Saturday, April 20, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024: Draper Temple, sealings with Cindy / home for lunch, nap / finished laundry
I had all the ideal preparations – good sleep, good waking, leaving at 10:00, getting handicap parking close to the entrance. Then everything fell apart. My imagined, wishful, hoped for perfect morning went south – nothing prepared me for the rest…nothing logical or routine – I lost my energy, my mobility, my sense of health and well-being. I couldn’t walk from car to entrance without stopping half-way to rest my heart, legs & feet by leaning on the walkway pylon. By the time I got inside, I had to sit down in the waiting room. I was glad I had come early so my sitting time was long before Cindy arrived.
I dressing was okay (I wore my white socks to the temple), but my feet were swollen and barely fit in my shoes. I needed Cindy to button my sleeves and hook my robe and apron. I was uncomfortable and exhausted walking to the elevator and to the waiting area. We were assigned to work with Bro. Rose, 2 couples and a single sister. We accomplished a goodly number of couples, as well as children to parents. I was feeling fine throughout the hour, thank goodness.
I wasn’t good at folding my temple clothes back to my bag, but I knew I could re--do them at home later. I dressed but was uncomfortable and exhausted walking out to the waiting room – couldn’t even consider stopping to write names on the prayer roll (even my own). I barely got to the chair. Now all this detail may seem a bit much, but I’m hoping to learn something helpful. It was an exhausting, uncomfortable, HARD, painful experience. I cried on my way home. I really don’t want another experience like today, although I told Cindy I would do 1 more initiatory and 1 more endowment before giving up!!!
I was grateful for home. Before even taking my things upstairs or changing out of my clothes, I made a wonderful hamburger first. I took my water pills and ate upstairs while watching today’s recorded episode of SportsNation. At 3:00 I curled up in my bed and fell asleep once I warmed up – I awoke at 6:00, feeling so very much better – physically and emotionally.
I went downstairs to finish the drying and folding of the laundry and watched last night’s recorded episode of “Elsbeth.” It is adorable – she’s a female “Columbo.” I love it!
I put my bedspread on my bed after going without it all winter. I guess the weather change has kept the heater at bay. I need the added warmth.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Thursday, April 18, 2024: Nails done / filled tank with gas / got Village Baker sandwich / gave b-day card to Carol Butterfield / borrowed walker / laundry done
I had the laundry sorted into 3 batches and got the darks in first. I didn’t eat because I had taken my water pills and they seem to hold back until I eat, and I didn’t want to get caught in a bad way at the salon. I left at 11:55 for the salon . . . as I slipped from my seat, I was scared spit less by a voice from the car parked next to me – Oh! Bonnie Thornock! What a surprise! We had a bit of small talk, then I made my way to get my pedicure & fill. There was an additional girl working. Each time Ty walked by, he asked if I was, were, okay. I did my best to look alert and aware as I looked up with a smile and responded “yes.” I enjoyed the massage chair throughout the pedicure, then the fill went quickly, too. I used the restroom before leaving and made my way to the Costco gas station.
1:30 really is a good time to be there – NO waiting in line!!! I was below the ½ mark – gas was $3.899 a gallon. I got 9.
I took a chance on finding a parking spot at Village Baker – yea, success!!! I went inside and ordered a turkey/cranberry/cream cheese on white bread AND a huge brownie (a gift for Carol Butterfield’s birthday). Thanks Kevin & Janell!!!
Back home, I moved the darks to the dryer and the light-coloreds to the washer, and laid out the sandwich and lemon water upstairs and thoroughly enjoyed lunch!!! Oh, that sandwich is heavenly!!!
I sent texts to Linda and Stephanie. I made Carol’s birthday card. The car was gone, so I went online to see about the Costco wheelchair I have -- that’s where I bought it for Mom years ago. I was close to ordering replacement foot rests when I looked out the window and saw that Ted & Carol were back. I walked across the street with the card and brownie – I was achy by the time I got to them – yep, any temple Open House will be torture!!! I’ve been paying close attention to what actually hurts when my walking & standing gets achy and sore – it’s my lower back.
That’s what was hurting when I got to Carol & Ted, sitting by their front door. I told Carol, and she pointed to the walker beside us, so I sat down. Great relief!!! Carol said it’s the small of her back that aches for her, too. She also said that they have 2 walkers (and Ted has begun using a cane instead), and if I’d like to take the one I was sitting on, I was welcome to do so. I practiced walking between their front door and the street – really, really nice!!!!! I’m looking forward to trying it Sunday at church. If it works for me, then I’m going to use it May 17th for the Layton Temple Open House!!! Dare I try it in the morning for the Draper Temple trek from lot to front door? I don’t think I do it tomorrow.
I stayed with Ted and Carol for an hour or more, and it was very special. It was really great! I felt so good the rest of the evening…and I finished my laundry!