When Apollo 11 splashed down to Earth, NASA carted the boys to a Quarantine Facility to readjust. They figured the chamber would decontaminate them from any strange moon diseases, but it would also readjust their bodies to the strange pressures of Earth.
The chamber was located in Houston, Texas. So they sat there, in Houston, after just completing the unthinkable, the unimaginable. They sat there for three weeks, in Houston, unable to join their friends, family and support system. They don’t isolate astronauts anymore, probably because NASA barely exists. But whether the chamber actually does anything or not, it feels like a necessary step when you have literally been off the planet for some time. I kinda get what those scientists were thinking 50 years ago. To just send Buzz and Neil back in to Kroger after bouncing around on the moon seems kind of reckless. Your body, your mind has to learn how to be a citizen again. So, I get it. It doesn't mean I like it, but I get it. I still have things I feel I need to clean and wrap and cook and DO. But I also understand that if we were to have flown home on Sunday, stepping off that plane right back in to being a daughter and mom and friend and neighbor and sister and aunt... my head might have combusted. So the past two days I have been in my decompression chamber of a hotel bed. I have showered and napped and snacked... all of which have been exhausting. Luke has taken it easy himself, having more than one bowl of bacon and dedicating the rest of his energy to "becoming digestively regular" after pain meds and anesthesia has backed some things up. My mom has ordered me back to bed and tucked us in as she ran around Houston picking up carry-out, filling prescriptions, and locating every Starbucks in the Houston metropolitian area. But there was a moment yesterday that all that recharging didn't feel like rest anymore. The blanket felt little heavier and I seemed to sink in the bed a little deeper. I knew it was time to get up but my legs felt like lead and my head ached... I was letting the Houston Hangover creep in. Until Patty Smith does what all moms do, she told me to get my butt up, get my shoes, grab my hat and, most importantly, put on some lipstick. Astronauts put on their suits to protect them from outer space. Athletes put on their uniforms as a ceremonial step to get ready to take on their opponent. My uniform, my war paint, to go out and be all that it takes to be Luke’s mom, is lipstick and a Nike cap... So Luke and I scraped ourselves out of bed grumbling like teenagers all the while knowing mom, per usual, was right. And so we shopped... which is really just practice being a human again. I had to wait in lines, maneuver crowds, and exchange pleasantries. I also had to learn how it felt to take a non-seizing child out in to the community. We could scoot his chair up to the table at dinner, no longer fearful that he would have a seizure and hit his head on the edge. We could sit through the whole meal without having to walk out as he cried himself through an episode. We practiced being 'kinda' normal. To watch Luke eat a meatball and throw silverware on the floor and and spill his drink and grab people's shirts as they walked by was unbelievable. We have been to very few restaurants in the past three years but to be able to make it to gelato and cannolis at the end of a meal was a first that brought me to tears. We are practicing being humans down here and we are getting pretty good at it. As much as I am ready to see my little Sammy-Biscuit-Boy, I know that Houston is apparently the place to be when reintegrating in to the world. We let our bodies and minds get used to the change in pressure. We let our eyes adjust to sunlight. We catch our balance as cars fly pass us on the street. And then, when we will step out of the chamber Friday afternoon, we will be ready to take on our new lease on life...
27 Comments
Alec's mom
12/21/2016 05:37:18 pm
As Mom and I sit here with tears streaming down our faces and smile in our hearts, we are joyous of this awesome news. We have been anxiously awaiting news on how Luke and you all are doing, now we know, you were just adjusting. Well keep on adjusting and know we are all here with open arms for you to fall into if you need someone to carry you. We love you! Best Christmas news we have heard!
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Joseph T. Witten
12/22/2016 01:23:22 am
Everything is bigger in Texas. Prayers, Love, and Blessings. Lone Star always with you and your family. Press On!
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Amy
12/21/2016 05:39:11 pm
Patty and Steph! You both deserve that glass of wine!! Loves!
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Terri
12/21/2016 05:40:47 pm
How positively "normal" this day sounds. Awesome! You and Patty are truly extraordinary, though. Decompress and come home to us. We love you.
