As last week approached, all I could do was pray that it would be a success…and that I would survive it. It didn’t start off well, with the news that our little D’Lo had relapsed – the UA indicating that his little kidneys weren’t doing their job again. I had difficultly hearing this news, and was frustrated at the thought of him having to go back onto Prednisone after nearly six months on it already. The long term side effects scare the mess out of me, and the short term side effects leave him grumpy, moody, and sleepless – AWESOME traits in a four-year-old!
Monday, I had my first math test in almost a quarter century (YIKES!) and I don’t know if the math test scared me more…or admitting that I’m that old. My sister and I had studied diligently but we were both apprehensive about the testing process. I’m glad I have her as a partner on my path to Nursing.
Tuesday was my oldest child’s seventeenth birthday – yet another clear indication of my age. It wasn’t much of a celebration since school and track practice had him too wiped out to go to Applebees that evening. I am so grateful to have had these seventeen years with him, and he is SO quickly becoming a man. Tuesday was also DeeDee’s pre-op appointment for her eyelid surgery that was to take place the following day.
Wednesday’s surgery with her went well but between sitting with her in pre-op and sitting with her in recovery, I didn’t have much time to study. One of the highlights of that day was when DeeDee, still drugged up from surgery, gently caressed her nurse’s face and lovingly stated “I will never forget you.”– the other highlight was discovering (much to my surprise) that I had earned an “A” on that math test, when I got to class that evening.
Thursday brought with it another surgery (Dev – personal), another chance to get hardly any studying done during another pre-op, another recovery room, and another child making silly, drug-induced statements. This particular child apparently thinks she is British while under the influence, commenting in a very thick accent while sipping on chicken broth “Oh, this is bloody hot!” Her surgery was a little more invasive than her sister’s, requiring more pain management and TLC. She’s actually still having some difficulty and hasn’t returned to school yet, and I’m actually still having difficulty finding time to study.
Friday finally arrived and brought with it two little boys who have never been without their mother’s full attention this long…ever. So after getting Tony off to work, Boo Boo and DeeDee off to school, and Dev comfortable at home, we decided to go on an adventure. To the Kid’s Club we went (think McDonald’s Playland times 100 – Oh Lord, please not more math) for a few hours of climbing, sliding, dancing, and playing.
Saturday was Boo Boo’s dream come true, first opportunity to run on a University track in front of very important people. The Invitational at the U of O (his favorite college, BTW) only takes the top one athlete in each event, and he was running in three events! Ultimately, and due to a strain in his hip, they put his alternate into his leg of the relay. The same hip injury cost him first place in his 110 hurdles event and took him out of competition for the 300 hurdles. Very disappointing, indeed.
These are all the things I wanted to share with you on Sunday…but I was too tired to write a post. This week has been a little easier, but still the blessed chaos you expect to find in the Sparrow’s Nest. I am busy studying, writing papers, and being a wife and mommy. I am waiting for the any-day-now arrival of my niece/granddaughter, Ari – my husband’s sister, Shade (who we raised), will be a new mommy VERY soon! Also coming up is the return of Star, my husband’s youngest sister, who will be coming back to live with us in May.
In the meantime – my house is a mess, I’m loading up on vitamins, fighting for a little sleep, and relying on prayer – mine AND yours!
Oh, and no pictures to post with this one – I haven’t had time to take any…
Speaking from experience, the first semester is always the hardest, but it does become more routine (not necessarily easier). Congrats on the math test and praying everyone is recovering well.
IIIIIIIII’MMMMMMMMM BAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! lol ;0
Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time, Donna. Congrats on making it through so far and doing it all well, too! You will amaze yourself–you CAN do it all!