When Mary turned 6 she was so excited to have her birthday party at Main Event with Littlest Pet Shop theme. Extreme excitement. We did a trial run before to make sure she could handle the sounds and rules of the game and she loved it.
Day comes and family and friends all meet at the bowling alley. Mark carries the cake while I'm carrying all the supplies.
For some reason Main Event has those car bumper things by the front of the building, even though there's no parking there. Mary is leading the pack to the front door, talking a mile a minute to Mark's mom. Then me then mark and his dad with Spencer.
Mark doesn't see the car curb, trips, tries to save the cake, face plants into the brick wall of the drive thru entrance, bounces off, drops the cake, lands on his back banging he back of his head on the concrete.
Impressive no? It helps visualizing it if you picture a cartoon character doing it. Very similar.
I drop everything and try to wake him up. The stars and birdies are swirling above his head. Mark's mom takes the kids inside. Mark's dad and I talk to Mark. Some of the most memorable Mark questions were: "Where am I?" "Did I mess up the cake?" "Am I bleeding again?"
My coworker who has a little girl the same age goes down the street and buys MG a new cake. We clean up Mark, put some ice on it and Party On! I thought she had a blast. Full of giggles.
So this year I ask Mary where she wants her party thinking she would say movie theater, roller rink, build a bear.... Something like that.
Nope- Main Event! Littlest Pet Shop theme.
When I asked what kind of cake she said she wanted the exact one from last year. You know, the one dad smashed with his face. I just about died laughing.
She has informed Mark that he is not to carry her cake ever again! I'm sure she will supervise his entry into the building too!
So this is why we are doing the 2nd annual Main Event birthday party. Mary wants it perfect and Mark doesn't remember it anyhow!
Are you getting sick of the Mark injury stories? I'm just getting started!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lucky Me
So I've had my day of self pity and I just don't think I can handle much more. I'm too goal oriented. So here are the good things:
1. I'm still employed and am finishing out the school year.
2. I still get paid until the end of August.
3. I have insurance until the end of August.
4. Mark is still with the district.
5. Kids still have insurance.
6. I can look at a stressful situation and come up with 3-5 immediate ways to calm a group of people with communication difficulties. (and really isn't that something)
7. Maybe this is a good thing and will benefit my family in the long run.
8. I have learned to give the same direction in multiple ways.
9. I have learned to coordinate and motivate multiple people to do difficult tasks independently.
10. I still have a college degree.
11. I live in Dallas area so there are plenty of opportunities.
12. I can find the good in bad situations and escalate and accentuate those positives.
13. I can laugh and stay calm as people lose control. (great memories)
14. This too shall pass.
15. I think Rick Perry jumped the shark with this move. Can't make an entire work force upset dude. That's management 101..... Come on. Get in the game.
I'm sure there are more, but now I have to figure out the "new" resume. Can't interview when your sad. That's lame.
Kaysha
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
1. I'm still employed and am finishing out the school year.
2. I still get paid until the end of August.
3. I have insurance until the end of August.
4. Mark is still with the district.
5. Kids still have insurance.
6. I can look at a stressful situation and come up with 3-5 immediate ways to calm a group of people with communication difficulties. (and really isn't that something)
7. Maybe this is a good thing and will benefit my family in the long run.
8. I have learned to give the same direction in multiple ways.
9. I have learned to coordinate and motivate multiple people to do difficult tasks independently.
10. I still have a college degree.
11. I live in Dallas area so there are plenty of opportunities.
12. I can find the good in bad situations and escalate and accentuate those positives.
13. I can laugh and stay calm as people lose control. (great memories)
14. This too shall pass.
15. I think Rick Perry jumped the shark with this move. Can't make an entire work force upset dude. That's management 101..... Come on. Get in the game.
I'm sure there are more, but now I have to figure out the "new" resume. Can't interview when your sad. That's lame.
Kaysha
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
What is going on????
I'm just so upset about what is happening in public education it makes me sick. I think of all the students that I have had the pleasure of teaching, and to think that may never happen again because of one person..... I really wish Rick Perry would come out of hiding and meet all the teachers and recognize that they have just lost their jobs because of his decision.
