Category: Milestones

The KAT-Walk 2009

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It was a stunning day out and a stunning location along the Back Cove of Portland, where Kim spent a lot of time walking. Today was the first KAT-Walk for Brain Aneurysm Awareness. Dave and I got there very early for set up. Several tents, flags, signs and tables needed to be assembled. One tent for Dress For Success, one tent for Registration, one tent for the water and cheese that was donated, one tent for The Brain Aneurysm Foundation and a banner/tent that Dave made for our Starting Line. Then we had to post the many, many sneaker signs that Dave made. Among other things. Everyone was very impressed.

Almost 200 people showed up for the walk. Many others stopped to make a donation, but didn’t attend the walk. I’d have to say what we lacked in quantity for the walk, we made up for with quality. Salt-of-the earth people with compassion and caring in their hearts. Kim was definitely looking down on us. Approx. $2,500 was donated just today and there is more online and in the mail that we’re aware of. I’m now hearing well over $5,000 has been raised so far.

Kim’s dog, her pug Bella, lead the walk. Dave informed me after a few steps that he wasn’t participating with the walk, so I continued on by myself. Nancy couldn’t do the walk either because of her hip surgery last summer. So I plugged on and met up with one of Kim’s dear friends, Angel and she had a bad ankle, so we kept a slower pace, but made the entire 3+ mile walk and crossed the finish line in a little over an hour very
sore, but proud of ourselves. I’m sure a lot of people in that city walk, bikemor run that trail on a daily basis, but I don’t, so I was beat.

Everyone helped tear things down, which was a HUGE help, then there was a small reception over at a pub/restaurant at a golf course that Nancy always goes out to. Everyone agreed it was a good day and everyone agreed Kim would have been very pleased.

The woman, Ginny, from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation brought some great things to hand out and raise awarenessmfor the symptoms of aneurysms and the kinds of treatments. Magnets, fliers, brochures, key chains, pens and even DVDs. We were VERY pleased to see manympeople stopping at the booth and speaking with her. I had a short chat with hermabout my own experience with my annie and Dori and Rhonda, she agreed with me that you two should be check out given our family history with Debbie, Tim’s and my aneurysm. Of course, I now worry about Dave and Nancy too!

I took my camera, but never pulled itmout. There were many people taking photos and the sister-in law of one of the planners is a professional photographer and donated her time and services to take photos the entire day. I can’t wait to see her photos. I think she’ll have some really great shots.

We’re both exhausted, but it was worth it. I ate two brownies with a tall glass of milk when I got home and had an Ibuprofen chaser and a long soak in the tub.

I think Kim was looking down on us and smiling and telling God “See those signs? My Uncle Dave made those.”. It felt good to DO good in her honor.

Clean Up on Aisle Four

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I went Christmas shopping this past week. That’s not so unusual. But the last two years since my rupture, I’ve done the majority, if not all, my Christmas shopping online as stores just bother me too much.

I decided to take a chance and save on some shipping and time and go to two stores (Target and Barnes & Noble). I took my time and after six hours and THREE stores, I was home. I didn’t even eat lunch (bad Heidi!) I still had some issue with over-stimulation in some aisles, but once I just got into the rhythm of very deliberately looking at one item, registering it in my brain, the moving on, it went very well. I was by myself, so I didn’t feel any pressure to hurry up or move along and that was the key. I could take my sweet old time and go through one aisle as many times as I wanted to.

Going into Michael’s Craft store was a huge hurdle. The first time I went into that store after my rupture, it was awful. The aisles are very narrow and they’re packed floor to ceiling with oodles of items. I’ve been in a couple of times since and this time it wasn’t too bad. I think I went through the store four times, so getting the lay of the land, as it were, helped.

So, for those of you having problems in stores, it will get better. I rested before I went shopping and made sure I ate a good breakfast. If I try to shop after working all day, it’s usually very, very tiring and disruptive on my brain and eyes. Too much stimulation with colors, shapes and text.

I was pleased after visiting three stores and not having any lunch with how I felt when i got home. The lunch thing wasn’t good, but I was on a roll. I was VERY tired the next day, but not in pain…just dopey. I’ve always taken a day off work in December to go Christmas shopping. I actually enjoy it. Listening to carols and looking at all of the pretty decorations and buying things I know will make my family and friends smile. I still enjoy shopping online better (no parking or lousy sales people to deal with) but for Christmas this is an “outing” for me and I was glad I finally was able to get out there and do it again.

I’m reminded of my post from December, 2006 when just wrapping presents exhausted and frustrated me. I’ve come a long way baby! Merry Christmas!

2-Year Annie-Versary Today

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Two years ago, my life changed. Thankfully, it changed in a way that allowed me to still be here.

It’s a lovely Fall day here in Maine, just as it was in 2006. But instead of being awakened with horrific pain, I heard a chipmunk chirping outside my window, my Maine man getting his morning coffee and my kitty cats flitting about the house waiting to be fed. Yes, this morning was far better.

Last night I treated Dave to a wonderful dinner at The Village Inn here in Belgrade. I ordered a split (small bottle) of champagne and we toasted to being alive. I wanted to pay for it to thank him for everything he’s done, and continues to do, for me. He was at the hospital EVERY day I was there. He drove down at 2:00 a.m. one morning after having just left, because I needed him. He got groceries for months after I got home. He drove me back and forth to work until I was able to drive on my own. He cleaned house, did laundry, did dishes and took care of me…and never complained. He’s my angel.

Today we’ll bundle up and take the pontoon boat out for probably our last cruise of the season and enjoy the fresh, cool crisp air and the view. Two years ago it was an ugly room in ICU. I’ll take this one any  day!

Happy Annie-versary to me!

Looking Back

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In looking back at this time last year, I was still struggling. Struggling with my balance, my head pain and my every day life. A little over a year ago, I was still using a cane and had barely set foot into a store, much less drove my car.

Yes, I have made some major milestones in the last year. I feel very good and am starting to exercise again. We’ll see how well I can stick to it this time. I went back to work full time in April and although the catalog was a huge, huge struggle for me this year, I did it.

I still get very tired, which is a little frustrating and I still feel “brain tired” when I overdo it at the computer, or pretty much anything that involves a lot of brain work. Even everyday things.

Last year I recall being frustrated with how pooped I’d get wrapping presents and how I was unable to assist with the Christmas tree as much as I would have wanted. This year, I hope to make some more milestones by stepping it up from last year and being able to do more.

Dave, as usual, has been wonderfully supportive and caring. I still don’t know what I’ve done to deserve him, but I’m a lucky woman all the way around.