A Night of Joy, a Bit of a Dip, but Rebounding
No doubt it was the music, and seeing my people, that enabled me to rebound.
October 19th was truly a joyful night for me. For Sola Gratia me, for Sandwich Life me, for 1980/90’s rock and roller me, and for post-surgery me. All the me’s, well, many of the me’s. The Shindig at Sola Open House and Benefit Concert was a resounding success. I am so impressed and proud of what they have accomplished and the way they celebrated. And I count myself incredibly lucky that I have a boss who listened to a new employee and said, “Sure, let’s have Jason Ringenberg!”
Oh, and Jason Ringenberg is truly one of the best humans I know, incredibly humble, but replete with swagger and fringe. He brought it that night (and day for the Farmer Jason show) and the crowd loved him and he loved Sola Gratia and what they are doing. It was indeed a match made in heaven. And he adored Ann and Bob as I knew he would. He now knows more about Ann’s farming background than I do. As I said to my friend, Heather, can you imagine Ann, Bob, and Jason trying to out-nice each other?? Heh.
Man, I just love him, and feel so incredibly grateful that he has shared not just his talent with us, but also his kind friendship. What a gift. His mother would be as proud as ever of him.
And yes, I DID tear up when he sang Oh, Lonesome Prairie. When he sings “those Gothic houses,” it goes right into my heart.
I’ll admit that I was really worried about my walking as I’d been shaky the last few days. But Ernie drove me and deposited me close by and I stayed in my appointed spot. I was pretty wiped out by the time we got home but I managed to get up the steps ok. VICTORY!
The wonderful V’ron stayed with us and on Sunday morning she saved biscuit day by running to the store to replace our sour milk. It was so lovely to have her here. Good for one’s heart.
I was pretty tired on Sunday but not as much as I thought which is encouraging. This morning I had a doctor appointment and while I was shaky walking to the car I did ok. We meandered as we drove home, admiring the changing trees. I felt so happy and cheerful. We’re getting the system for getting me in the house down pretty well. I took a quick break half way to sit on a stool and then made the patio step. For some reason I had to pause before the door, which always makes me uneasy. As I tried to step over the threshold I went down. I have no idea why, it just felt like my leg (which one I don’t know) collapsed like a bendy straw. At first I thought (as much a you can think in those moments) I was going to go down forward which would have put my face smack on the stairs. Instead I went backward ending flat on my back with my lower body in the house, and my upper body on the patio step. Than of course the domino effect came into play as when I fell backward I fell into my spindly husband, who then fell backward. Fortunately he landed in our weedy zinnia patch. He did cut his tongue though.
I was remarkably calm lying there, commenting that we really needed to paint our house some day. Ernie had gotten up and wanted to know if he should call the fire department to get me up. Not yet, I said. I managed to squirm around until I was sitting on the step. I couldn’t manage lifting myself with the walker, I was too low. In the random detritus on our patio was a flat cement block a few inches thick. I had Ernie put that flat on the step next to me and I was able to lift myself onto that, raising myself just a bit. With that bit of extra height I was able to lean on the lower bars of my walker and push myself up. After a brief rest on a stool I attempted to head inside again. It wan’t pretty. I ended up sitting on the steps at one point (which is, of course, better than falling) but eventually managed to pull myself up to sit on the magic chest which now lives there. The exertion (and stress no doubt) had me shaking like hell. We had to go back to having rest areas (dining room chairs) scattered in a path on the way to my spot in the media room.
We’re both aching a fair bit but I think we’re both fine apart from Ernie’s poor tongue. I have a weird mix of emotions. It is so incredibly disappointing to fall again and to be so damn shaky, and yet I’m so proud of myself for managing to get up. I’m still using the rest areas. I had planned to go to work tomorrow and was excited to see folks but I think it’s a stay at home day. However, I’ll get there on Thursday for CSA pick up come hell or high water.
Onward, with boundless love for Jason, pride in Sola Gratia, and comfort in seeing my Sandwich Life folks. Thank you all.
Love,
Cynthia
More pictures coming soon!
Cynthia, never forget when you’re taking rest breaks to get to the couch that you are the most indomitable person I know. You may pause for a breath but you trudge through all the shit , shake it off your boots and say ready for whatever’s next.
So glad you got to soak up some Jason magic!