Saturday, February 4, 2023

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2006. Mattie was almost four years old and this was a typical weekend. We kept Mattie busy, because he preferred it that way. Mattie was all about building, creating, and playing with his creations. Of course, he always wanted a side kick. I played that role by the weekday, but on the weekends, Mattie and Peter teamed up and had many adventures together. 

Quote of the day: Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create. ~ Roy T. Bennet

Last Saturday, while assisting my dad, I hit my left rib cage against a wooden booth at a restaurant. The pain lingered for about two days and then went away. Today, the pain is back, with persistent aching and throbbing. Typically I would just ignore it, but on top of everything else I am dealing with, it seems to be pronounced and a nuisance. 

It was a typical day here with the usual morning routine. However, it is absolutely frigid out, so I did not take my mom to the farmer's market. Something we always do on Saturdays! Instead we went out for a late brunch. Though freezing, I find that going out in the only way that will keep my dad physically moving and somewhat engaged. It is a sad commentary that he doesn't eat well when at home. He prefers going out and this is still the first question he asks me every morning when I wake him up..... "are we going out to eat today?"

Taking my parents out is not easy. It involves multiple coats, one being a battery powered heated vest for each of them, hot hands for their pockets, and a bag filled with items that my dad may need while out. They both need a lot of support and throughout an entire meal like today, my dad did not even say two words. He looks out of it most of the time and it takes a lot of energy for me to carry a conversation, order for them, manage the bathroom routine, and interface with our servers and the managers who we have gotten to know. I am grateful for these individuals because some weeks they are the only rational people I talk with all week.  

It is 6pm, and I am worn out. I am headed to get into pajamas, have hot tea, and hopefully sit on the couch, until the next need or demand arises.