We treated the girls to a much needed respite this weekend. A very generous invitation was extended for us to join another family at a friend's lake house... how could we say no? Before Hip Chick's diagnosis, we were hoping to treat our girls to a hearty road trip this summer, but that was tabled. This was a fantastic cure to meet our family's need for a bit of carefree fun.
Our drive was two and a half hours, which was Hip Chick's longest trip since her diagnosis. We stopped for dinner approximately halfway to our destination, which helped to maintain the girls' spirits. The sun was setting as we neared the lake and Hip Chick was taken. She exclaimed repeatedly about the "colors in the sky"- especially orange. We arrived in time to unload and tuck the kids in. Mommy tried to relax near an outdoor firepit and fell asleep in a camping chair. Even (especially?) Mommy needed to let go a bit.
The girls began each morning by treating the local wildlife to a tasty bread snack. With a dock just off the back porch, they were able to feed ducks, fish, and turtles in their pajamas. This was exciting for everyone- especially Hip Chick! We sometimes forget how something so little can bring such joy.
After yesterday's breakfast with the ducks, we treated the kids to an afternoon on the lake. Hip Chick is a water baby and was thrilled with the promise of her first boat ride on "big water!" After leaving the pier, the older kids made a big splash tubing while we drove to the local swimming hole- including our Pink Princess, with Daddy alongside. Hip Chick felt rather dejected over our refusal to allow her to tube with the other kids- she would have thrown herself overboard if we let her.
We anchored in "Hell's Gate." With such an unusual moniker, I had to research its origin. I learned that the name is rumored to be derived from bad luck that some unscrupulous fur traders incurred at this break in the 110 feet of steep, rocky cliffs which flank the lake.
This was Hip Chick's cue! She pouted the length of our drive, as she was ancy to jump in from the moment we set foot onboard. Dare I say, it may have been her happiest afternoon in five months- if not all year. She cheered for her "jacket" with "seatbelts." She floated... she splashed... she "jumped" (slid) as best she could off of floats into her Daddy's arms, despite her compromised leg. She made games of leaning over and kissing Mommy from the floats. She created silly "doop-a-doop" songs about sticking her fingers into the lake before splashing us. Daddy held one sister in each arm while they splashed and giggled. Mommy danced with Hip Chick in circles as we sang. It was a gift of an afternoon.
Soon, it was time to return and Hip Chick slept through the big, family dinner shared by our three households. Unfortunately, she awoke screaming... and reality caught us. Water is a relief for Hip Chick, as it alleviates the pressure on her joints. But, as I have mentioned in prior posts, increased spurts of mobility can bring a price. Big Sis joined the other moms and kids for a drive-in movie in the area while I stayed behind. Daddy would have taken the lead with our hippie, but how could Mommy leave her? She settled after a dose of pain medicine and some leg rubbing. We treated ourselves to a quiet night of cartoons and building blocks.
This morning, our Hip Chick's disposition was renewed and Pink Princess received her first fishing lesson. We all looked on as she caught her first fish. We cheered as her fishing rod bobbed and jerked with signs of a spirited catch... and look at this whopper pulled off of her hook! What a great highlight to end our getaway.
While we enjoyed a fantastic time, Daddy and I left this experience with a bit of caution. We had considered another small, weekend road trip before her upcoming surgery, but question whether she could handle it without another screaming episode. We also feel that the timing may not be right for us to share sleeping quarters with other families again soon. While our companions were gracious, we felt bad about exposing others to her screaming and erratic sleeping patterns. We will think carefully about additional travel plans between now and her surgery.
In all, this weekend was a treasure. I wish I could bottle the experience of yesterday afternoon and pour a serving as needed during the fall ahead. We have a few more treats planned for the girls between now and Labor Day and hope their memories will help us through this next "push."
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