and then, and then

It all started Wednesday at 6:50 am when the phone rang. Our neighbor was in the hospital for a heart transplant (!) and I had previously agreed to be the dog-walker for this family.

So then, I got both boys off to their schools, walked our dog, walked neighbor's little doggie, and rushed back to school to prepare and deliver healthy snack to the classrooms at Two's school (a monthly volunteer job Three and I do).

And then, we returned home to regroup quickly and head back out, for a city bus adventure with some friends downtown. This included a visit to the police station for some finger printing, lunch at Ian's pizza, and some at the sweet but sad downtown library.

And then, after the bus ride home, we rushed back to school to pick up another neighbor's son. Two had lego club after school, so it was just this other first grader and Three, until One and third grader (first grader's sister) and Dash joined us at the playground. I was enjoying the sunshine and happy children playing...

And then! One started crying and holding his left arm. "It hurts! I can't move it," he cried. I quickly assessed the situation and feared that his shoulder got dislocated. (Although it has never happened to me, I have some prior knowledge of this due to other people in my life it has happened to. Sorry, again, about yanking your arm so hard when we were little, Mark, mon frere.)

So then, off we rushed to the pediatrician's office, which is fortunately only a mile or so away. Shoulder was put back in place, xrays were taken, and a referral to a pediatric orthopedic doctor was made. One left in a sling, with orders not to participate in gym or recess until the specialist had a chance to evaluate.

And then, we returned home. Walked neighbor's doggy again, made dinner, checked homework, and collapsed. I certainly fell asleep before at least one of my children that night.

And then, I woke up. Read my book club book from 1:30 - 4 am, and actually squeezed in a nice chat with Bob during that time too.

And then, woke up for good, did the morning routine, pleased to remember to walk little neighbor doggy too.

And then, ran to Woodman's for "just a few things". $90 later, we left to rush back home and put things away.

And then, greeted my parents, as they took Three to speech therapy so I could go to my mammogram. Third time is a charm. Got it done.

And then, returned home, to call about a cottage we are planning on renting for a week this summer in Door County. Turns out the rental contract hasn't been sent to me yet because the woman has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. "Get a mammogram," she said. "Just did!" I replied, feeling awfully good about myself.

And then, I made an appointment for early afternoon to take One to the orthopedic specialist. Figured out what to do with Two after school. Took a LONG OVERDUE shower.

And then. Received phone call saying that something didn't look right on my mammogram, and they want a second look. Felt not so good about myself, scheduled follow up for next week, and decided not to think too much about my mortality.

And then, rushed to school to pick up One. Took him to the doctor, where they confirmed the need for a break from physical activity (no gym for 6 weeks! no wrestling. delayed start for football.). Received order for physical therapy. Comforted very sad boy. Wiped away a lot of tears. Gave lots of hugs.

And then, picked up Two from after school play date. Made a quick supper. Ran to committee meeting for a local non-profit agency. Returned home, checked homework, considered having a glass of wine and reconsidered, knowing it would put me to sleep and I needed to stay awake to read my book. Instead of reading book, fell asleep during The Office. Never woke up mid-night to resume reading.

And then, slept until 5 am. Read for an hour. Felt relieved that my troubles are nothing like what people endured in Germany during WWII.

And then, got 2 kiddos to school. Walked 2 doggies. Went to One's school to watch their very sweet spring concert. Saw why One got a low grade for music. (He has such a lovely singing voice, and he barely opened his mouth.)

And then. I looked upwards and felt great gratitude that I live this life and am able to help neighbors, go on interesting field trips with friends, make emergency and frequent doctor's appointments, volunteer at school, volunteer in the community, watch other people's children sing in spring concerts, and ask people to help me.