Winter Warm Up

For Christmas, Gretchen bought my dad and I tickets to the Cardinals Care Winter Warm Up. Dad went for a little bit yesterday, so I went with him today. I thought I'd try and venture out into the world outside of the Clardy household. Let's just say it may or may not have been the best idea.

We woke up, got dressed, and Dad started up the car. Today was the first day I wore jeans since the surgery! The car ride from Barnes to Gretchen's was horrendous, so I figured this one would be almost as bad. I was correct. It was a bit easier to get into the car, but the ride was just as bumpy and painful. We finally arrived at the Hyatt downtown and Dad got me out of the car, in my wheelchair, and inside the building. He went to park the car and then came back to take me up to the fourth floor. We got off the elevator, walked (or wheeled lol) down the hall to the big ballroom where players were signing autographs. Since Dad missed Fernando Vina's autograph yesterday, they gave us a ticket for Steve Kline. I used to love him and his dirty baseball cap when I met him years ago. Today they let me go right up to the front of the line since I was in a wheelchair. He came up and said "Hey there beautiful." *blush* Haha it was perhaps the highlight of my day. While signing my baseball, he asked me what was wrong. I told him about the surgery and he told me to take care of myself. He asked me how long it would be before I'm back to normal, and I said about a year. He goes "Oh come on, don't milk it that long." I assured him I wasn't lying, and he encouraged me to stay strong and get healthy. I told him I used to be a catcher in softball and he said "Us baseball players gotta be tough, rest up, and heal fast." He was so nice!

At 9, we started to get in line for Skip Schumaker. The lady was nice enough to let us go to the front of the line again. After a few minutes, Skip came out. He sat down at the signing table and Dad handed him the ball. Dad asked him to sign it on the sweet spot, and he did. For a minute I thought he wasn't going to come down and say hi to me. Thankfully, he stepped down off the platform and took a picture with me. :) It was so great! Let's just say he is a beautiful man. That is all.

Unfortunately, as time wore on at the Warm Up, my back really started hurting. The wheelchair was uncomfortable and I couldn't get situated correctly. A few times we had to stop, lock the wheels, and ask someone to help lift me out of my chair. Here's where the cool Jesus part comes in. One guy who helped me up had a pregnant wife. She asked why I was in a wheelchair, I told her, and she said "No way, I need spine surgery." Basically she has a lot of disc problems in her spine, and has been looking for a really good doctor that specializes in spines. We told her about Bridwell, shared some information about his specialties, and she seemed super excited to finally hear of a reputable doctor. I know we were meant to meet this lady, since I might have just given her the name of a doctor that can actually help her improve her quality of life. So cool!

Dad and I grabbed some burgers at the hotel before checking out the shopping area. There were so many vendors with more Cardinals memorabilia than you could ever think of. Dad was nice enough to buy me a Schumaker shirt. We perused a bit more, then decided to head home. I waited in the hotel gift shop while he pulled the car around. In the freezing cold, he helped me back into the car slowly and carefully. He is the best father in the world and deserves a gold star. If you disagree, I might fight you. :p He drove me back to Gretchen's house, where I got into some more comfortable clothes and hit the sack. I took a very long nap afterwards, which felt so great.

The rest of my day pretty much consisted of walking around the house, sitting momentarily, and sleeping. My sleep schedule has been so off since the surgery. As you can probably tell by me writing this at 1:32 AM. When my body screams for sleep, I give in, and then my naps turn into half-night sleeps and I'm all screwed up. Soon enough after I'm healed I'm sure it will all get back on a regular schedule.

As for what has been causing me the most pain recently, it's definitely been my right hip. It aches constantly, spasms, and today it started shooting pains down the nerves in my legs. I'm not quite sure how I caused that, but hopefully my doctor's appointment on Tuesday can help me figure it out. At this very moment I'm not in a whole lot of pain. I'm stiff and tense, but thats 24/7 anyway. I'm slowly trying to regain some independence. For example, I can walk laps around the house (my only exercise I'm allowed to do) by myself now. I can lift my walker over little bumps on my own and turn corners somewhat easily. I've been trying to walk small distances without a walker, but that usually ends in me losing my balance and almost falling. Note to self: Don't be an idiot. I will heal in due time. I'll end with a verse that not only gives me comfort, but I'm sure it will apply to anyone reading this.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)