My family and I are currently in Maui, Hawaii, enjoying a much needed vacation. I've been forced to deal with radiation burns (especially on my ears), but overall, things have been uneventful. The kids are particularly enjoying the freedom of going to the beach or pool whenever they want.
However, yesterday something happened that was mildly alarming. We all acknowledge that I'm not the same as I was last year, but none of us saw this coming.
We went snorkeling, something we learned to do in Key West. The concern for me was about not slipping on the rocks. None of us worried about anything happening in the water.
I went out for about a half hour and enjoyed seeing fish around the reef. I was heading back to shore and got water in my snorkel. I could not shake it out and was no longer able to breathe through the snorkel. Because I didn't have on my prescription glasses, I couldn't see my children. I treaded water for a few minutes and then flipped to my back to float and to try to get to shore that way. It was very slow going. Then, a wave of fatigue hit me and I knew I was unable to make it to shore.
I didn't panic. I called out to a nearby family and told them I needed some help and could they find someone who could help me make it to shore. They did so and a woman came, hooked one arm in mine and swam to shore. I was on my back and kicked along with her. Took us maybe three minutes. It then took me much longer to scramble across the rocks to get to the access trail. By this time, my children had seen what was going on and helped me across the rocks.
I asked my rescuer's name, but for the life of me, I can't remember it. Many thanks for her amazing act of kindness.
The thing is - I didn't anticipate this. I'm glad I had the wisdom to ask for help. I don't like my weakening body. I had to physically lift my left leg with my hands a few times to cross the rocks. My left ankle was quite swollen by the journey's end, but there was no pain. It is much better today.
There's always surprising turns like this. Yes, accidents happen while on vacation, but in my case, I'm not likely to get better. I'll have more and more situations where I'll have to make adjustments to what I can do. And like yesterday, I'll probably cry a little bit in mourning. The energizer bunny that used to live within me is dead.
#MetsMonday #researchnotribbons #iwantmorethanapinkribbon
However, yesterday something happened that was mildly alarming. We all acknowledge that I'm not the same as I was last year, but none of us saw this coming.
We went snorkeling, something we learned to do in Key West. The concern for me was about not slipping on the rocks. None of us worried about anything happening in the water.
I went out for about a half hour and enjoyed seeing fish around the reef. I was heading back to shore and got water in my snorkel. I could not shake it out and was no longer able to breathe through the snorkel. Because I didn't have on my prescription glasses, I couldn't see my children. I treaded water for a few minutes and then flipped to my back to float and to try to get to shore that way. It was very slow going. Then, a wave of fatigue hit me and I knew I was unable to make it to shore.
I didn't panic. I called out to a nearby family and told them I needed some help and could they find someone who could help me make it to shore. They did so and a woman came, hooked one arm in mine and swam to shore. I was on my back and kicked along with her. Took us maybe three minutes. It then took me much longer to scramble across the rocks to get to the access trail. By this time, my children had seen what was going on and helped me across the rocks.
I asked my rescuer's name, but for the life of me, I can't remember it. Many thanks for her amazing act of kindness.
The thing is - I didn't anticipate this. I'm glad I had the wisdom to ask for help. I don't like my weakening body. I had to physically lift my left leg with my hands a few times to cross the rocks. My left ankle was quite swollen by the journey's end, but there was no pain. It is much better today.
There's always surprising turns like this. Yes, accidents happen while on vacation, but in my case, I'm not likely to get better. I'll have more and more situations where I'll have to make adjustments to what I can do. And like yesterday, I'll probably cry a little bit in mourning. The energizer bunny that used to live within me is dead.
#MetsMonday #researchnotribbons #iwantmorethanapinkribbon
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