With temps still over 90 degrees here in the beautiful Dallas, Texas area, it’s hard to believe that we are knocking on October’s door. But the calendar says it is so. We filled our September days with school, work, eye exams and dermatology appointments, church, and tending to loved ones with medical conditions. I got to attend open house at the high school for the first time. Walking my daughter’s schedule at this 3 story behemoth left this country girl breathless and overwhelmed. It sure dwarfs the two hallways that made up my 3A school. I guess that’s one way these kids put all that energy to good use. And once I finally found it, I helped decorate the girl’s locker room to commemorate the start of volleyball district play.
Allie’s team competed in a couple of tournaments which gave me a little PTSD from the club volleyball season. Our girls brought home gold from the second, but Allie brought home a concussion. This is our first foray as a family into head injuries of any kind. And even though it is slight, trainers and doctors take these things very seriously. She has to be symptom free for a week before she can be cleared to play, and so far she has experienced headache, nausea, dizziness and light and sound sensitivity. She is currently doing physical therapy specifically for concussions (which I still don’t completely understand what is – for the record). I had no idea this kind of PT existed, but apparently a combination of ocular exercises, balance work, cardio, and hand eye coordination drills can help the brain reorient more quickly.
On the 19th, a new Sparks was born. A little 5lb 13 oz sweet niece for Chuck and I named Dylan. Can’t wait to meet her in person. And I am adding new gray hairs every day because Allie has her first high school boyfriend. Jesus be near. She is also getting involved in Young Life – where Jesus IS near – and had fun at their annual Crud War. A massive outdoor food fight the likes of which her clothes and our car interior may never recover from.
Chuck and I went to the theater on a double date to see the Downton Abbey movie. After months and months of waiting, it did not disappoint. At home we watched the John Crist comedy special I Got Questions and Too Funny to Fail – a documentary about the rise and fall of The Dana Carvey Show. I always loved his characters. I read Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other. I was ready for a light and funny snack and I love the podcast the author Sophie Hudson does with Melanie Shankle. I’ve also started reading, and discussing with a friend, Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities by Gary Chapman and Jolene Philo.
I finished the month by turning another year older. I am now officially closer to 50 than to 40. A moment to cry about that, please. But I got to celebrate with a girls’ weekend and then with my twin sister and PawPaw surrounded by family. I can’t think of a better place to be, and I’m so grateful. I’d love to hear what you did this month. What you read or what you watched. Drop me a comment below. And don’t forget, I love you, I thank you, and I hope October treats you well.
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