It's been great having my niece and nephew here from Jamaica this week. Their big sis, who now lives in New York City, has been taking them around, showing them the sights. They're easy to have; they don't emerge from their rooms till noon, and rather appreciate that I don't have an issue with that. If I don't happen to be in the kitchen when they're ready for breakfast, they get out the frozen waffles and the fresh strawberries themselves, the maple syrup and the whipped cream, and they build their preferred concoctions using said ingredients.
I suspect their breakfast at home is rather healthier fare that store-bought frozen waffles, but hey, I'm the aunt, this what they said they wanted. One week won't hurt them. They spend inordinate amounts of time staring at their phone screens, and I don't complain about that either. They look up enough to engage in conversation about all manner of subjects. They're both brilliant students, aces in school, and opinionated, like the rest of the family. Being bright, opinionated and analytical are fine foundations for scintillating exchanges of the mind. I love getting their take on the world.
My daughter is taking them to Smorgasbord in Brooklyn today. That's an outdoor food festival with vendors selling all manner of exotic fare. My nephew in particular is a budding foodie, and will enjoy himself tremendously. His sister will go along.
I haven't written about my husband's progress. Yesterday everything seemed to be going backwards. He is not better. He has grown quiet. We will see what the new week brings.
Such mixed news. I'm here. Here's my hand. As always.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I am going to need to travel soon to my aunt's funeral, but i don't know if i can leave him. Thanks for being here. I feel your presence and your love.
DeleteI do hope something works out for your travel and your husband. It takes so little to tip recovery over into relapse. He will have to rest and start over, maybe.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be an aunt or grandmother, and not the mother for a change, isn't it?
jenny_o, maybe you're right, more rest, starting over, yes. xo
DeleteI'm so sorry your husband is still suffering. I know terrible and wearing constant pain can be. I still haven't recovered from wrist surgery nearly 3 months ago and have been diagnosed last week with CRPS. It's scary when we can't just power through pain. I pray his setback is temporary. Much love.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Barbara
Barbara, I'm sorry you're suffering with your wrist after 3 months. that must be awful! Thank you for mentioning CRPS, though I hate that you are suffering from it. I had never heard of it, and I wonder if my husband's case might be complicated by it. Where is Dr. House when you need him? Feel better, friend. Sending love.
DeleteI just saw Smorgasbord featured on Urbanist! Rain drop cake-looks enticing! I am so sad to hear that your husband is not feeling one hundred percent...again, In my mind I had him all better and raring to take on the lions!
ReplyDeleteLinda Sue, they do it every weekend for most of the summer. It's quite a feast!
DeleteI am so sorry your husband is no longer improving. It just makes a person want to reach in there and FIX IT.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Allison. I wish that too.
DeleteI can't imagine the frustration you and your husband are going through. I'm holding space for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Birdie. xo
DeleteI am so sad to hear your husband s not feeling better. Do you know what is causing his continual pain? It sounds like more than his back going out. Is he at least able to take painkillers? With the state of our country I cannot imagine how you are dealing. I'm sure that your truly lovely family helps a lot. What can I do for you?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. We are continuing the investigation into causes and healing. Hold a good thought. xo
DeleteThat is some breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read about your husband's pain. I can relate very much. It is only now, seven months past spine surgery that I am beginning to feel confident about my back and the occasional pain (fingers crossed).
I hope he gets all the care he needs.
The thing I learned is that if there is no fracture and no obvious medical evidence of other serious damage, movement is an absolute must, even if it hurts, especially if it hurts. Obviously, with the help of a physio or osteopath to do it properly. But anything to avoid muscles getting weaker and developing faulty relieving postures. I am now a back exercise fanatic and my family watches in disbelief when I walk my 2000 steps around the garden in the rain before breakfast. Often in pain, but many mornings I walked that pain away.
Sabine, he had an MRI today, and yesterday he started PT. He sees a spine doctor next week. Hopefully all will be sussed out and fixed. In the meantime, I so appreciate your empathy and wisdom. xo
DeleteSo sorry to read that your husband is not better. I sure hope things improve there for him. Hope your extended family enjoys their time there in every yummy way!
ReplyDeleterobin andrea, the kids left this morning to return home, but i think they had a good time! they said so anyway. xo
DeleteLovely to have your niece and nephew with you. Sounds like they are enjoying NYC. I can't believe your husband's pain continues. This is so hard. Can he see a new specialist? I believe most, if not all, health insurance policies allow for a second opinion. Plus, the fact that this health problem seems to continue unresolved is unacceptable. Nobody should endure such pain. My thoughts are with you, Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. He is seeing a spine specialist next week, had an MRI today, and has begun PT. Hopefully all will be revealed and repaired. Thanks for your concern and good thoughts. xo
DeleteI'm glad you're enjoying your time with the family. It amazes me how much time kids can spend on their phones! But at least your niece and nephew are conversing, too! I'm sorry your husband isn't better. Is it possible for him to go back to the doctor, or get a referral to another one for a second opinion?
ReplyDeleteSteve, we are on a merry go round of doctors visits and diagnostics so i expect we will have an answer soon. don't want to jinx anything, but despite the fact that he as in hellish pain after physical therapy yesterday, with continuous spasms for hours, today he has had no spasms, and seems somehow brighter. Thanks for your concern. xo
DeleteJust checking in since I'm thing about you. I'm hoping you have some news about your man and you're doing ok. I care about you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a mixture of love and beauty and pain. Your photos make it all so real. Good to know that you and your husband are taking all the constructive actions you can to find relief for him. Hope there has been relief for him in the days since you last commented on the 29th. Good food prepared lovingly can be such a simple and sustaining joy. Sending love.
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