He would most likely blame someone else or say that public schools are blowing things out of proportion and not take responsibility for anything, because that is what he does.
But to a mom,this mom, who lost her job today because of this one single act of his. IT IS HUGE!
My year has basically sucked, to put it in my generations words. I'm sure it could get worse and I'm sure there are people worse off then me, and I know things will get better. Everything will get better and I'll look back and see the master plan, but right now I'm crushed.
I love Plano ISD. I grew up here from kinder until 12th grade. My mother taught here my whole life, even during the dreaded 80s when everything looked so bleak. Most of my friends had parents who were teachers. I never thought I would only see a glimpse of the happiness of teaching.
Special Education is a tough world. You absolutely have to be on the ball the entire time. But for some reason I had a blast with each kid and I will remember my time teaching them forever as I hope they remember me. What a gift my past 6 years have been. I only hope that in a few years I can find my way back into the classroom. My heart is broken. I am lost. How will I support my family when I am a teacher with no class? I guess time will tell right? Stupid time- always late.
He would most likely blame someone else or say that public schools are blowing things out of proportion and not take responsibility for anything, because that is what he does.
But to a mom,this mom, who lost her job today because of this one single act of his. IT IS HUGE!
My year has basically sucked, to put it in my generations words. I'm sure it could get worse and I'm sure there are people worse off then me, and I know things will get better. Everything will get better and I'll look back and see the master plan, but right now I'm crushed.
I love Plano ISD. I grew up here from kinder until 12th grade. My mother taught here my whole life, even during the dreaded 80s when everything looked so bleak. Most of my friends had parents who were teachers. I never thought I would only see a glimpse of the happiness of teaching.
Special Education is a tough world. You absolutely have to be on the ball the entire time. But for some reason I had a blast with each kid and I will remember my time teaching them forever as I hope they remember me. What a gift my past 6 years have been. I only hope that in a few years I can find my way back into the classroom. My heart is broken. I am lost. How will I support my family when I am a teacher with no class? I guess time will tell right? Stupid time- always late.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Ice Patches
As I sit here and listen to the kids make the buzz cutter sound as Mark cuts his hair, I think about all the times the kids remind him of things he's done.
For instance, last time it snowed. Mark and I were sitting on the couch watching the news about school closures. Mary comes in and says "Dad. It's going to snow. Don't fall." and walks away. We look at each other and I just crack up.
Winter of 2009
We are late getting out of the house for school- like most parents. I'm frantically trying to get the kids in the car, throwing breakfast at them, reminding Mark of things for the afternoon. I run inside for 2 minutes to get the last few things and I hear SMACK. "Uh." SMACK. "Man down! Man down! Kaysha help!" I come running out to see Mark crawling into the garage, blood dripping from the tip of his nose.
HOLY CRAP! I throw him in my car, jump in and start calling team leaders that we are going to be missing school that day. Of course I don't take him to the hospital right away. No- I drop the kids off at their separate schools first. We find some napkins for the 20 minute drop off routine from the floor of the van. Pretty.
We get to the hospital and he gets sewn up and we are on our way.
Here's what he did. Mark went out to get the morning newspaper. He looks up and thinks "Hey I know those shoes." SMACK number one on his back but he's wearing his backpack so he's okay. He flips over to crawl. SMACK number two. All four limbs go out and he lands on his nose. "Man down, Man down."
Good thing he's so handsome! Everytime there is a pocket of ice Mary says, "Dad, watch out. That's ice." or "Mom, we need to tell Dad to be careful. There's ice outside."
What a caring girl and I'm sorry this tramatized her so bad. But it's pretty funny.
For instance, last time it snowed. Mark and I were sitting on the couch watching the news about school closures. Mary comes in and says "Dad. It's going to snow. Don't fall." and walks away. We look at each other and I just crack up.
Winter of 2009
We are late getting out of the house for school- like most parents. I'm frantically trying to get the kids in the car, throwing breakfast at them, reminding Mark of things for the afternoon. I run inside for 2 minutes to get the last few things and I hear SMACK. "Uh." SMACK. "Man down! Man down! Kaysha help!" I come running out to see Mark crawling into the garage, blood dripping from the tip of his nose.
