Yes, it's been a while, but to tell you the truth I just didn't know what to write. Not to mention I've had a little "put on a happy face" burn-out happening lately. But as usual, just when I'm starting to get bummed, Dad has a way of pulling through and helping me see the bright side again. So here's what happened:
This afternoon, after I put him back in bed, I was taking his shoes off...and low and behold, he farted. Like, loud. Now, if you had asked me when I was 13, whether I thought there would ever come a time in life when farting was not funny, I would have undoubtedly responded, "Are you crazy? Farting will ALWAYS be funny." Like a universal truth, a law of nature. And yet, here I was, continuing on, removing his shoes and braces like nothing had happened. Amazingly, not funny. And then he started breathing all weird. So of course I immediately looked up to see if something was wrong. His mouth was all contorted, like was trying to hold something in, and breathing hard, like panting. At first I thought he was trying to cough, or maybe was having trouble breathing...and then I realized...he was laughing. It sounds really stupid, but it totally took me by surprise! In the past 4 months, I swear to you I have not heard anything like this from him. Smiles here and there, yes; but this time he was totally laughing. And then, he farted again and we both started cracking up. Absolutely the highlight of my week.
And so, here I am sharing this totally inappropriate story of his appropriate laughter with his esteemed colleagues (past and present), family, friends, friends of friends, and probably more, and more than likely if he were, shall we say, more conscious and reading this he would be absolutely livid with me. But there you have it, I thought it was relevant :)
In other news, Mom and I have gotten into a nice routine of caring for him, which will be promptly destroyed when Mom returns to work full time in 2 days...but we're ready for another adjustment period. One of the more frequently muttered phrases of late: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Oh and we can't forget: "Woah, that's expensive. Eh it's ok, I'll just sell a kidney." But we're hanging in there and Dad is doing great at home, so it's all worth it. Will update again soon!
Side note for those of you who may be concerned; there was a Peace Corps Volunteer shot and killed in Lesotho during a mugging in the capitol this weekend. We spoke with Grant this morning and although he is obviously very shaken and saddened (the volunteers are a very tight knit community), he is safe and is doing alright. Our thoughts are with the volunteer's family and friends, as well as the entire PC Lesotho community.
This blog was a breath of fresh air! ;^)
ReplyDeleteBrian B
Allie, I can totally relate to getting tired of the whole "put on a happy face" routine. It's the hardest thing you will do in your lifetime, no doubt about it, and it's hard for others to know how truly difficult it is. He's making progress; it's just hard to see when you're mired in the day-to-day care activities. I'm thinking of you guys all the time. Not that that particularly helps...
ReplyDeleteAllie that is hilarious - I laughed out loud. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about what happened in Lesotho
Allie, you will look back on this time and wonder how you ever did it. This blog has shown what a gift you have with words. No wonder your Dad talked about you so much! He thinks you are awesome, but I don't think he knows the half of it. Hope you can take a little time for yourself every now and then. Praying for all of you daily.
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