Ryan was up early this morning, hours before the night gave way and the ominous skies showed themselves. It looks a bit scary out there even though there is no real wind to speak of and the rain looks like a typical all-day one. According to the Weather channel, this is all about to change throughout the day and get considerably worse as Hurricane Sandy plows inland.
I am hoping it doesn’t happen, but there’s a real risk of us losing electrical power. In anticipation, I had Ryan on — and done with — his RT-300 FES cycle before daylight broke. This is one therapy that relies on electricity that I’d rather he not miss. We are fortunate that Ryan is on an “off-cycle” with the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatment (HBOT). That thing draws so much power that it literally heats the entire lower-level. I can’t even plug in a vacuum cleaner without tripping the circuit.
I spent the entire morning yesterday breaking down the patio furniture and storing it. It was a sad day indeed, knowing our “patio time” has ended until next spring. In many ways, it’s like putting away Christmas decorations. There’s a certain sadness and I’m convinced this is when “the blues” originated. That’s not to say I won’t get him out there if we get some warm days, but it’s just not the same… liken it to Christmas in July that some car dealerships try. It’s a gimmick.
Almost in defiance, I will not stop grilling, no matter how cold it gets! Take that, winter!
I believe we have everything to last several days without power. It might be a colossal pain in the ass for us, but Ryan will not know the difference. He appears in great physical health and it is comforting to not anticipate an immediate crises on that front. Still, like you all know, that can change in a heartbeat… literally.
To Ryan, nothing will change. Come hell or high water, his schedule will be maintained. With so much since he was attacked, we have no choice. It must be done.
We are shackled to love. Duty is the chain.
Jo says
Thinking of you always and so grateful for you as Ryan’s caregiver. We grill year-round, too. Somehow food off the grill seems to shorten those long, cold Winter days. Even though days are short during the season, somehow they seem longer when we are indoors too much.
I presume Sue stayed home today. (?) It is a good day to just stay in with family, wrap up in a fleece blanket and just enjoy the quiet house and one another. We’ll call this one Family Day and maybe tomorrow, too.
I will check in here every now and then to see how things are going over there with the Divineys. Love you and pray for your safety during the storm and always.
Carla Liberty says
Thinking of you all!!!! Hoping no power outages and hoping for smooth sailing (no pun intended) during the storm. I’d like to echo Jenny’s sentiment. Having a “like” button would be great!!! There are times when I’m at work when I pop on quickly to check in but don’t have a few extra minutes to leave a comment. Having a “like” button would allow some of us a chance to “weigh” in when time doesn’t permit us to fully participate.
Sending hugs to all,
Carla
Love,
Carla
Cheryl O. says
Let’s hope we don’t lose power. Please know we are here if we can help in any way. Take care Ken.
Will Nier says
Best of luck during this Hurricane.
Paula says
Hi Ken, I feel exactly as you do — I’ve always loved the beauty of autumn, but my love is tempered by knowing what follows. I, too, was in mourning as I stacked up the patio chairs and brought the umbrella inside. Winter feels soooo long here — we were blessed with an unusually beautiful March this year, but generally March is frigid. The decrease in sunlight doesn’t help either.
Good for you for sticking with grilling!!! That made me smile. You’re so good at it too, I’m sure your meals are delicious. If you have time maybe you can show us examples of your winter grilling. Chili and pot roast get old after a while.
I hope you and Ryan stay warm and cozy this afternoon. I’m glad you were able to get Ryan’s therapy done sooner rather than later. Hopefully you have extra blankets downstairs in case power goes out. It’s one of those days where I keep turning up the heat but it still feels chilly.
Wishing you and Ryan a peaceful afternoon before the wind starts howling. God bless you all…sending my love and hugs, and I’m still here, still praying…not going anywhere!
Paula
Jenny Regalia says
Ken,
Sometimes I wish you had a “Like” button. I don’t really want to talk, but I want you to know I “Like” the blog. You know, just want you to know I’m here supporting you every day.
Sending my xoxooxox to the main man 🙂
Joy Beales Smith says
God bless you sir. I have faith that God will get you and your family … all of us … through this. Thank you for keeping everyone up to date on your daily acts of love with Ryan. I don’t know you personally, but I admire you sir and I will continue to pray for all of you.
Be safe,
Joy
Gail Doyle says
Ken, You are (shackled to LOVE ),and always will be ,even when Ryan is better. We all are in different ways:) Glad Ryan got in cycling and is off HBOT and hoping generator holds up
I’m sure you’ll get a few more days on patio too
Stay safe ,dry and warm and Give Ryan a hug from me..Glad he’s feeling good ‘Thinking of all
love Gail