HOLY CRAP! I throw him in my car, jump in and start calling team leaders that we are going to be missing school that day. Of course I don't take him to the hospital right away. No- I drop the kids off at their separate schools first. We find some napkins for the 20 minute drop off routine from the floor of the van. Pretty.
We get to the hospital and he gets sewn up and we are on our way.
Here's what he did. Mark went out to get the morning newspaper. He looks up and thinks "Hey I know those shoes." SMACK number one on his back but he's wearing his backpack so he's okay. He flips over to crawl. SMACK number two. All four limbs go out and he lands on his nose. "Man down, Man down."
Good thing he's so handsome! Everytime there is a pocket of ice Mary says, "Dad, watch out. That's ice." or "Mom, we need to tell Dad to be careful. There's ice outside."
What a caring girl and I'm sorry this tramatized her so bad. But it's pretty funny.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wishing I paid attention in Biology
I know lots of people already know this story, but for those that don't here you go.
People are always asking us what symptoms Mark had to lead us to finding the tumor.
The straight answer is none. We were shocked when we found out and I'm sure you will be too.
It all started years ago, 2004 to be exact. I know this because Spencer was born 2 months later. Mark was training for the WhiteRock Marathon and rolled his right ankle helping a teenager on the treadmill next to him. He was told it was a really, really bad sprain. Use some crutches and you'll be fine.
Well he could walk, but running and playing tennis became increasingly difficult because he kept rolling his ankle.
2 years later, yes- 2 years, Mark's dad convinced him to go see the Plano ankle guy. Dr said that he had shredded the tendons in that ankle and needed surgery. Yes, okay let's do that. He's a tennis coach and an athelete at heart. Give the man his ankle! They go in and put in some screws to reattach the tendons.
Mark is a good man and he doesn't drive for the 6 weeks because of the cast. He does all the therapy, but he still keeps rolling his ankle. That's odd....
So he goes back. The answer is another surgery because it turns out that Mark never walked on the center of his heel. The tendons he grew up with always adjusted but these "new" ones just don't know how to find "center". So I'm told this new surgery will reattach the tendons in a different way so he will walk centered. A trusting wife I say okay let's do the surgery.
Okay- first of all- I now know to not send anyone, cough...Mark...cough, to a doctor alone.
After Mark's surgery, the surgeon comes out and tells me he "cut off" Mark's heel and "moved it over." YES! I know. Seriously, I had to of looked like I was going to pass out because he asks if I'm okay and tells me this is a fairly common procedure. Yes, but I didn't know that was going to happen! After a few deep breaths I listen to the Doc as he says Mark should be playing tennis and could not possibly roll his ankle again because there is a TITANIUM plate holding his heel center. EWWW! And yes- you can feel the screws. gross.
Okay so now we are like in 2008-2009. Mark has done another year of therapy and still walks funny. He can't curl his toes and when he walks it's very difficult to lift his toes.
I am out of the argument because to me it's his foot and he's a man. If he wants it fixed he would fix it. ( and I'm sneaky and complain to his parents about it.... I know soo juvenile, but whatever. It worked)
Mark's dad gets him to go to the Carrell Clinic in Dallas. I'm putting their name in here because honestly, they went above and beyond. Over about a year Mark went from specialist to specialist. The ankle guy said his ankle was structurally sound, but the EMG nerve test said his ankle wasn't receiving all the signal. Now I'm not sure how much a signal (because I had forgotten my lesson and he was going to these appointments alone) but I know it was less than 90 and more than 75% of the signal is left leg was getting.
Yes-odd.
So Dr. Ankle sent him to Dr. Spine because all nerves do something with the spine. By now I was going to some of the appointments. Only the tests, because I felt like if I made a big deal out of anything, he would stop going. Come on wives-you know what I'm talking about.
Mark went and had a full spine MRI. Mark has wide shoulders and a strong upper body. He wasn't clostrophobic before, but 2 hours in a tube sure did make that happen.
Turns out while there are some disc issues-nothing to cause the decreased signal in one leg. Okay so that means brain....We take a break from all this mess and go to Disney World in the middle of October. He wears his toe lift brace and we have a great time.
