Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2007. Mattie was five years old. That summer, I enrolled Mattie in group swimming lessons. It was an indoor pool, and the recreational center's policy was that parents were NOT allowed by the pool. We could watch from an observation window upstairs. Which was why I captured this photo at this angle! Overall, I would say that Mattie was very cautious about water and swimming, but he made great strides in this class and I am happy I never missed any of these precious moments.
Quote of the day: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious heat-related illnesses, but heat stroke is far more dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Heat exhaustion is characterized by a core body temperature below 104°F (40°C) and symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and weakness. Heat stroke, on the other hand, involves a core body temperature above 104°F (40°C) and can cause confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even organ damage.
When I think my days can't get worse, I rise to the occasion. As I awoke, I saw that I had a text message from Steve, the fellow who works for my landscape company. Steve helps me with all things outside of the house. Truthfully there is nothing he can't fix. Steve was coming over to fix my backyard gate, which was broken by the mowers about a week ago. Steve had to specialty order hinges for the gate. I literally hopped out of bed and started getting myself together, the cat fed, and my dad medicated with his pain meds. I need to medicate my dad almost two hours before getting him out of bed, otherwise, the process will be excruciating.
Steve arrived at 8:30am, and I went outside to chat with him. He is a multiple trauma survivor and therefore, we literally speak the same language. If you are thinking there is a romantic connection between us.... WRONG! I still wear my wedding ring and in my eyes, and that of the Catholic Church, I am still married. In addition, Steve has a significant other. We do not relate to each other in that way, we relate to each other however, as two people who have had numerous hardships in life, and we can appreciate each other's journey.
I knew exactly what was happening to me because my husband has been a victim of heat exhaustion multiple times. In fact, when we were dating, we went to Sea World in San Diego in the 1990s. While there, we sat under a tree, and Peter literally tipped backwards and passed out. The heat had gotten to him, but typically I do not respond to heat this way. However, I think my body and mind are on overload! I am working around the clock, under a great deal of stress, and then combined with heat, it was the perfect storm.
When I got back in the house, it wasn't like I could lie down and take care of myself. NO! I had to make breakfast and do my morning routine, which also included getting my dad up, showered, dressed, and downstairs. In addition, I had a scheduled bone density scan at the hospital around noon. I made it safely to the hospital and actually took many deep breaths and closed my eyes during the bone scan.
I returned home and I decided to take my parents out for frozen yogurt. I had to see if my dad had the energy outside the house and to see how he ambulated! The manager at our local frozen yogurt store is a love. Her name is Jennifer, and she and I were both born on July 25. She wrote to me on my birthday and I told her my dad was in the hospital. She was thrilled to see us today and gave my dad his yogurt for free. When I left, she came over to me and said MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY! I can't tell you how much that meant to me!
This was today's surprise at my doorstep. My friend Heidi sent me a tea infuser and a whole bunch of wonderful teas! I am very excited to have a infuser and can't wait to start brewing tea tomorrow! I would have to say my two favorite things in the world are tea and sweets! Very grateful for having the best of friends.
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