Saturday, May 6, 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009. This image was ironed onto a white cape. This cape was designed for Mattie by his art therapists. The cape was meant to be worn at the Mattie March, an event Mattie's support community planned for him. Mattie's therapists captured his image from a photo we took of him at the circus. Mattie thought this 'Super Mattie' cape was fantastic and throughout Mattie's cancer journey, art and creating were incredibly positive outlets for all of us. 

Quote of the day: Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity. ~ Sean Stephenson

This morning, after I brought my dad downstairs to have breakfast, the doorbell rang. I looked at my watch. It was before 10am, so I knew it wasn't my dad's physical therapist, who was coming at 11am. I left my dad at the breakfast table and went to the door. At the door, I found a neighbor of mine. She was worried that she hadn't seen me out and about for a while and wanted to check on me. I invited her inside, and we chatted together while we were having breakfast.

Before my parents moved in, I lived in this house for four months. During those four months, I went outside and walked Sunny daily. I had a far more active and social life. I am grateful for my two neighbors who do visit with us, and have some understanding for my situation and isolation. While my neighbor was talking to me, my dad was writing and passing me notes. On the notes it said.... WHO IS THIS WOMAN?! Mind you I told him constantly that this was our neighbor, who he has met many times before. Nothing sticks with him! The reason my dad was passing the notes to me was because this was his way of saying...... she's disrupting his morning routine and doesn't want to hear the talking!  

Dealing with my dad is like working with a child. The focus must constantly be on him and his needs. The rest of the world is blocked out. Which is why it is virtually impossible for me to have a social life. I tried having friends over and honestly it is such a juggling act, I am more frazzled than if I stayed alone. But that said, I enjoyed interacting with another human being today and I love my dad's physical therapist. She brought me a home made pop over that she bought at the farmer's market today. I thought that was so kind to be thinking of me on a Saturday morning. 

I wish I could share just how beautiful our backyard is this spring! Peter has been tending to trees, shrubs, and plants throughout the winter and early spring. His nurturing, feeding, and plantings are simply stunning. The backyard looks like a botanical garden. 

I walked my neighbor through the backyard today and she thought it was breathtaking. I am so glad that Peter has this outlet, especially when he was looking for a new job. I think between caregiving stress and not having a job, there was inordinate pressure. 

It is amazing what his therapeutic outlook has produced. It is a gift to all of us.