When we get back to life, Mark meets with the neurologist and she seemed to think that he may have had a small stroke during the heel moving experience. Evidently that can happen. Who knew that!
She schedules an brain MRI for 12/6 in the morning. On a whim I decide I better go to this MRI, just because it is brain, and that's kinda important.
Mark goes back into the machine and I sit in the waiting room and play on my phone. I leave and come back and sit by the door. Well, I look up and I can see a woman come into the MRI room to look at someone's scan. I look at the scan and there is a white blobby thing. Never did I think it was Mark.
The MRI tech guy, who had been very cheerful and nice, suddenly doesn't look me in the eye when he tells me Mark is almost done. That is odd, but whatever right?
Mark comes out and they stop us. Dr. Neuro wants to see us. Oh crap.
They put us in a beige room and we sit.....for who knows how long. They come in and say they are getting a confirmation and will be in soon.....oh crap.
In she comes.
Mark says "You found something didn't you?" She says "Yes, you have a brain tumor."
Now she was very nice and told us an estimated size-large, and told us that people live long lives with this, but it was most likely the intitial reason he fell because it's on the motor cord, which biology people-controls movement. I honestly don't remember much of the conversation. I remember just going numb as I look at Mark. I remember not crying, but asking questions. I remember her saying it was cancer because it was in his brain, not on top of the skull- but that could be a very good thing. She was very wonderful and got us into an fantasic Nerosurgeon the next day. We called Mark's family while they scheduled the appointment. Mark sent out his famous "I have brain cancer." text messages to lots of people. Not something anyone but Mark could do. And we just sort of move/float out of the room and into our new life. The rest of the day is a blur of phone calls, laughter and tears. We ate at IHOP and looked up the ribbon color-gray.
We didn't tell the kids, but they knew something was off. I just put on the cheerful, everything is great face with them and played like nothing had happened. I knew they would know at some point, but I just didn't know what to say. We were still dealing with it.
But you know, one morning you think he's just clumsy and walks goofy. That very afternoon you get "large brain tumor" and everything changes. Absolutely makes you live in the moment, which we do even more so now. We have decided as a family that our world revolves around the four of us and our family. Which I guess is how it should be.
Sucks to learn it this way though
People are always asking us what symptoms Mark had to lead us to finding the tumor.
The straight answer is none. We were shocked when we found out and I'm sure you will be too.
It all started years ago, 2004 to be exact. I know this because Spencer was born 2 months later. Mark was training for the WhiteRock Marathon and rolled his right ankle helping a teenager on the treadmill next to him. He was told it was a really, really bad sprain. Use some crutches and you'll be fine.
Well he could walk, but running and playing tennis became increasingly difficult because he kept rolling his ankle.
2 years later, yes- 2 years, Mark's dad convinced him to go see the Plano ankle guy. Dr said that he had shredded the tendons in that ankle and needed surgery. Yes, okay let's do that. He's a tennis coach and an athelete at heart. Give the man his ankle! They go in and put in some screws to reattach the tendons.
Mark is a good man and he doesn't drive for the 6 weeks because of the cast. He does all the therapy, but he still keeps rolling his ankle. That's odd....
So he goes back. The answer is another surgery because it turns out that Mark never walked on the center of his heel. The tendons he grew up with always adjusted but these "new" ones just don't know how to find "center". So I'm told this new surgery will reattach the tendons in a different way so he will walk centered. A trusting wife I say okay let's do the surgery.
Okay- first of all- I now know to not send anyone, cough...Mark...cough, to a doctor alone.
After Mark's surgery, the surgeon comes out and tells me he "cut off" Mark's heel and "moved it over." YES! I know. Seriously, I had to of looked like I was going to pass out because he asks if I'm okay and tells me this is a fairly common procedure. Yes, but I didn't know that was going to happen! After a few deep breaths I listen to the Doc as he says Mark should be playing tennis and could not possibly roll his ankle again because there is a TITANIUM plate holding his heel center. EWWW! And yes- you can feel the screws. gross.
Okay so now we are like in 2008-2009. Mark has done another year of therapy and still walks funny. He can't curl his toes and when he walks it's very difficult to lift his toes.
