I had a stroke on May 4, 2021, and since it’s been over a year without serious or permanent debilitating results, I tried to come up with some celebratory event for myself and my family. However, after rehabilitation appointments, my legs still felt wobbly and I had fallen a few times, but without breaking any bones. My arm and left leg still hurt, and x-rays revealed that I have age-related osteoporosis, so a celebration was premature.
I had my air conditioning checked on my car and was elated when the mechanic said I only needed a new cabin air filter. I went off to see my son and grandchildren in Bullhead City, Arizona. The air conditioning went out on the way home and the highway patrolman said I couldn’t drive home without air conditioning, so I was admitted into Henderson Hospital for observation for heat stroke. Fortunately, my son was able to arrange for air conditioning repairs and nine days later, I got the car back.
My oldest son invited me to join him and his family on a short cruise to the Mexican Riviera as he had a credit on the books from a cancelled cruise when the pandemic hit in March of 2018. I had a wonderful time even though I did not get off the ship for fear of long walks and difficulty in getting to the tenders to the various ports. I updated my address book, always a sad task because so many acquaintances are gone, and it’s not easy to delete so many people who have crossed my path and filled my life with love and encouragement. I couldn’t bear to delete some names, and I am reminded of a poem by Thomas Hardy, who lamented the passing of so many of his friends late in life. I got a massage while on the ship and was disappointed when the masseuse tried to sell me additional products that would have doubled the price. My grandson and I both contracted Covid-19 when we disembarked. I am waiting to use my last test to get a negative reading.
Maybe next year, there will be time and a reason to celebrate.