Category: Rewards

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!

The Walk For Thought 2008

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We got home around 11:30 on this sunny, but very chilly and very windy day. Needless to say, the walk wasn’t held outside, but inside the massive gym/track facility at Colby College in Waterville.

This event was one of six locations where walks were being held today to benefit programs for the Brain Injury Association of Maine.

There were donuts, fruit, coffee cake, yogurt bars and other assorted goodies waiting for us when we arrived and checked in. I raised over $1,000 so I received a sweatshirt. I was only there wearing one, so I guess I did good! LOL Dave got a t-shirt and we wore them proudly. I raised a total of $1,260.

After some opening announcements and some stretching, we started the trek around the gym with the other 100 or so people who signed up today. A good turn out apparently, compared to years past. And they had a nice brass quartet playing very upbeat tunes during the walk. It sure helped pass the time and they sounded great.

I had to pace myself and keep a steady even pace and no over do it, which I succeeded in doing pretty well. Dave walked with me except for a few times were I let him go and have fun and walk faster. The track is a 1/4 lap within the outside ring of the track. I tried to stay in that lane, but with all the young kids wanting to run instead of walk and other folks, it was tough to stay there. They had a table set up with water and fruit so I did stop at one point for a break and grabbed some water.

In total, I ended up walking 16 laps I think for appox. 4 miles. I’m pretty pleased with that. My inner thigh started to bother me the last few laps, ironically, right where my coils were inserted, and I didn’t want to push it any further. I was limping across the finish line, but happy I did it. Then they served us a nice lunch and we said our goodbyes.

There were a couple of people there in wheelchairs and one with a cane and I thought the one man who got out of his wheelchair and made several laps with a walker did  fantastic job. He had quite the support crew with him as well. From the looks of the banner, some folks were there in memory of a loved one too. I wrote that I was walking for Heidi & Jennifer. I wore the ABTA.org bracelet.

People walked much faster than me and lapped me several times, but I didn’t care. I was lucky to be able to walk the amount I did. I’m VERY tired. My head hurts a little bit, but it’s nothing compared to what so many others are going through. I’m reminded of how short life is and one should enjoy it.

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.

Boogie Night

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Prior to my rupture, I didn’t dance that frequently, but I do love to and given the opportunity last night at a party to boogie on the dance floor, I jumped at the chance. Well….walked up, not jumped.

It felt great to dance, but it winded me horribly and about half way through the first dance, my head was already throbbing. Of course the dance selections were the extended dance versions, so one song equaled about four songs in elapsed time. I had to sit after that first one, but just couldn’t keep myself off the dance floor as song after good dancing song popped up. Dave even got into the mix and we boogied, but he was spinning me and twirling me and I couldn’t do that very long, but it felt great to dance with him. I think it has been two years since I last danced….and it should probably be another two years before I dance again! LOL

Very depressing actually. I love to dance and would have been on the dance floor all night with the others, but my physical stamina and my head wouldn’t allow it. Of course, I pushed the envelope, even though I knew I shouldn’t. And today I’m paying for it. I feel hung over, which is really ironic because I was drinking non-alcoholic wine all night!

My head is in pretty rough shape, my eyes feel tired and physically, I’m exhausted. BUT…I had a great time last night I just don’t think I’ll be doing
it again any time soon.