I am out of the argument because to me it's his foot and he's a man. If he wants it fixed he would fix it. ( and I'm sneaky and complain to his parents about it.... I know soo juvenile, but whatever. It worked)
Mark's dad gets him to go to the Carrell Clinic in Dallas. I'm putting their name in here because honestly, they went above and beyond. Over about a year Mark went from specialist to specialist. The ankle guy said his ankle was structurally sound, but the EMG nerve test said his ankle wasn't receiving all the signal. Now I'm not sure how much a signal (because I had forgotten my lesson and he was going to these appointments alone) but I know it was less than 90 and more than 75% of the signal is left leg was getting.
Yes-odd.
So Dr. Ankle sent him to Dr. Spine because all nerves do something with the spine. By now I was going to some of the appointments. Only the tests, because I felt like if I made a big deal out of anything, he would stop going. Come on wives-you know what I'm talking about.
Mark went and had a full spine MRI. Mark has wide shoulders and a strong upper body. He wasn't clostrophobic before, but 2 hours in a tube sure did make that happen.
Turns out while there are some disc issues-nothing to cause the decreased signal in one leg. Okay so that means brain....We take a break from all this mess and go to Disney World in the middle of October. He wears his toe lift brace and we have a great time.
When we get back to life, Mark meets with the neurologist and she seemed to think that he may have had a small stroke during the heel moving experience. Evidently that can happen. Who knew that!
She schedules an brain MRI for 12/6 in the morning. On a whim I decide I better go to this MRI, just because it is brain, and that's kinda important.
Mark goes back into the machine and I sit in the waiting room and play on my phone. I leave and come back and sit by the door. Well, I look up and I can see a woman come into the MRI room to look at someone's scan. I look at the scan and there is a white blobby thing. Never did I think it was Mark.
The MRI tech guy, who had been very cheerful and nice, suddenly doesn't look me in the eye when he tells me Mark is almost done. That is odd, but whatever right?
Mark comes out and they stop us. Dr. Neuro wants to see us. Oh crap.
They put us in a beige room and we sit.....for who knows how long. They come in and say they are getting a confirmation and will be in soon.....oh crap.
In she comes.
Mark says "You found something didn't you?" She says "Yes, you have a brain tumor."
Now she was very nice and told us an estimated size-large, and told us that people live long lives with this, but it was most likely the intitial reason he fell because it's on the motor cord, which biology people-controls movement. I honestly don't remember much of the conversation. I remember just going numb as I look at Mark. I remember not crying, but asking questions. I remember her saying it was cancer because it was in his brain, not on top of the skull- but that could be a very good thing. She was very wonderful and got us into an fantasic Nerosurgeon the next day. We called Mark's family while they scheduled the appointment. Mark sent out his famous "I have brain cancer." text messages to lots of people. Not something anyone but Mark could do. And we just sort of move/float out of the room and into our new life. The rest of the day is a blur of phone calls, laughter and tears. We ate at IHOP and looked up the ribbon color-gray.
We didn't tell the kids, but they knew something was off. I just put on the cheerful, everything is great face with them and played like nothing had happened. I knew they would know at some point, but I just didn't know what to say. We were still dealing with it.
But you know, one morning you think he's just clumsy and walks goofy. That very afternoon you get "large brain tumor" and everything changes. Absolutely makes you live in the moment, which we do even more so now. We have decided as a family that our world revolves around the four of us and our family. Which I guess is how it should be.
Sucks to learn it this way though
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In the beginning there was...Church
It was spring in 2000. I was in trouble, a lot. Not with police or anything like that, but very much so with my mother. Who knew that would happen when you live walking distance from a street of bars called "Fry Street."
She was sitting in church with my dad and praying for some sign to save me from failing out of college and being a bum. She looked down in the program and saw an advertisement for college kids to work at the church's summer elementary youth camp. Praise be to God- she found it.
She called me that afternoon and for a series of days afterward for me to contact the youth minister. I was no fool. I did contact him, on the last day possible hoping that I wouldn't get the job and say I did contact him, but all positions were filled.
Well as it turns out there was one position open and it was mine if I wanted it. Turns out I had a few angels that knew both the youth minister and me and said some very nice things. I was the only person hired without an interview.
