I was expecting last week to be a hard one. I knew once the celebration was over, the weight of James’ absence and the rest of our lives would spread out before us. But dude, it was a WEEK. And to be honest, I’m still recovering…
Monday: After school Jacob and I went to his orthodontist appointment. He came out, got a blackberry ginger ale from their free mini fridge, sat down in the lobby, and proceeded to pass out and spill the entire can on the floor. I caught him as he keeled over. Fortunately the Arroyo Grande EMTs are located next to the orthodontist and were almost immediately on the scene. All his vitals were normal and he was so mature through it all. Dr. Antsy says teenagers faint all the time. Jacob’s always had a bit of his dad’s vasovagal in him. He’s been perfectly normal ever since and the good news is he’s back to eating breakfast.
Tuesday: In the morning Nate’s reaching for the chicken bowl by the kitchen sink and knocks a pair of his dad’s bonsai clippers off the counter. We’ll come back to this.
Wednesday: I’m helping to coach Nate’s soccer practice and in a moment of quiet transition, as I’m blinded by the afternoon sun, Coach’s son drills me straight in the chest with a ball. No warning. As all air leaves my body, I hear a crack and think my sunglasses are tucked into my collar. They are not. After several minutes I recover and his teammates eagerly rat him out. That evening the boys make me toasty microwaveable heat wraps and a cozy place on the couch.
Thursday: I go to Pilates with Casey and remember why the boys called it Killates when they were little. It’s crazy hard but nothing seems to be wrong with my ribs. That evening I arrive home to find water gushing onto the porch from the little condensate pipe under the hot water heater. I learn all the water shutoff options and valves outside.
Friday: My newest go-to plumbers come out and declare the hot water heater finito. Our well water has wrecked it and the best solution is of course, very expensive. I’m reminded that my life’s priorities go: 1. The health of my children. 2. Hot water. Nate climbs into bed with his usual muddy knees.
Saturday: The plumbers work the entire day to restore us to civility. Poor Jake has no water while Nate and I are at Damon for the SLO Surf ‘n Turf tournament. He drinks Gatorade. He wanted to stay home but does finally get bored and bakes us cookies. Our friend and real life Brazilian soccer teammate falls in the first game and breaks his arm. SLO United is down to one sub and a rotating bench of mysterious stomach aches and limps.
Sunday: We return to the pitch and Santa Ynez sends Beverly Hills packing, finishing the job we came here to do. We bring home the second place medal after a hard fought final against Santa Ynez. I notice their cheer is a real mouthful.
And that was our week. Circling back to Tuesday… so Nate knocks these bonsai shears off the counter and stabs himself in the thigh. Right before we’re headed out the door to school. As I’ve mentioned, this kid doesn’t really feel pain. We stop the bleeding, bandage him up, and we’re on our way. The boys helpfully ponder whether he needs a tetanus shot as we make our way down the mountain. Fortunately, I confirm he got one last year. Because what I do not need is a full day worrying about lockjaw.
Now I know at James’ celebration, Uncle Bryan taught us the difference between the Japanese art of “bone-sigh” and the attacking war cry of “ban-zai.”
Last week was definitely banzai.