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12/21/2016 05:41:32 pm
Reading your blog tonight just made my Christmas knowing that you and Luke are readjusting and with no more seizures makes me smile. Safe travels my friend, God bless and most of Merry Christmas
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Beth
12/21/2016 05:56:42 pm
So happy to hear! I have been anxiously waiting more news about Luke! It's so amazing to hear such progress! ❤
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holly cross
12/21/2016 05:59:11 pm
Hurry and decompres so u can go home to ur family and loved ones. I won't be there in person to greet u i will be there in spirit to welcome u home w tons of hugs and kisses.
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Ellie
12/21/2016 06:15:46 pm
You are a great writer, mom, & an inspiration to us all!
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Peggy
12/21/2016 06:29:37 pm
How wonderful! So happy for all of you.
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Lynn
12/21/2016 06:59:37 pm
I am sooo happy for you and Luke!!!! Have a safe trip home and Merry Christmas beautiful!!!
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Moving Forward
12/21/2016 07:03:02 pm
Though the shortest day of light of the year so many are given a big dose of brightness!
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Kim Carver-Lyninger
12/21/2016 07:13:09 pm
I'm so so happy to hear that you are enjoying the little bit of normal. Your family stays in my thoughts and prayers daily and I'm praising God for the seizure free days for sweet Luke. Enjoy every minute.
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Kathie
12/21/2016 07:23:43 pm
Reading this, I just want to cry. The literal front row seat I've had to the last few months of your journey leaves me feeling privileged and grateful. Luke has left his print inside me. I hold it dear.
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Katherine
12/21/2016 07:35:07 pm
Whenever I think of Patty, she looks just like that. Leaving lipstick marks on the glass and everything.
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Joan o
12/21/2016 07:39:51 pm
Well Steph once again you have amazed me. You and Patty are so well intuned to each other's needs that I am in awe. What a threesome. Girl you put on that Nike hat & lipstick and fly right back to where so many await your presence. I am truly in awe at
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Ann Newton
12/21/2016 07:55:41 pm
Praise the Lord above for "normal"! So good to hear.
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brenda
12/21/2016 08:33:49 pm
Best Christmas news EVER!!!!!! I am sooooo happy for you and Luke and your mom. take care and have a safe trip home.
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MaryPat boone
12/21/2016 09:15:30 pm
You are a beautiful woman Mom and writer. God bless you and your beautiful family. Merry Christmas and always wear your lipstick!
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Karen Hupp
12/21/2016 09:19:09 pm
What wonderful news. You amaze me Stephanie. My heart goes out to you And Luke. I'm so glad you have your mom with you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and all your family. God bless all of you. Merry Christmas.
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Marita
12/21/2016 09:54:11 pm
Knowing this will be the best Christmas ever, I send hugs and love to Luke and the whole family with God's blessings for a wonderful new year. Patty and Steph you are both amazing❤️🎄💙🎄❤️🎉🙏🙏
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Leslie Turner
12/22/2016 02:28:38 am
Gives a new meaning to "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." Thank you for the update and Merry Christmas!!! Prayers continuing to come your way, of course.
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Gay Collings
12/22/2016 03:48:41 am
Jay and I have prayed for Luke and your family all the way. Madra was helping with my Dad when Luke was born. We are overjoyed with the success you have each day. Our hearts go out to you. You and your Mom are amazing women strengthen beyond measure. Blessings to you all.
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Deon
12/22/2016 06:12:08 am
It's awesome for you and Luke! That's what mom's are for....to push us when we need a little help! I'm praying for a safe trip and hope to see you soon. Merry Christmas!!
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Marty
12/22/2016 07:36:23 am
Normal never looked so good! What a joyous day! Safe travels, Sweet Mama!
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Karen King
12/22/2016 09:57:47 am
Wonderful news! What a wonderful Chrustmas gift!!
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Tom Denison
12/22/2016 02:10:37 pm
God bless the entire family. I hope this turns out to be a wonderful Christmas for you all!
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Linda Townsend
12/22/2016 05:09:21 pm
This is the best news. Have a safe trip home. Prayers for all of you.
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