I went to the pre-camp week with an open mind thinking this is going to be great. I was living at home rent-free and playing outside with a very diverse group of kids all summer. Great way to spend a summer. I didn't know a single person and there was no need to keep in contact with anyone afterward.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
I walk into the room to meet everyone-not knowing a soul and meet a great group of people. Mark's best friend since he was little was the youth minister/hiring guy. Mark was working the camp as something fun to do during the summer and hang with his friends. We would go swimming like 2 days of the week, Wet-N-Wild or Six Flags for one and then just play at the church for the other 2. I loved it because I can't swim and I'm afraid of heights, but I kept it a bit of secret. I would look like a champion to always be with the little kids. The secret got out of the bag after about week one, mostly because I can't keep a secret and I'm not that obnoxious even when I try.
This summer had a huge impact on both of us. Of course we met, but we met lifelong friends who we adore. My daughter's godfather is the youth minister who changed the course of our lives. My son's godfather is another counselor who we met that summer and spent every summer and non summer with from then on.
I have no idea why Mark decided to put up with me that summer. I had a boyfriend and almost done with a college degree that would keep me traveling as much as I wanted. I knew when he made me laugh for hours on end I was done looking and all previous decisions were void- and I was only 21! The biggest laugh we had was stupid..like awful stupid pick up lines. I still get a kick out of those today. Like "Are you from Tennessee? 'cuz you're the only 10 I see." I'll comment more as I remember them.
Once we decided to start dating we kept it a secret for a while. That was fun because everyone kept trying to set us up, but we kept saying no- we weren't interested.
That summer was a long time ago, but by far one of my favorites. I love seeing all the "Decision Points" that can change a life. (Yes that is a George Bush comment from a girl that is pretty non-political. crazy right)
She was sitting in church with my dad and praying for some sign to save me from failing out of college and being a bum. She looked down in the program and saw an advertisement for college kids to work at the church's summer elementary youth camp. Praise be to God- she found it.
She called me that afternoon and for a series of days afterward for me to contact the youth minister. I was no fool. I did contact him, on the last day possible hoping that I wouldn't get the job and say I did contact him, but all positions were filled.
Well as it turns out there was one position open and it was mine if I wanted it. Turns out I had a few angels that knew both the youth minister and me and said some very nice things. I was the only person hired without an interview.
I went to the pre-camp week with an open mind thinking this is going to be great. I was living at home rent-free and playing outside with a very diverse group of kids all summer. Great way to spend a summer. I didn't know a single person and there was no need to keep in contact with anyone afterward.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
I walk into the room to meet everyone-not knowing a soul and meet a great group of people. Mark's best friend since he was little was the youth minister/hiring guy. Mark was working the camp as something fun to do during the summer and hang with his friends. We would go swimming like 2 days of the week, Wet-N-Wild or Six Flags for one and then just play at the church for the other 2. I loved it because I can't swim and I'm afraid of heights, but I kept it a bit of secret. I would look like a champion to always be with the little kids. The secret got out of the bag after about week one, mostly because I can't keep a secret and I'm not that obnoxious even when I try.
This summer had a huge impact on both of us. Of course we met, but we met lifelong friends who we adore. My daughter's godfather is the youth minister who changed the course of our lives. My son's godfather is another counselor who we met that summer and spent every summer and non summer with from then on.
I have no idea why Mark decided to put up with me that summer. I had a boyfriend and almost done with a college degree that would keep me traveling as much as I wanted. I knew when he made me laugh for hours on end I was done looking and all previous decisions were void- and I was only 21! The biggest laugh we had was stupid..like awful stupid pick up lines. I still get a kick out of those today. Like "Are you from Tennessee? 'cuz you're the only 10 I see." I'll comment more as I remember them.
Once we decided to start dating we kept it a secret for a while. That was fun because everyone kept trying to set us up, but we kept saying no- we weren't interested.
That summer was a long time ago, but by far one of my favorites. I love seeing all the "Decision Points" that can change a life. (Yes that is a George Bush comment from a girl that is pretty non-political. crazy right)
Just 15 more minutes
We will start with a bit of gore.
Mark had a seizure on the tennis courts 15 minutes before the bell to start spring break. He was walking around the court watching his team, felt his side go numb and then thought, I'm going to have a seiz....Next thing he knows his atheletes are saying "Coach, Coach Are you okay?" He hears the kids organize themselves. Some go to the football coaches, some go to the front office, some radio into the front office, some with medical experience (yes- medical experience) hold his head and watch the time. AMAZING KIDS! A football coach and a wrestling coach come to the courts from what I hear lightening speed. The front office and the football coach call 911. The football coach calls me.
I'm picking up MG's ADHD meds (ugh) and almost don't answer the phone because I don't know the number. He says "Kaysha, It's (football coach)" "um hi?" "Now stay calm, but Mark had a seizure and banged up his head pretty bad."
Now seriously! How do you stay calm at that??? And just so you know this football coach is a bit of a joker. "Are you serious? Because if you're joking..."
"No, I'm not. An ambulance is on it's way. He's split his head open. What hospital do you want him to go to?"
So what I hear is head trauma. And a bit of knowledge from dad that the number 1 hospital for trama south of Oklahoma and north of Austin is old Plano hospital, I try to say it. But that hospital has changed names about 5 times in the 30 years I've been around it so I call it that white hospital because it's white on the outside.
Thank god Joker knew what I was talking about. The ambulance gets Mark all wrapped up in all those straps and take him to the hospital.
I drive a Prius- on eco mode so I can get 50 miles a gallon. I'm not proud to say it but yes- I beat the ambulance to the hospital by a good 4-5 minutes.
I wait inside the ER doors so as soon as he comes in I'm there. I am forcing the laughter down, because I just find it so funny. I don't know why. He looks pitiful all strapped to the board. I don't know if all this has sunken in yet. It's only been about 4 months since we found the tumor.
Mark apologizes because we were supposed to have a dinner date without kids-which we do after the hospital. And let me just say...I respect people who look him in the eye rather than look and then look away. The fantastic staff the hosptial did some scans, sewed him up and shipped him out rather quickly.
We go eat a Paradise Bakery because it was the only place not busy on a Friday night, pick up his pain pills and go home....because he has to start his chemo pills that night.
Seriously. We couldn't make this up, but we have fun with the jokes.
Here's a quick summary of all the questions you may have.
1. My parents went and got the kids from their schools and the dog, Baylor, from the house and then everyone had a great time at Gran and Grandpa's. Thank god they are sort-of retired.
2. I called Mark's parents as soon as I got off the phone with my parents.
3. Mark has been on seizure medicine since his biopsies of his brain tumor. The type of cancer he has typically shows up with seizures. This is only the 2nd one. The first was after the 1st biopsy. (Whole other story.)
4. He was supposed to start driving again on 3/21....now it's September. I think he just LOVES my driving so much he needed a reason to keep hitting every speed bump and go on endless parking lot tours!
5. No I still can't get him to wear a helmet.
6. Yes I did get him to wear a medical ID bracelet. Baylor colors and yes- it does say "If found call wife"
Mark claims that God decided he was too handsome and wanted to level the playing field for David Beckham and Brad Pitt.
Mark had a seizure on the tennis courts 15 minutes before the bell to start spring break. He was walking around the court watching his team, felt his side go numb and then thought, I'm going to have a seiz....Next thing he knows his atheletes are saying "Coach, Coach Are you okay?" He hears the kids organize themselves. Some go to the football coaches, some go to the front office, some radio into the front office, some with medical experience (yes- medical experience) hold his head and watch the time. AMAZING KIDS! A football coach and a wrestling coach come to the courts from what I hear lightening speed. The front office and the football coach call 911. The football coach calls me.
I'm picking up MG's ADHD meds (ugh) and almost don't answer the phone because I don't know the number. He says "Kaysha, It's (football coach)" "um hi?" "Now stay calm, but Mark had a seizure and banged up his head pretty bad."
Now seriously! How do you stay calm at that??? And just so you know this football coach is a bit of a joker. "Are you serious? Because if you're joking..."
"No, I'm not. An ambulance is on it's way. He's split his head open. What hospital do you want him to go to?"
