Me and the Queen

As I watched the news over the past few weeks, this post started developing in my brain. Several times, it was reported the Queen has not been attending events that are important to her because of mobility issues. I empathize with the Queen. We are almost fifty years apart in age but apparently our bodies are more aligned. 

My daily life is good. I am able to live on my own. I can handle my personal care needs. I am able to walk just too far. I used to be able to walk from the hotel to the three main Mayo buildings. I floated through the hallways, getting to all of my appointments timely. Overtime, this became more challenging. At first, I needed to get dropped off at the front door but I could still walk to my appointments. Then the breathing became more labored and the heart was rising. One day, I was walking to an appointment. I passed a person thirty year my senior in the hallway but when we both arrived at the check in desk, he was able to communicate just fine while I could barely talk because I was breathing so deeply. I distinctly remember another day about fifteen months ago when I went to get labs. Halfway to the lab, I had to stop and sit down. By the time I got to the front desk, the person checking me was so concerned about me that she insisted on getting me a wheelchair escort to leave, which I gladly accepted. These episodes occur whenever I walk to far or overdo it. While they do pass within 10-20 minutes, while I am in the moment, my chest hurts, I struggle to catch my breath, usually a coughing fit ensues, and my pulse skyrockets. This is challenging for a person who used to be here, there, and everywhere. While COVID has kept me from a lot of things these past two years, as the world begins to return to normal, it is becoming a reality for me that I will not be able to attend as many events in person as I used too because of these mobility issues. I accept this as my new normal. Mom is getting better at navigating the wheelchair (and the walls). I appreciate those events that are retaining a virtual option but I do understand those who are not because they are challenging and expensive. Today, I attended my first social justice rally online. I was sad going into this weekend because I had friends protesting across the country but last night I discovered that there would be a virtual option. It was not the same as in person but it was better than not being included at all.

It was good to see Queen be able to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She looked so happy. I imagine the Queen is similar to me in choosing what events to attend. When I evaluate an in person event, I think about how much fatigue it will create, what I will need to organize to attend, and what will I miss if I do not attend. This just adds one more layer in decision making that I did not have before. Prior to this current adventure, the question was can I squeeze in one more event. I typically would attend multiple events in one trip, sometimes being in multiple cities in just a few days. 

I am thankful because I know it could be worse. In fact, it has been worse. Right now, I am doing well and am taking advantage of every minute I feel good. I think I am making good decisions on what to attend in person, virtually, or skip all together. I am accepting my new normal and on days that is challenging, I have a great support network. 

I will stay that being home as much as I am is something that I have definitely gotten used to and the cats help with that.

Flapjack has reverted back to his super cuddly kitten self. Pancake is following as well. Both think they are two pound kittens as they sit on my shoulder - they are definitely not two pounds.

Like all good "kids" they find the empty boxes more intriguing then the tons of toys within reach.

For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO