Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 -- Mattie died 634 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken on November 19, 2008 (8 days after surgery). Mattie's healthcare team wanted him to do breathing exercises post-surgery. However, the standard exercises did not work for Mattie. He wouldn't do them, so we got creative, such as using funny straws and getting him to suck and blow bubbles. However, Mattie would only do it if I did it first. I was used to this with Mattie, given he did years of occupational therapy as a toddler. Back then, I took an active role in all his sessions and together we learned his exercises and strategies to overcome many of his sensory issues. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 47,969,632
• Number of people who died from the virus: 773,522

Today my dad and I stayed home while my mom got the opportunity to go out to lunch with a friend. Without worrying about my dad and his many issues. I think the human spirit is quite interesting. We can handle so much but without having some freedom and time to ourselves now and then, we truly burn out. 

I spent some time in the kitchen today prepping for Thanksgiving and of course making me and my dad a late lunch. My parents are used to eating one big meal a day, whereas Peter and I eat three times a day. So there will be big adjustments ahead. 

This is a photo of the sweet potato souffles that I put together. They haven't been cooked yet, I wait until Thanksgiving day, but there would be no way to cook all these sides on one day. Or at least not for me!

I worked on homemade stuffing today. I love sourdough bread and to me that type of bread used makes a big difference for the stuffing. I actually made two of them, but only photographed one. I know my parents love the sides, so having extra always goes over well. 

The last time I was in Los Angeles, was April. I have seen a decline in my dad's energy level over these seven months. He does physical therapy and occupational therapy exercises each day. One of the things his physical therapist has him do is to try to walk 15 minutes consecutively each day. He was doing very well with this in March and April. Now not at all. 

In any case, I made us a turkey meatloaf today stuffed with spinach, arugula, carrots, and onions. A big sweet potato and a salad. My dad ate very well, and if you set up his space with all the things he needs (condiments, napkins, salt, vinegar, etc) then he is good to go.