We Made It!

 

This is the view from my new room/ home office.

My brother, Brian, and his wife, Kristen, drove Ethan and I to NYC yesterday.  We moved into our new home away from home.  Paul couldn't come because he had some meetings that have been scheduled that he couldn't change easily.  With heaviness in our hearts, we left our driveway and watched as our safe spot, our home, get smaller and smaller until it disappeared out of sight.  Deep breath. We left the ones we loved, family and friends, including the furry little monsters that can make any day, even including the best days, even better.  

The drive was easy.  I can say that because I didn't drive.  Brian was a great Uber driver.  Six stars out of five.  Driving in the city is like an adventure of it's own.  Brian drove around and around trying to find a place to park as Ethan, Kristen and I checked into and explored the new home.  It is such a wonderful place Ethan and I have our own separate spaces.  Of course I let him pick which room was his.

Brian found a spot like 4 blocks away and we traipsed back and forth with small loads of our things.  We were sweaty and out of breath.  We ordered dinner.  It turned into a debacle with our food being discarded by the restaurant because of a small oversight. It's all part of the adventure.

The building is well over 100 years old and every detail is impressive.  The flooring in the halls is ornate.  Crazy small tiles in an elaborate pattern in colors popular in times past.  It is old and modern at the same time.  

Brian and Kristen helped us get settled.  We found a local grocery store to walk to and picked up some staples.  Milk, eggs bread and we even got 2 sticks of butter from behind the deli because there wasn't any for sale. 

Ethan was having trouble with all the walking so he chilled out.  He skipped his medication so that he didn't have to pee every 3 minutes on the car ride on our trip and I think it was catching up with him.  All proof that we are here for the right reasons.

Brian and Kristen left and we had a tour of the apartment from the man that owns it.  He has owned it for 22 years.  He is a handsome, tall man that seems like he has a kind heart.  He is a TV and movie guy.  You may have seen him on Law and Order, 30 Rock, Guiding Light, All my Children etc. He lives within a half mile from here and is able to help us out whenever.

Ethan and I were alone in this spacious apartment to unpack our things. He set up his friendship lamp so that he and Jesney could let each other know when the other is thinking of them.

It was so loud.  There was so much street noise.  People talking, singing, car horns beeping, and a leaf blower? Who is using a leaf blower at 10 pm in NYC?  car alarms going off, sirens, clunking, banging from who knows what.  Just LOUD. We tucked ourselves in and went to bed knowing that we both took for granted the country noise we have didn't even appreciate that we had.  Surprisingly, with the help of a fan and a noise machine, I slept well.  I jolted awake twice when cars were beeping.  Ethan's room is much quieter, so that is good for him.

This morning, we woke up and got ready to tackle the day.  It is a free day.  We never got the call that Ethan has an appointment to be admitted.  Ethan remoted to school.  I remoted to work.  Then I got a call.  "Hey can you be to the hospital in an hour for a COVID test for Ethan?"  The beauty of this apartment.  " Yes we can".

We Ubered over and arrived early, went and grabbed lunch.  The lady told me that it takes 5 days for the results.  What the heck is that non-sense.  We have to wait around for 5 more days to get stupid COVID results?  After talking with her I realized they were putting Ethan's as STAT so that Ethan might get admitted as early as tonight. PFFT! 5 days.  The staff is wonderful.  They even entered his test for a neonate so that he didn't have to have one of the lobotomy COVID tests that scrapes your brains.  

We did realize that Ethan is getting massive anxiety before he goes to appointments now.  He describes it to feel like he "has been kicked in the stomach and it is hard to breath".  Stupid me, I suggested he try box breathing to help slow his heart rate.  It also helps when I do it, to relax the nerves.  He replied with " I can't take deep breaths and hold them for 4 seconds".  Well that is a fair point kid.  Noted. Nothing like telling your kid to breathe when he gets out of breath easily.  Ha! Anyone else need terrible advice?  I offer it FOR FREE!

We stopped and got lunch at this cool little deli near the hospital.  The ceiling was beautiful and the place was immaculate.  With the warm weather, the doors were open inviting us to come in.  As we waited for an Uber to go back to the apartment and eat, we saw our first needle laying on the ground.  Is this our fun new game?  Who can spot the needle first? Cause I just won todays game.

We will be waiting to hear what our fate is for this evening.  Ethan has classes he has to sit through.  I am trying to pack a bag for myself.  

Todays little hidden gift, the hospital is trying to get Ethan listed as fast as possible.  One step closer to Ethan getting his new engine.