Maria woke at 3am hungry and wanting to watch some comedy. We both went back to bed around 5am. She insists that someone is with her all the time as she has a fear that she cannot articulate, so I slept on the floor by her bed.
Two ladies came at 8:15am to shower her. We knew one of them as she has cleaned our home in the past. They did a great job. Maria felt a lot better afterwards.
Tomorrow is Ben's birthday. However, as we will spend 2+ hours at the hospital in the morning for Maria's MRI and attend a funeral in the afternoon, we thought we'd dedicate this day to him. He is so excited to be turning "double digits". He certainly has matured a lot in recent times and is acting well beyond his age, which is a lovely change for us.
We asked Ben what he'd like to do and what food he would like. He chose to go to the park by the lake for a picnic and to have salad sandwiches. We timed it so well arriving mid-morning as the temperature had not gotten too hot and there was a free picnic table in the shade. Ben opened his presents and spent time constructing them while Gabi and I played cricket. She loves the sport and has a handy bowling action to boot.
Afterwards we headed to the nearby shopping mall where we had a snack and lunch. We bumped into a couple of friends as well.
Maria was exhausted and becoming agitated so we headed home. It is currently 33 degrees (91.4 F) and fortunately the cooling is working. I put Maria to bed a short time ago (3pm) and am typing this entry by her bed as (previously mentioned) she requires me to be with her. Her right leg continues to remain very swollen and painful to touch, so each transfer or move can be a challenge. Her left leg has weakened more and she is becoming more of a dead weight to lift and move.
Our dear friend Vivienne made a birthday cake for Ben, which is such a blessing. We'll either enjoy it tonight or leave it for tomorrow.
