Community Pool – No Swimming

I’ve now entered into another new world - the elderly and maimed exercise pool. You have all stopped at one time or another to peek over at them in an isolated area of the pool. You’ve felt a little guilty in sneaking a peek, but curiosity always got the better of you.

There were usually no exceptions to the age requirement. All seemed to be in their 90’s with the only exception being an individual with an apparent illness or injury. Although noisy, they were never rowdy. Frequently a smile on each individuals face, but usually a scowl that said don’t thread on me. Their territory was not very inclusive and was not welcome to increased membership. The fewer the better was an unspoken requirement of this elite gathering. Well, this week I dared to enter their world.

I spent the last month - one day a week - in the physical fitness pool of my recuperation program. A painful and grossly difficult place where I set out to walk again. It was a small well heated pool hidden away within the facility. It had a very nice bathroom and shower area next to the pool. Unlike your normal community pool set up Kris was able to enter with me and assist in getting me ready. Most often a challenge because of my stockings and unhealed back. Once prepared in my superman suit I walked out with walker to one of the benches. There I sat in preparation of being hoisted into the air and down into the pool. It was an area approximately 10 X 8. (I think!) Once there I attempted to walk and do all my exercises under the direction of Brian, my trainer. For one full hour, with minutes of rest, I exhausted myself and prepped my body for a good night’s sleep. It was a great experience and showed later in my walk. The pain that followed was like that of the Olympic athlete.

The community pool is administered by two young lifeguards. My afternoon group consisted of about 15 who were all part of an exercise class. I was seeking a small spot where I could do my exercise. I was able to use my electric wheelchair to move around the bathroom and pool area. What a blessing. Once poolside the fires of hell engulfed me in the utter coldness of the pool. It was absolute torture in moving down the ladder. My body restricted my body to VERY SLOW. With each step and movement my body went into a cold numbness I had never experienced before. I wanted to cry but restrained myself. Had I not already emptied my bladder I would have done so without control. Once in the pool the cold remained, never to cease during my stay. I thought one elderly woman was approaching me to assist but rather she wanted me to get out of the way. However, another made suggestions that did help. When finished, Kris and I returned to the men’s locker area where she helped me dry and redress. Coward that I am, I will not return again until I solve the problem of the cold. Perhaps a wet suit would help? I would not hesitate to wear one.

Today, I return to my physical fitness pool.

Not a Good Time

These last few weeks have been tough. Many of my friends have been struck with cancer and several have already moved ahead to eternal life where they will be separated from us until our time. Today, I thought it was my time. Extremely bad morning and difficult for me to hang in there. However, it is over and I’m lying here by myself having a few laughs with Saturday Night Live. We all live a funny life, do we not? Prayers please, for my friends. I know a little of what they are going through.

Next week will be my third trip to the pool. That’s where I do my exercises not where I lose my money. One full hour of non-stop exercise. It takes two days before I realize I’ve been hit by a truck. However, I love the sessions. Feel great when I leave the pool.

If you wish to share some of the pain I am going through, check your 401(k) and stock portfolio if you have the courage. Of course you can really sock it to yourselves by checking the value of your home immediately after you’ve paid the inflated taxes. Oh yes, like I said above, these last few weeks have been rough. Just think where you could have spent those dollars. Wow!

If I were a sadist, I’d ask if you are Seahawk fans and go there for escape and enjoyment. What was the name of the baseball team you gave your heart and soul to here in Seattle? Notice, most of the above are on the personal side - nothing about the war, elections or the major tragedies that we share in each week. Take a few moments and inventory your own week and come up with the positive things which are also so much of your life.

When Kris was in Denver a few weeks ago she played all kinds of exhaustive imagination games with the kids. This week she received a call from the basement of their home. It was Jim who was placing a call from the plane. Kellan 5 and Zoe 2 were in the main cabinet (closet) and were placing a direct call through the steward (Jim. their father). They wanted to tell grandma they were on their way. Get out the toys. Arrival would be with Santa on Christmas day. They had little or no concern about the cost of the call. I think they were paying via mom’s credit card. Jim was in pain because the cabin was a tight place for anyone over 10. It was fun to listen to. They never asked for grandpa.

The picture I’m using with this update is of me and the kids on the floor doing my exercise. They helped make it a fun exercise instead of the usual grind I find them to be. How about updating me on what’s happening in your lives. Cheer me up. Keep the prayers coming. We are going together into our fourth year. I hope you are not completely bored by this blog – the day it stops I will no longer be around or it will be my last days. Go in peace.

Finally Getting Out of the Dog (Cat) House.

Prior to Denver we made plans for our therapeutic cat, Laura. We were going to leave her alone and for the first time we'd be gone for two weeks. We thought it best to leave her in an environment she knew well - our home. Tim and Debi lived up to their promise of visiting almost every other night, and on some occasions spending the night. Laura thought it was not enough. She chose to reward their labors by either hiding when they came. They could not find her anywhere, which sent them into panic mode. When she thought that was not enough pay back, she decided to tell them she was alive and kicking. She began by leaving clues to her presence in different rooms. We were not able to bring Tim and Debi much solace being so far away.

When we got home we were overcome by the newness of the house. It had been Spring cleaned and picked up to the point we didn't recognize it. They worked day and night. There wasn't one clue that would indicate what a brat she had been. It took 1/2 day before she would come out from hiding and greet us. We have now made amends and friendship has been restored.

I've really attempted to show restraint in boring you with stories of my WONDER CAT. She has truly been great for me and has gone a long way in often bringing a smile to my face, a relief from pain, just when I needed it, or simply feeling better because I believe for what it's worth that the "purr" is for me personally. Nothing is funnier than me hearing the crash of pots, the screams of anger, and the cry for help coming from a soaked cat as Kris and Laura begin another day in preparing my coffee. Their love/hate relationship in those first moments of day is incredible. Laura's foster parents must have taught her well in driving the new owners berserk.

I think I'm lucky because Laura hasn't a clue about cancer. She still thinks everything is wonderful with the world, and when I let my guard down, I also am tempted to believe things aren't really as bad as I might think. This past week was the feast day of St. Francis of Assi. He got it straight.