Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2007. That week we visited Key West, FL with Mattie's grandparents. Along our journey we stopped at this little aquarium. We were lucky enough to take part in a hands-on program conducted by a naturalist. Mattie LOVED hands-on activities and though the opportunity to touch a baby shark was in front of us, in typical Mattie fashion, he had me try the experience first. If I was okay with it, then he would deem it safe for him to give it a try. Mattie and I were a tag team extraordinaire! Now keep in mind that touching a baby shark would not normally be something I would do, but with Mattie my comfort zone was pushed beyond the norm.
Quote of the day: The way I see it, hard times aren't only about money, or drought, or dust. Hard times are about losing spirit, and hope, and what happens when dreams dry up. ~ Karen Hesse
Today maybe the first day that my nasal passages did not smell like cigarettes all day. It has been a month of various health struggles for me. When I saw my doctor on Thursday, he enlightened me that I burned my nasal passages from inhaling cleaning chemicals that I used during the Norovirus disaster in my house. I honestly thought I was never going to be able to smell again. But the doctor is right.... it takes time to heal. I am seeing progress!
It was a day of non-stop cleanup of my dad, which made it challenging considering he had a physical therapy session this morning. After his session was over, and he was relaxing in his recliner, I encouraged my mom to take a walk. She has wanted to walk the neighborhood for a while now, and though I would like to do this with her, I can't leave my dad alone. So I got her down the driveway (which is hilly) and away she went. She was thrilled to get outside, to be in the sunshine and walk. Typically I would be hesitant to let her walk by herself, but since there is no snow on the ground, it was a beautiful day, and she knows the loop she does with her physical therapist, I figured it was important to empower her to do this. She was thrilled!
While my mom was walking, the house was quiet. It gave me the time to read and review a research paper. I am grateful to be a part of a research team that is working on the implementation of the Psychosocial Standards of Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families. So far this team has successfully published three papers and we have three more in the making. Honestly when my parents are home and watching TV, I can't focus or concentrate on a thing. But with the house quiet today, I was very productive and reviewed the entire paper and supplied commentary. It was a great feeling!
Later this afternoon, I forced myself outside and into the backyard. I have a big winter clean up to do, which I started the other day. Today I swept up leaves, branches, and debris all over our stone patio. Believe it or not that alone took me 90 minutes. About a week ago, I wondered whether I would have the energy to do clean up and eventually planting for the spring, but today illustrated to me that.... yes I have the energy and being outside is therapeutic for me.
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