A couple of weeks ago I ended up tagging along with Daddy when he had a meeting at Tysons Galleria. I convinced him to go straight there from lunch (he took me to Rehab in the morning) and I said I’d be good and mind my own beeswax. I was VERY good, I promise. My improved swallowing health and I exercised our freedom my going to Maggiano’s for dessert. I would have been very happy at Starbucks or the Corner Bakery but didn’t want to bother with recruiting someone to carry my things to a table for me so I went all out and chose a full-service restaurant. I haven’t been to Maggiano’s since I got sick, and I’ve never eaten in public alone before. It wasn’t that I was craving dessert (although I knew beforehand that I’d get the toasted pound cake with caramelized bananas) – it was the experience of going to a restaurant, ordering, not choking, and paying the bill that was important to me. PS. Remember when I was pretending to be vegan? Yeah. I kinda fell off the wagon lil’ bit.
I allotted myself 20 minutes, packed up the leftovers, and then rested on a soft chair near the bakery where Tanpo was. I was conscious of the time since I didn’t want him to worry and come looking for me. I knew I was already pushing the envelope by wanting to go wandering around by myself. Good thing I was nearby, since the fire alarm went off and I met Tanpo and the L’s coming down the hallway to get me.
All said, my outing was a success. Yes, I was tired afterwards, but the brief return to what my life used to be like was a happy moment.
Another happy moment came on Friday when Tanpo took me to E&R’s so I could look at a wheelchair I’d seen on Craigslist in West Chester. The kids met us at the door and I was taken aback because Peter was standing. He can walk, too, now – and is mobile enough to “engage” with his big brother. It’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I took this picture when he went digging in my purse and found a banana.
Ed Goes to DC – video and book on Amazon
It was wonderful to see you and your family at Rise Up. You will remember I bought your book, and on the way home read it through. What an incredible journey you have had!! I gave one to Moira, so am sending mine on to Caroline in Cyprus – she is anxious to read it too. Your post today is so encouraging. Want you to know that you are on my Prayer List. Give our love to E&R when you see them again – love all the pictures of the children!! May God continue to bless, heal and encourage you daily. In Him, Beth Cairns.
Hi, Mrs. C! I was so glad to see you both at RU although C&M couldn’t make it. When you send the book to C please give her my love and thanks – she told me bout her decision process when I was praying about Burundi. Ernie said , Make sure to talk to Caroline. I haven’t spoken w her since I got sick, but I remember her kindness. Thanks for reading!!
Your dessert looks deeelish, and I’m so glad you had that opportunity (and took it!!). I’ll need to hear more about this wheelchair, which will soon have flame decorations, I understand? 🙂
That photo of Peter is hilarious!
The flames are under consideration 🙂
Wouldn’t be complete without a huge spoiler on the back and a massive sound system. You might consider running lights too … just for extra street cred.
You are so right on the sound system, esp. since I’ve had hearing loss :). I’m on it.
Good for you, Ning! This is a huge victory! I’m so proud of you for having the courage to do this and enjoy your moment. And excellent choice of dessert – wish I could have been there to share it with you, but then it wouldn’t have been a solo outing :). I know Ms. A would love that dessert – she toasts pound cake, because you know, she considers it breakfast food. Actually, her preferred method, if I recall correctly, is to slap some butter on it and put it in a frying pan for a few minutes. Same w/ Krispy Kreme donuts. Annnnyway, great job – and I, too, love that pic of Peter! How is he so big all of a sudden? I love that he dug that out of your purse :). Congratulations on this step forward, and also on the new chair! XOXOs
The Krispy kremes crack me up!!!!