Post by Kristen Gamauf on Oct 25, 2005 20:36:00 GMT -5
DAY 22 AT EDWIN SHAW
I wasn't feeling very good yesterday and today. Felt worse today. I have had a headache all day and this afternoon felt a bit like the flu. I don't know why. They say stress compromises your immune system. I have been having trouble sleeping too. Last night I tossed and turned till 4:30 in the morning. But tonight I am taking a sleeping pill and gonna try to turn in early so I can get some quality rest.
Mom and I went to Aunt Zilda's calling hours tonight out in Seville. The funeral is tomorrow and I might go to that. It depends on how I feel. We were only there for a short bit, then went over to Edwin Shaw. It was nice seeing everybody though--all the Carlton side. We don't see everyone as much as we used to (when Mike and I were younger). When we were leaving Mom and I almost at the same time said we have a great family. It was like we were sending vibes to each other or something, cause we both said it and smiled.
I know a lot of people, even friends at school my age, and all they have is their immediate family. Which, to even have that is a blessing that can't be overlooked. But all my life I've known this incredibly large and supportive family. The closeness most folks have with their immediate family, for us, extends to our grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. And then what normal people have with their extended family, we have more of an immediate family feel with all my mom's aunts, uncles, and cousins (my great-aunts and uncles and my second-cousins).
It is really hard to describe. All's I know is that we are very lucky. I miss seeing everyone. For the last several years where I have been heavy into my mechanical engineering studies, I haven't had much time for anything. I have done more this semester with family, friends, and for myself--than I've ever done since high school. It has made me realize that when I go back to school, I am going to do things at my own pace and not over-commit myself. I have been happier, despite the screwy circumstances, because I am able to do these things again.
Mike seemed down tonight, and tired. He is really bummed out because he can't walk. It really bothers him. We tell him that it just will take a long while to build up all those muscles again, and get the flexibility back. He also reminded us that he got more blood drawn today, which he dislikes.
I told Mom tonight on the ride over that since this happened I have found I am even more emotional than I ever was before (my family is an emotional family--we cry at movies, we cry if we're sad, we cry if we're happy, and sometimes for no reason!). I was crying at this song on the radio on my way home from seeing Mike. It is called "Skin" by Rascal Flatts, and every time I hear it I cry. It reminds me of all the scary stuff we've been through. Even though I am so happy Mike is doing so well, sometimes it's just sad. Especially on crappy days like today. I think that's why I couldn't sleep last night. I just kept reliving all those moments in my mind that have transpired in the last two months.
On a good note, my <great-> Aunt Jean says to tell Mike she is saving a big kiss for him when he's better. Aunt Maxine says the same. We told him that and he smiled. Aunt Jean is notorious in our family for hunting down the kids and giving smooches with her bright lipstick. Mike always takes it like a gentleman, never complaining! It wouldn't be a family gathering without it! Of all my Grandma's siblings, Aunt Jean is the troublemaker. Well, her and Uncle Ted. Night.
I wasn't feeling very good yesterday and today. Felt worse today. I have had a headache all day and this afternoon felt a bit like the flu. I don't know why. They say stress compromises your immune system. I have been having trouble sleeping too. Last night I tossed and turned till 4:30 in the morning. But tonight I am taking a sleeping pill and gonna try to turn in early so I can get some quality rest.
Mom and I went to Aunt Zilda's calling hours tonight out in Seville. The funeral is tomorrow and I might go to that. It depends on how I feel. We were only there for a short bit, then went over to Edwin Shaw. It was nice seeing everybody though--all the Carlton side. We don't see everyone as much as we used to (when Mike and I were younger). When we were leaving Mom and I almost at the same time said we have a great family. It was like we were sending vibes to each other or something, cause we both said it and smiled.
I know a lot of people, even friends at school my age, and all they have is their immediate family. Which, to even have that is a blessing that can't be overlooked. But all my life I've known this incredibly large and supportive family. The closeness most folks have with their immediate family, for us, extends to our grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. And then what normal people have with their extended family, we have more of an immediate family feel with all my mom's aunts, uncles, and cousins (my great-aunts and uncles and my second-cousins).
It is really hard to describe. All's I know is that we are very lucky. I miss seeing everyone. For the last several years where I have been heavy into my mechanical engineering studies, I haven't had much time for anything. I have done more this semester with family, friends, and for myself--than I've ever done since high school. It has made me realize that when I go back to school, I am going to do things at my own pace and not over-commit myself. I have been happier, despite the screwy circumstances, because I am able to do these things again.
Mike seemed down tonight, and tired. He is really bummed out because he can't walk. It really bothers him. We tell him that it just will take a long while to build up all those muscles again, and get the flexibility back. He also reminded us that he got more blood drawn today, which he dislikes.
I told Mom tonight on the ride over that since this happened I have found I am even more emotional than I ever was before (my family is an emotional family--we cry at movies, we cry if we're sad, we cry if we're happy, and sometimes for no reason!). I was crying at this song on the radio on my way home from seeing Mike. It is called "Skin" by Rascal Flatts, and every time I hear it I cry. It reminds me of all the scary stuff we've been through. Even though I am so happy Mike is doing so well, sometimes it's just sad. Especially on crappy days like today. I think that's why I couldn't sleep last night. I just kept reliving all those moments in my mind that have transpired in the last two months.
On a good note, my <great-> Aunt Jean says to tell Mike she is saving a big kiss for him when he's better. Aunt Maxine says the same. We told him that and he smiled. Aunt Jean is notorious in our family for hunting down the kids and giving smooches with her bright lipstick. Mike always takes it like a gentleman, never complaining! It wouldn't be a family gathering without it! Of all my Grandma's siblings, Aunt Jean is the troublemaker. Well, her and Uncle Ted. Night.