After our first trip to NYC for treatment, I realized that we desperately needed a good stroller to tackle the streets of New York. Thanks to a generous friend, we became the owners of a very tough, sturdy umbrella stroller. I strolled Paul all over NYC in that thing, and in the last couple of months of his life, it was his primary mode of transportation. In fact, the last few weeks, he depended on it completely. It was extremely painful for him to walk or even be carried, and so he would go from the bed to the stroller to the couch. I will never forget that stroller. It was a gray McLaren Triumph. I had a love-hate relationship with it. I loved it because Paul needed it so much, but I hated it because he needed it so much.
I can remember loading it up with his backpack and watching him push it through the DFW airport - all proud of himself for being such a great helper. I remember packing the bottom basket full of pain meds and strolling him through Central Park. I remember the day we made the decision to stop his treatment and pushing him down the hall and out of Cook Children's Hospital for the very last time.
It's an unusual stroller, but I saw one yesterday.
It made me cry...
4 comments:
I can relate to the stroller thing. We have a blue McLearan Triumph we bought for Nathan to use in NYC. His last stay in NYC he had outgrown it and I had to make my way to mid-town and buy a jogging stroller for him. He went inpatient soon after I bought it, for six weeks, and it stood outside his hospital room all the time. He used it one last time right before he died to take a walk to 7-11 for a slurpy. It still hangs in our garage. I need to get rid of it (I don't jog) but it is hard. I have the same love/hate relationship with that thing. The blue McLearan is being used by my two year old. In some ways it is nice to have been able to transition it to her to add to the memories of it. She is happy to use something her big brother used.
what the heck? i leave for three days, come back, and there are no new comments for my friend leigh? that won't do. although it is hard to comment since there's nothing we can say to make it better. but how about this...as temporary guardian of that hated/beloved stroller (which we keep inside because it's way too important to reside in the garage), i gave it a good kick in the wheel and loving squeeze to the hand grip thing...just for you. : ) it makes me very sad to see it too. the last time i saw paul sitting in it, he was letting you show me the video lynn and kelley sent. he agreed with you and terrill and i that he was very cute. : )
glad you're finding (and sharing) words again...
Good morning Leigh. I am asking for prayers for little Emily and her family. They too are walking the journey you guys have walked. Lift them up.... thanks!
http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/emilyadamson/
Thank you so much for caring about the rest of us that you are willing to share your pain and challenges to help others. You are a brave, strong and God fearing woman. I am encourgaed by you and your witness. I know God is going to bless you in amazing ways that we cannot even begin to comprehend.
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