Monday, July 3, 2023

Monday, July 3, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken on July 4th weekend in 2009. We worked hard to make this local trip away happen. We had to get the okay from Mattie's oncologist, because by that point Mattie's physical and emotional health were fragile. We went with a group of friends. As you can see, Mattie did not want his photo taken. This was a very difficult trip. Mattie may have been calm and cordial when others were around, but Mattie needed several breaks away from people and when we were with him alone in the hotel room, he literally had one meltdown after the other. It was just too hard for him to see other kids healthy, able to walk, and have fun. Whereas, he was confined to a wheelchair, bald, had a low energy level, and basically felt ill. In other words, Mattie didn't see himself as a child but as a child who had cancer.  I can still recall how I felt that weekend absorbing Mattie's feelings, how hurt he was, and how depressed I felt.

 

Quote of the day: Hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity. ~ Coco Chanel

In preparation for our July 4th BBQ, I started putting platters of things together. To me watermelon is an Independence Day tradition. In any case, this is a fruit my dad LOVES, so needless to say it was definitely going to be on the menu. 

I spent two hours this morning cleaning fresh shrimp. I had to pull off shells, legs, and devein them! What a labor. My goal is to make shrimp skewers tomorrow. So I pre-cooked mushrooms and peppers (to help them cook through better when grilled) and them are marinading overnight, in a separate bag from the shrimp. Here is the recipe!

Meanwhile, our pool had an issue and the only way to fix it was with a scuba guy. Evan came over today and was giving us a thumbs up from under the water. I am telling you, some days I think I run a three ring circus. 

After several hours of food prep, I took my parents out to eat! What an ordeal. My dad had to go to the bathroom twice, and the last time was a disaster. I did not get him there soon enough and he pooped all over himself, his clothes, the bathroom floor, the toilet, etc! Fortunately I come armed with a tote bag filled with things to manage my dad and his situation. But I assure you, when already tired, coping with my dad's irritable bowel syndrome on top of dementia is a diabolical combination. 

I end tonight's posting with the first rubrum lily bloom of the season! It is gigantic!