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