So what I hear is head trauma. And a bit of knowledge from dad that the number 1 hospital for trama south of Oklahoma and north of Austin is old Plano hospital, I try to say it. But that hospital has changed names about 5 times in the 30 years I've been around it so I call it that white hospital because it's white on the outside.
Thank god Joker knew what I was talking about. The ambulance gets Mark all wrapped up in all those straps and take him to the hospital.
I drive a Prius- on eco mode so I can get 50 miles a gallon. I'm not proud to say it but yes- I beat the ambulance to the hospital by a good 4-5 minutes.
I wait inside the ER doors so as soon as he comes in I'm there. I am forcing the laughter down, because I just find it so funny. I don't know why. He looks pitiful all strapped to the board. I don't know if all this has sunken in yet. It's only been about 4 months since we found the tumor.
Mark apologizes because we were supposed to have a dinner date without kids-which we do after the hospital. And let me just say...I respect people who look him in the eye rather than look and then look away. The fantastic staff the hosptial did some scans, sewed him up and shipped him out rather quickly.
We go eat a Paradise Bakery because it was the only place not busy on a Friday night, pick up his pain pills and go home....because he has to start his chemo pills that night.
Seriously. We couldn't make this up, but we have fun with the jokes.
Here's a quick summary of all the questions you may have.
1. My parents went and got the kids from their schools and the dog, Baylor, from the house and then everyone had a great time at Gran and Grandpa's. Thank god they are sort-of retired.
2. I called Mark's parents as soon as I got off the phone with my parents.
3. Mark has been on seizure medicine since his biopsies of his brain tumor. The type of cancer he has typically shows up with seizures. This is only the 2nd one. The first was after the 1st biopsy. (Whole other story.)
4. He was supposed to start driving again on 3/21....now it's September. I think he just LOVES my driving so much he needed a reason to keep hitting every speed bump and go on endless parking lot tours!
5. No I still can't get him to wear a helmet.
6. Yes I did get him to wear a medical ID bracelet. Baylor colors and yes- it does say "If found call wife"
Mark claims that God decided he was too handsome and wanted to level the playing field for David Beckham and Brad Pitt.
Setting up
When I don't know what to say, I usually pick one of two things. The first being silent, which does work in person, but for some reason I come out looking snobbish or something and that doesn't really work for a blog.
The other is to just come right out and say it, whether it comes out right or not. Blunt works for me.
So here is the blunt reason of this blog:
To keep family and friends informed on what is happening to the "Moore Four" so basically all the facts are in one central location, we don't have to repeat ourselves and get massively depressed, and so we can find humor in our daily lives.
If you don't know the general details here you go. I am Kaysha, a 30ish teacher and mother to MaryGwen (MG) and Spencer. My husband is Mark, also a 30ish teacher. Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer 12/6/2010. MG was diagnosed ADHD the following January. It's been an interesting few months!
While life is moving forward, sometimes very slowly, I will share what is happening with us. I will recount some stories that I find funny from the past that I don't want lost from my mind due to exhaustion.
I will say I'm not looking for sympathy or advice on anything. I just think the way things are turning out other people may find interesting. Mark and I have always had something very special in common; we love to laugh and find humor in difficult situations. Both being special education teachers, we do this daily. If you comment, please realize- humor is the best medicine!
So here we go!
The other is to just come right out and say it, whether it comes out right or not. Blunt works for me.
So here is the blunt reason of this blog:
To keep family and friends informed on what is happening to the "Moore Four" so basically all the facts are in one central location, we don't have to repeat ourselves and get massively depressed, and so we can find humor in our daily lives.
If you don't know the general details here you go. I am Kaysha, a 30ish teacher and mother to MaryGwen (MG) and Spencer. My husband is Mark, also a 30ish teacher. Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer 12/6/2010. MG was diagnosed ADHD the following January. It's been an interesting few months!
While life is moving forward, sometimes very slowly, I will share what is happening with us. I will recount some stories that I find funny from the past that I don't want lost from my mind due to exhaustion.
I will say I'm not looking for sympathy or advice on anything. I just think the way things are turning out other people may find interesting. Mark and I have always had something very special in common; we love to laugh and find humor in difficult situations. Both being special education teachers, we do this daily. If you comment, please realize- humor is the best medicine!
So here we go!
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