Linda is super understanding. One of the side effects of having had a sacral plasmacytoma is that I cannot sit in a normal chair more than a few minutes...and even then I look like I have ants in my pants from all the squirming and shifting. Not being able to sit has ruled out normal dating activities like dinner out, movies, romantic lunches and even driving. I have learned to recline in the front seat of the car while Linda drives to and from the different clinics and doctors, but that is about all. This last Tuesday we had a noon appointment with one doctor and a 2:30 appointment with another, with at least an hour in between for lunch. Usually when we are driving about during the lunch hour, we pull in a fast food drive through and eat in the car. How special! Well, this last week I said we were going to try and eat inside a restaurant. Linda responded "Inside?...Really?" I grabbed a special pillow from the car and we headed through the Applebee's front doors to the hostess stand and asked for a booth. Once seated, as I balanced my left bun on the pillow and tried to not lean conspicuously to one side, we quickly ordered and truly enjoyed our first eye to eye lunch date in over nine months. The service was fair, the food better than fast food, and the company wonderful. (I have told you how pretty Linda is, right?). I managed to sit for the entire lunch without leaning to starboard too much, without squirming like a 4 year old, and without spilling anything. A very romantic lunch.
Another side effect of trying to sit is that the nerves in my right foot and right leg get pinched and they both go to sleep, tingling strongly and not working as normal when I try to use them. So as we finished lunch and stood up to go, I had to beat my foot against the floor like Mr. Ed to get feeling in them again. I cautiously limped out on one good leg/foot and assumed my position in the reclined front seat of our vehicle. Our first 'Date Lunch' since March of 2010: Mission Accomplished!
That's so AWESOME! I just think it's so sweet that you think about things that you and Linda have missed like romantic lunches! and I am so happy that you all were able to enjoy one! I hope you have many more in the near future! Mine and Tommy's favorite thing is to go out for a romantic lunch! :))
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you and Mom were able to go out for a date! I can't wait for the day where we all go see a movie together! If only we were in Cabo again and could go to the recliner theater, that would do the trick!
ReplyDeleteLeah, I've thought of those reclining chairs in the Cabo theatre so many times!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy that you all got to go on a date. I couldn't believe it when you told me that you SAT through the lunch! Amazing, Dad! So proud of you for doing whatever it takes to do special things for Mom. Love you both!
You are so sweet Mr. Ernie! I hope when Jake and I get married we have a marriage like you and Mrs. Linda!
ReplyDeleteErnie, remember the three things you said you wanted to live out during this challenge? You amaze me with your commitment to those goals. You ARE living them out...even when the personal cost is high! Your bravery and courage humble me.
ReplyDeleteYeah for lunch dates. Sounds like you both were rewarded for being loving, patient and kind.
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