This year (2014) & Last Year (2013)
The funny thing about traditions is that they're never the same as the year before (kind of like kids). The earth rotates, things change, and traditions become benchmarks to measure growth. Last year, we discovered this cute neighborhood event, it's a tour through a decked out neighborhood to hear festive (but family appropriate) tales. We had an extended family event arise and my first impulse was to check the date of the event. Unfortunately, same day and approximately same time. I fretted quite bit about the conflict. Then in a surprising move Mike explained the situation in detail to his family. It's always a delicate balance balance between our little family's traditions and extended family events. I am always under tremendous (internal) pressure to do it all. I was totally surprised when Mike broached the subject in a timely manner and ever more surprised that us arriving late was acceptable. Just like that we were golden to hit the hike. Yay, for doing it all!
Last year I was about a month post-op from major back surgery, the kids were younger and the whole thing was new to us so clearly we had some things in our favor this time. This year had bestowed a whole new set of physical issues to overcome. With some unfortunate timing, I had blown a tire, not gotten a hole or found a slow leak, but blown it. KaBam! Like a gunshot. It exploded, totally split apart. In all my years of using a wheelchair I have never seen or heard anything like that. Unfortunately, the size tire I need is hard to find these days, no two day shipping. We hadn't calculated our one mile hike into the equation, sigh.
Mike offered to bring the wheelchair flat tire and all, but I declined. I'd figure something out (sprout wings, build robot appendages, etc?!?). I of course and no idea how I'd manage when we arrived. I used my cane and kept up the best I could, but it was super hard. Every time the group got to far ahead Mike would grab me under the arms, run forward, and set me down (go team!). Where there's a will, I suppose. Looking at the pictures side by side I can't believe how much they've grown (or how much better my camera is)! I feel blessed for the years they both want to be part of things like these because I know with a seven year age difference it won't be long before big brother is to cool or busy with other things. I'm glad we made to both events as tiring as that can be. It's worth what is costs me physically to make these memories. Who know where we'll be in a year...bigger and better things.
