Saturday, June 18, 2022

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2009. Friends went to Hershey Park and came back with this big kiss pillow for Mattie. Mattie wasn't a Hershey fan, as he truly disliked all kinds of chocolate. Even the smell of it made him sick. However, the pillow was a hit, he loved the bean bag texture, and of course was a big fan of the color red. 

I always wanted to take Mattie to the Hershey Amusement Park, as he loved rollercoasters. I figured he would truly enjoy the park, and at the same time my hope was to convince him to check out the chocolate museum with me. It wasn't meant to be and to this day, I have never gone to Hershey Park. Now to me there is no reason. 

Quote of the day: Love is unselfishly choosing for another’s highest good. ~ C.S. Lewis

Peter sent me this photo this morning! In fact it was one of the first things I saw while getting myself ready for the day. This photo was taken a year ago today! We went to South Carolina and that particular day we went on a private kayak tour. It was a great experience and we had a wonderful guide. 

I look at myself in this photo, and I appear much more rested and happy. I feel like I look and feel night and day from that moment in time. It is amazing how things can change in a year. Though I learned with Mattie, life can change on a dime. Within minutes, crisis can unfold. Which is why one has to appreciate good health and living independently when has these gifts!

Here is my usual morning routine (I do this EVERY day without fail):

• making the bed 
• showering and dressing
• making breakfast and vacuuming the first floor
• waking my dad
• showering my dad and dressing him
• helping him downstairs for breakfast
• starting a load of laundry
• cleaning up breakfast
• doing brain games with my dad
• doing physical therapy exercises with my dad

After the usual routine, I then drove to the farmer's market with my mom. I try to get us out and about, because life with my dad is a lot like caring for a baby. He has three modes: eating, sleeping, and the bathroom. I of course try to put this all into context, but it is very upsetting that he has no interests. It is also very isolating! He doesn't want to engage with the world or do anything other than sleep. 

While I was at the farmer's market, Peter was planting roses. There was a flower bed in our backyard that truly was a mess. Things were planted on top of each other and the plants chosen looked like weeds. Peter corrected the problem and now I feel like this pop of color will truly make the yard look botanical!