““Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” ~Jesse Jackson
I’m sitting in our trailer in a trailer park near our oldest daughter’s apartment. She is just a couple days out of major surgery and so far, is doing a good job of warming her futon and starting the healing process. To give you a visual of oldest daughter, she is tall, has short light brown hair with bright pink highlights, which look especially lovely on her bright blue futon. Shortly, we will join her at her apartment, with square footage not too much bigger than our trailer. We are a cozy group caring for her–her roommate, my husband (the able bodied ones) and her sister and me.
My husband just drove our youngest daughter to her college orientation, which she will be hobbling through on crutches because a little over a week ago, while “long-boarding” she broke her leg (her tibial plateau for those of you versed in anatomy). The tibial plateau is the top of the big lower leg bone that the knee rests on. She wont be able to put weight on it for good while and needs to wear a big ole brace.
*In case you are like I was a couple months ago, having no clue what a long-board is, it looks like a skateboard but longer and thinner. Those who long-board do not put them in the skateboard category even though they look an awful lot like a skateboard. I’m still trying to figure out why this is.
Through both of our daughter’s adventures, my hubby and I managed to take out yearly vacation in the mountains, using our cell phones to stay in contact with daughters and doctors. I am immensely grateful to both of our girls for handling their predicaments incredibly independently so their parents could finish out their vacation. Thanks to their friends and big brother for helping them do so.
My mom who lives many miles from here had surgery two hours before my daughter. If she lived near, I know we’d squeeze into the apartment even tighter, and make room for her. Time to call across the miles for a “how’s mom doing?” update.
Its also time to get ready for the day ahead. Wanted to check in and share the reasons I suddenly disappeared from cyberspace. Miss you my online friends and look forward to checking in soon and seeing how you are. Hope you are taking good gentle care of you…
P.S. When I have time to think and write, this is a good topic for posts on trying to be a caregiver when you are ill yourself, and how to take care of three people who physically challenged at the same time. (I don’t know how J is doing it; but he is coming through again).
“Finding the funny” is an imperative tool when in the midst of overwhelm. We are giggling a lot.
Wow!!!! That a lot to deal with at once!!! I’m glad everyone’s doing OK AND that you managed to get to the Mountains too. Thanks for the update.
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Missed ya, missed ya, MISSED YA!
I have been wondering how things were and am so pleased your daughter is on the mend…..well, both of them!
Hoping that you are keeping some teensy weensy bit of ‘Kerry-time’, and TAKE CARE JOHN! You sound like an A1, tip top star! When you can spare him K, what rent do you charge?
Take care all of you, things will get better….
Zar
xxx
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Kerry,
There are some questions in life which I will allow to dominate my neurons for a while…but the relationship between Skateboards and Longboards is not gonna be one of them!
I though a longboard was somehting surfers had!
Zarla´s last blog ..Dissolving Concrete!
Good grief! so glad everyone is doing okay, but certainly time for things to settle down for you all! Thanks for the update!
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Missed you and wondered how things were going! Wow what a lot going on. Glad you got some “mountain” time and glad to hear everyone’s on the mend. Take care of YOU along with everyone else!!
Wow, you’ve been through so much lately!! So many family emergencies at once. You sound as if you’re coping pretty well. Glad you got to enjoy your vacation at least.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of everyone else!
Sue
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I’ve missed you too. Hope you are holding up ok with all this going on! Wow! It never rains but it pours.
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Lordy, you do have a flair for the dramatic. You must be a very close knit family. You all try to have medical events together, even the nana who lives far away. You might not have the physical stamina to do hands on care but there is nobody who can better understand the frustrating side of recovery. Those young ones have little experience in dealing with a body that is misbehaving. You, my cyber friend, are a seasoned veteran and you can give them the wisdom of your experience. Even if it is not a fun filled time for the gang it is still a time to share and care and that is always a good thing. Take care. Glad you were able to get that time in the mountains.
Here you are! I’ve missed you. I can’t believe how well you’re juggling all that’s going on. Take good care of yourself even as you take care of others. Hugs.
Hi all. We are back home (which seems so big after two weeks in our little trailer). Miss our daughter far away. She is healing up well, but bored as can be having to lay around (familiar to most of us). Our youngest sees her doctor at the end of the week to learn if her leg is mending on course.
As crazy as the past weeks sounded, it was awesome to be together. Stored up some unforgettable memories.
My husband never did get to “let go” and be on vacation. I do hope there is a time when he can truly take a vacation, where there is nothing he has to do but lay on a beach, listen to Jimmy Buffet music (or whatever music he wants to) and now and then be served a margarita, a sandwich, BBQ potato chips, a perfect apple and Oreo cookies.
Hoping for some relatively boring weeks ahead.
It seems we all are having our share of ‘mis’-fortune lately. You sound like you have this incredible family and extended family Kerry. That is so wonderful. I’m will be praying for both of your daughters, your mom and you and hubby as well.
I think you hubby should be put up for the “Husband of the Year” award. He would definitely get my vote.
Love you and miss you!
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Wow-that’s a lot on your plate! I’ll keep your daughter, your mom, and you and your family in my thoughts. I hope you are getting lots of rest and taking good care of yourself also…
Wishing your mom and daughter a speedy healing…