Crystal Aura Gaze

Last weekend I got to meet my very first nephew, my brother and sis-in law’s baby boy named Marco. It was absolutely surreal! He is less than a month old.

I drove to NY the day before so that I could fly over to Chicago with my dad and sister. I can’t fly alone because I’ve got way too much airport anxiety. I brought the cats to my parent’s house so they’d have their own “mini vacation” with the catsitter stopping by to check on them. So the three of us flew from NY to Chicago. At security, some lady dropped her dog (still in its carrier) on a tray to go through the metal detector belt and someone who worked there screamed out “who’s dog is this!?”

Mariel’s parents were also staying there to help out. Dad, Julie, and I stayed at a nearby Airbnb. So, it was awesome that all of us could be together at once. Marco went on his first lunch outing. He slept the whole time! I’m honored that I got to be there for one of his “firsts.”

Just a little blimp in the trip… I fractured my fifth metatarsal (the bone below the pinky toe.) After going to sleep, I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom — we were staying at an Airbnb and it was dark, so I didn’t see this random step in the hall. I lost balance and collapsed on the floor with all of my weight falling on the side of my foot. Saturday morning was spent at Urgent Care.

X-rays showed that the bone was broken. I was given a walking boot and told to see an orthopedic surgeon after going back home. Luckily at the airport, Julie tracked down assistance and I was wheel chaired to our gate. I didn’t let it ruin the whole trip though — it was definitely an experience!

Driving back to NY was okay – if I take off my boot and drive with my big toe then I can manage. I just can’t stand or walk for more than a few minutes at a time right now. It has currently been over a week since the incident and I do feel a lot better now — however it’s going to take a long time before I’m fully recovered. I saw the orthopedic surgeon a few days ago and he said it would take up to three months to heal, however I should be walking better and out of the boot in less than six weeks. I really have to take it easy until then so that I can recover as soon as possible.

A big congrats to Scott and Mariel! I could tell that they were very comfortable and natural as parents. I wish Marco all of the blessings in the world!