Monday, October 16, 2017
Recuperation journey: Expect the unexpected
Cliché yes, but so true.
On Sunday afternoon the phone rang. Caller ID showed our son Cameron's name.
I immediately knew something was not right..he's a quiet guy and doesn't call much. We keep in touch with him through messaging.
He told me he had gotten in an accident riding his bike.
Cam lives in Brooklyn. I think he called from the sidewalk at the accident scene, since he mentioned something about an EMT and waiting for an ambulance. It was a confusing phone call, to say the least.
A few hours later he called from the ER to tell me he had fractured his hip.
Long story short our boy called me around 1:20 a.m. to say he was out of surgery. He has pins in his hip now. I don't know all the details yet.
This morning he messaged me he had eaten breakfast and a friend would be bringing him a phone charger, so I know he's doing OK.
Cameron never got badly hurt when he was growing up; he wasn't the most active or athletic kid around..he was much more of a computer geek from a young age!
But that geekiness has paid off for him in the workplace, I'm happy to say. We're very proud of our guy.
But today I feel so badly for him. He recently has gotten into biking and running and working on getting healthier.
Life isn't fair - to use another trite saying in this post.
On Sunday afternoon the phone rang. Caller ID showed our son Cameron's name.
I immediately knew something was not right..he's a quiet guy and doesn't call much. We keep in touch with him through messaging.
He told me he had gotten in an accident riding his bike.
Cameron ran in the
Griffin 5K Sept. 30.
|
Cam lives in Brooklyn. I think he called from the sidewalk at the accident scene, since he mentioned something about an EMT and waiting for an ambulance. It was a confusing phone call, to say the least.
A few hours later he called from the ER to tell me he had fractured his hip.
Long story short our boy called me around 1:20 a.m. to say he was out of surgery. He has pins in his hip now. I don't know all the details yet.
This morning he messaged me he had eaten breakfast and a friend would be bringing him a phone charger, so I know he's doing OK.
Cameron never got badly hurt when he was growing up; he wasn't the most active or athletic kid around..he was much more of a computer geek from a young age!
But that geekiness has paid off for him in the workplace, I'm happy to say. We're very proud of our guy.
But today I feel so badly for him. He recently has gotten into biking and running and working on getting healthier.
Life isn't fair - to use another trite saying in this post.
Valley United Way offers 'grow your own' gardening in Ansonia
ANSONIA - The enthusiasm was infectious and tangible as neighborhood residents came together recently to celebrate flourishing community gardens planted in May.
The Valley United Way’s program, “Grow Your Own” spearheaded by Susan Meek and followed by Brian Rich, consists of numerous garden beds surrounded by picket fences in Gatison Park and Pine Lot.
The Valley United Way’s program, “Grow Your Own” spearheaded by Susan Meek and followed by Brian Rich, consists of numerous garden beds surrounded by picket fences in Gatison Park and Pine Lot.
These neighborhoods were chosen as an ongoing effort to help low-income residents fight food insecurity in the Valley and provide nutritious food for their families.
Valley United Way President Sharon Gibson said, “Valley United Way is excited to offer the garden program to our Valley communities.”
The key word is “community” as residents came out in droves - many discovering the gardens and produce were for them for the first time. Wide eyes and big smiles became commonplace as the news spread.
Many residents asked for tours and were given bags to search for fresh veggies that were ripe for picking: cherry tomatoes; lettuce; green peppers; squash; chard; cabbage; cucumbers; eggplant; and more, plus herbs to flavor their meals.
Many residents asked for tours and were given bags to search for fresh veggies that were ripe for picking: cherry tomatoes; lettuce; green peppers; squash; chard; cabbage; cucumbers; eggplant; and more, plus herbs to flavor their meals.
“I live right next to Pine Lot and I thought this garden was just for the Boys and Girls Club. I clicked like and share on Facebook and headed down here right away,” said Rhonda Rossik.
“I can get the Girl Scouts involved too!” as she walked through the garden sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others who were deciding what they wanted to pick for dinner.
“I can get the Girl Scouts involved too!” as she walked through the garden sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others who were deciding what they wanted to pick for dinner.
Cherry tomatoes were by far the most popular vegetable.
At Gatison Park, Maya, her two sisters Ramona and Tiffany Wright and their children come to the garden often. “We go here everyday picking carrots and grape tomatoes and eating them,” she said.
Jazmiah, Ramona’s 7-year-old daughter “loves vegetables” and Tiffany’s daughter, 5-year-old Kaylynn “loves gazpacho,” they said.
At Gatison Park, Maya, her two sisters Ramona and Tiffany Wright and their children come to the garden often. “We go here everyday picking carrots and grape tomatoes and eating them,” she said.
Jazmiah, Ramona’s 7-year-old daughter “loves vegetables” and Tiffany’s daughter, 5-year-old Kaylynn “loves gazpacho,” they said.
Another Gatison Park resident who frequents the garden is Malika Mosley.
She has an 11-year-old daughter and walks by in the morning, afternoon, and the evening on her way home from work. “I usually look for the lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes,” Mosley said.
She has an 11-year-old daughter and walks by in the morning, afternoon, and the evening on her way home from work. “I usually look for the lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes,” Mosley said.
And what would a block party be without Domino’s pizza, an ice cream truck and a special arts and crafts project for the children?
Chef provides samples, recipes
Also on hand was chef Audra Weisel, who had stiff competition from the pizza and ice cream, but was up to the task. Happily she handed out samples of her healthy cooked tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and other fresh veggies along with the recipes for cooking them in their own homes.
Chef provides samples, recipes
Also on hand was chef Audra Weisel, who had stiff competition from the pizza and ice cream, but was up to the task. Happily she handed out samples of her healthy cooked tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and other fresh veggies along with the recipes for cooking them in their own homes.
Weisel has a long history of helping out low-income families and started digging and planting for “Grow Your Own“ this past May. “I’m happy to lend my expertise in any way, shape or form,” she said. Quickly adding whether that means,”teaching them how to can their vegetables or learning how to cook them.” She is hoping “they will try something new … and like it.”
“Grow Your Own” is one of Valley United Way’s projects.
With a third garden planted at Irving School in Derby, the program is expected to expand next year, including more locations and getting more community members involved.
This project is possible thanks to the generosity of premiere sponsor, Avan Grid, Newtown Savings Bank, and the Lavietes Foundation.
With a third garden planted at Irving School in Derby, the program is expected to expand next year, including more locations and getting more community members involved.
This project is possible thanks to the generosity of premiere sponsor, Avan Grid, Newtown Savings Bank, and the Lavietes Foundation.
To volunteer or get involved with Valley United Way, contact Patricia Tarasovic, Vice President of Community Engagement, 203-926-9478 or visit: www.valleyunitedway.org.
This was written by Lori Singer, volunteer writer, Valley United Way.
This was written by Lori Singer, volunteer writer, Valley United Way.
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