Something started on my right elbow yesterday. I think I first noticed what felt like a bruise while sitting at the Mayo waiting for one of Liam's treatments. A couple of hours later I felt the elbow and it was hot. Upon examination I noticed it was red. I inspected in closely in the mirror but could not identify a source i.e bug bite or trauma bruise. I took 400 mg of IB and tried to forget about it. The elbow continued to swell through the afternoon. We took the kids out of school and spent the day at the beach. I was actually enjoying the process of trying to come up with my own diagnosis. Could it be a bug bite? Bursitis? Arthritis? Gout? Bug bit is the most likely explanation.
I woke up early today (Saturday) to get Hazel to her soccer game by 8 am. Liam in tow. Lee left at the same time to head for Cecil Field to gather his soldiers to prepare before families arrived for the big send off. While Hazel was warming up with her team Liam and I wen to get a coffee and he worked on some drawings with his magic markers. I was sweating it out an the sidelines in my black pants and light sweater that were appropriate for Lee's ceremony but ridiculous as the soccer Mom. Hazel played a good game. Sweating and flushed I removed her a few minutes before the end so I could dump water over her head and get to Lee's deployment ceremony.
Hazel changed cloths in the back seat. We were a few minutes late. The Red Cross had rolls and juice so the kids were thrilled. The expected speakers (the Governor, the Mayor etc.) at the send off ALL happened to send replacements. Some more prepared than others. Lynda and I were feeling the weight of Lee leaving. If you have never watched a group deploy you can not understand what it is like to see the soldier's families (all the babies and small kids hanging on the camouflage legs--spouses looking a bit grim and resolved). We spent the afternoon with the group at the armory - a great lunch was served and last minute details worked out.
I tried to go to a walk in clinic to have my elbow looked at but it had closed 8 minutes prior to my arrival. I took another 400 mg of IB and Hazel made me an ice pack. Lee returned his rental car, we walked the dogs then wen to the John and Lynda's to celebrate Liam's birthday with cake and gifts. He was thrilled....hugging everyone after every gift. He sat on top of the pool table with ear to ear grin and thanks.
I think it was only 5 or 6 at this time but we were all wearing down. Lee and I looked over some old photos from when the kids were small and some of his own childhood in South Africa. We bathed the kids and got them ready for bed. They decided to stay the night with their Nana and Papa since I have to drop Lee off at the Army base at 3 am.
Tearful good-bye for Lynda, sending off her son to a war she does not agree with while noting that Lee has always been adventurous. She notes as well that she is and has always been proud of that spirit, proud to live through his wild ways. Tough for his Mom.
Me, well my elbow still aches and the swelling continues. Concerns me but time is so short right now. I am too busy shutting myself down, fighting back tears with irritability and anger in a way I have come accustomed too. Frustrating for me and confusing to others.
This family will be one less tomorrow and I will regroup and get things together. My Dad arrives late Tuesday night and the kids and I look forward to some company in the house. I think I will clear a room and start inviting everyone I know to come at some point and spend a few days or more. It will make the time fly and give me time with people I have missed for so many years.
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