Sunday, February 26, 2023

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. Believe it or not this photo was taken during the middle of a physical therapy session. Linda (Mattie's child life specialist) was the target of Mattie's nerf gun attack. Anna (Mattie's physical therapist) was encouraging Mattie to use his arms and hands and of course just asking him to do exercises wouldn't work. So she and Linda designed a game to get Mattie motivated and on board with participating. I always said that Anna was a good therapist, but by the time Mattie got through with her she is outstanding. Mattie forced Anna to really think outside the box, and she never disappointed!

Quote of the day: Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone's hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours. ~ Vera Nazarian

Sunny is LOVING the fact that Peter is out doing yard work in the front of the house! Sunny is such a good boy, that even off leash, he knows to stay on our property and not wander away. 

This morning, my friend Ann wanted to come over. We haven't seen each other in a while, and she understands that I have no freedom or flexibility to my daily schedule. Since I knew my parents were both wiped out, I suggested to Ann that we meet at our local Starbuck's which is about five minutes from my home. I never have an hour to myself! So leaving the house for even this short period of time felt special. Getting out means I can be myself, if I know what that is anymore, and I do not have to be on guard and provide constant care!

Ironically my life now, reminds me of the isolation I experienced when Mattie had cancer. My life was regulated by hospital admissions and one medical issue and crisis after the other. Now, though slightly different, there are many similarities. When I explained to my mom this morning that I was going out to meet Ann, I could tell she wasn't happy about this. She wanted to come along and not be left behind. But I said no! 

It is a shame that my mom can't see why I would need this time to myself. Not only doesn't she understand and appreciate this, but after I came back from meeting with Ann. My mom was hostile as well as aloof. Then she asked me.... why I had to meet Ann and what did we have to talk about? My mom's level of paranoia can make me upset at times, and it is very clear that both of my parent's view their own needs first and foremost. 

Normally I meet my parent's every need. But this morning, I decided to do something for myself. After all, while I was away, this is what my parents were doing....... sleeping!

Once I got back from having tea with Ann, I put away all the laundry, started the dishwasher, and then got my dad up to the bathroom and into the car. 

Peter and I take my parent's out to brunch every Sunday. Each Sunday, we see Cheryl (our wonderful server). Cheryl loves to wear pins on her uniform. So for Valentine's Day, I gave her the red heart pin you see on her, and today I gave her a four leaf clover and card. I told her in the card that the four leaf clover is rare, and like the clover, she is one in a million.