Yesterday was a big day! We went to the neighborhood pool, which has been a staple of our days in summer's past, and Joanne got int he water! Now, this may seem like a minor deal but for Joanne to go in the pool is a big accomplishment. First of all she had to overcome the embarrassment of being carried into the water. As you can imagine it makes her feel a little weird to have me scoop her up and get her in the pool. But she did it. And what a great time she had. First, she walked around the edge of the pool and then one of the lifeguards grabbed her a noodle and she floated around for the better part of an hour.
I can't image what it must have felt like for her to be weightless after having so much stress on her body for so long. And I know it felt good on her left leg-ankle-foot to be in the cool water. After she was done I scooped her back up and we got her back on her lounge chair. She really enjoyed herself, and that's not an everyday occurrence around here. Most days it's survival mode, but yesterday was fun! We will definitely be back at the pool again many times this summer.
The downside of the whole thing, if there is any, is that I didn't use sunscreen. I sprayed down Emma and Joanne and thought "I'll just stay in the shade." But apparently when you sit under a pergola you only get the "illusion" of being in the shade. I have a striped sunburn. And it hurts. Alot. Next time I will be wiser and get that sunscreen going no matter what.
It was hot here yesterday getting into the low 90s but today it is a much cooler 70 degree day so we are all out on the deck enjoying the nice weather and a cool breeze.
One last thing: May dad turned 70 yesterday. He and my mom went to Aspen for a few days to celebrate but we will get to celebrate with them on their way back through town tomorrow. My dad is a good man and is entering a great stage of life where he will be able to enjoy his hobbies (biking, photography and hiking) and his family and friends. I am so excited to see what fun he can have and our family is lucky to have him in our lives.
Prayer requests:
1. Praise for Joanne's new-found love of the pool! You could pray that we find a better way to get her in and out rather than me just scopping her up and walking her in. The pool director said they are getting a lift, but not sure if it will happen this summer.
2. Praise for my dad's new adventure as a retired person! Please pray that he has a good, long healthy life ahead of him to enjoy.
Toben
Hey guys I think it is romantic to be carried into the pool by your guy!!! ;0)I hope you guys have a wonderful summer! XOXO
Posted by: Lisa Schubert | June 10, 2012 at 01:59 PM
this is such a fantastic thing - i'm sure it felt amazing to be able to be in the pool and floating with the noodle. 3 cheers for a great time: yay, yay, hooray!
i think of you all regularly and i am so encouraged that there is a bit of relief joanne can look forward to. <3 and hugs to all.
Posted by: renee altson | June 10, 2012 at 08:17 PM
So great to hear of the little things that mean so much. I bet you'll be back again as soon as you can.
Posted by: Marena | June 10, 2012 at 08:45 PM
Maybe if you contacted one of your previous occupational or physical therapists they could offer you a trick (to getting in the pool) that you haven't thought of.
Posted by: deedee | June 11, 2012 at 06:10 AM
wonderful news!~! Enjoy the water - LOTS. Toben, wet tea bags on that sunburn or vinegar over the area will take the ouch away. Thinking of you all and praying... hugs
Posted by: Jan Maniatis | June 11, 2012 at 07:54 AM
Pools are amazing therapy. Good for you hon letting your hubby carry you in. :)
When my back was really bad and I had a very hard time walking, I used the pool for therapy. It allowed me the time away from gravity, which is very healing as you stretch.
Praying and praying for you hon.
<><
Posted by: Child of God | June 11, 2012 at 10:32 AM
Toben,
Benadryl for the sunburn and it will help you sleep!
Covering the rest of the prayer concerns. Did you try to google how to get into the pool after a stroke? There's got to be an easy way to do that - short of just tossing her in.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | June 11, 2012 at 04:05 PM
I have followed you since Joanne had her stroke and now my future son-in-law told me of a friend's sister who had a stroke at the age of 31. Oh my goodness, the road you and this family have traveled. Though the comments are less, the prayers and good wishes are not. I think of you often.
However you get into the pool doesn't matter..........water cleanses, baptizes. May it do its job on all of your family this summer.
Posted by: A Speckled Trout | June 11, 2012 at 08:34 PM
Have a great summer and lots of hugs for you and family and one more for Joanne.
lots of greatings from Eveline
Gods Blessings.
ps I like to send joanne a gift is it possible to recive adress?
Posted by: Eveline | June 12, 2012 at 12:20 PM
I can just imagine the cool water surrounding you Joanne. Ahh, nothing better on a hot, dry Colorado day. I pray the pool gets a move on with the lift!
Posted by: wendy | June 13, 2012 at 06:33 AM
Hi. My friend read about you in her almuni book. I suffered a stroke almost one year to the day before you suffered yours. I too am in my 30s and have 9 year old twin girls and a 3 year old daughter. I just wanted to say hi and you have been added to my prayer list!!
Posted by: Michael | June 13, 2012 at 09:50 AM
Is this a public pool? All public pools must have a chair lift.
Posted by: Lori | June 13, 2012 at 09:57 PM
Congratulations to Joanne for getting into the pool for the first time! How often does she want to repeat the experience? Using noodle pools probably helped her overcome her anxiety with water. I also agree that water in the pool can cool her down. Swimming is one of the ways to de-stress yourself!
Posted by: Cathy Newman | June 14, 2012 at 04:20 PM
So happy the pool was a positive experience. Praying for your family. I "met" Joanne only days prior to her stroke through another blog. She and your family have remained in my prayers.
Posted by: LeeAnn Lee | June 14, 2012 at 11:59 PM
I bet the pool will be your buddy in time. Your first time in the pool can be especially memorable. Summer is just around the corner. Why don’t you have a few practice runs with Joanne? Swimming can help her relax and enjoy!
Posted by: Shona Martinez | June 15, 2012 at 11:52 AM
I would of thought Aqua therapy would have been an order from physical therapy. Its so goood she went. This post made my heart smile.
Posted by: Meredith | June 19, 2012 at 10:39 PM
Happy Swimming! Keep the sunscreen handy!
Posted by: Julie price | July 02, 2012 at 08:22 PM