I really dropped off in posting the second half of this month but thought I'd share a few different thoughts tonight. First - a brief overview of Hallowe'en Day 2102:
After Donovan went to school today, I took Malcolm to his speech therapy appointment. Then we dashed over to the hospital to meet the OT technician, Lori, who will work with Malcolm for an hour every two weeks, or every week if we want it, till he goes to school. Just as I was about to park at a metre across the street from the IWK, it started to absolutely pour. So I quickly went over to the indoor parking garage, which was a mistake. It was really backed up with cars and we ended up parking on the roof so were exposed to the elements anyways - so a complete waste of 10 minutes! At this point we were running late but we ran into a friend from our days on the oncology inpatient unit in the elevator, and then another friend from the same place when we got off! So chatted for a couple of minutes but really unfortunately could not talk for longer as Malcolm started to run off and by this time we were almost 15 minutes late for the appointment...
So we met the OT tech who is lovely and great with Malcolm. He had just completed the first couple of activities when suddenly the power went out. We were in an interior room with no windows which opened onto a hallway with no windows so it was extremely dark. We waited to see if the emergency power kicked in (obviously there are supposed to be generators - this is a major children's hospital for goodness sake!) but then decided we should make our way to the front doors where there would be natural light. Luckily OT tech had grabbed hold of Malcolm as soon as the lights went out so he was safe. It was so dark I could not see even my hand in front of my face. After we went down the hallway another staff came along with a flashlight and helped us to a main hallway where there were some really dim emergency lights and from there we made it to the front lobby. We waited about 10 minutes but the power did not come back on so decided to leave.
The power was only out to one of the three hospital buildings (for those familiar - Children's site was down, but the Link building and Women's had power). Unfortunately, the parking building also had no power. That's right - I had to carry Malcolm up seven flights of stairs. Those of you who know him are asking why he didn't climb them himself since he is capable? It was getting close to lunchtime and I was concerned I would be late for Donovan if there was a long lineup to get out. Malcolm is very capable, and actually really enjoys, climbing stairs but speedy he is not. Luckily, it was not busy leaving and we were able to meet Donovan with time to spare.
Donovan came home for lunch then we all got into our costumes (Darth Vadar, dinosaur and witch - see photo above) and headed to Donovan's school for his party. There was a big parade in the gym and then each class had their own party. Malcolm did fairly well for a while then started to get tired and lose interest so the last bit seemed a bit long as I tried to keep him entertained and out of trouble. I met one of Donovan's new teachers for the first time and she chatted to me about her adult son who has special needs so that was a nice connection to make. Not knowing these teachers, I had been a bit concerned that Malcolm might not be totally welcome but I need not have worried! All the staff are always very welcoming of Malcolm. There were several other preschool siblings of other kids also their with their moms so we didn't really stand out at all!
After a bit of playtime outside after school, we had a quick snack at home then off to see Malcolm's pediatrician for his flu shot. Donovan did not get one as he is having day surgery on Friday and I did not want to risk a fever developing and delaying that procedure. We picked Daddy up on the way home, had a quick supper and then got ready to go out trick or treating. Malcolm did really well but after a while wanted to go home. Donovan and I stayed out a bit longer but we got wet by the rain, which had held off for quite a while but then poured. Luckily we were close to home. Donovan was very happy with all the treats that he got...
Since this post has turned out to be so long, I will publish one final post about 31 for 21 either later tonight or tomorrow...stay tuned!
Mary Ellen
No comments:
Post a Comment