Bryan was delighted that Springer’s in Stone Harbor was still open!

Our annual trip to Avalon in September was last week. It was blustery and rainy for the beginning of our vacation, but the last few days were stellar.

Bryan gamely went to the beach with us despite the sand blasting and rip currents that awaited us on the windswept shore. He waded into the balmy water up to his knees but no further. Daily walks when the weather allowed kept him in shape for his upcoming Special Olympics meet at the end of September. It was good to see him getting back into shape after his bout with pneumonia.

On our last two days, the sun came out and the winds abated. Friday was the only day he could truly body surf the rather weak waves, but he did so with gusto!

Ice cream is his all-time favorite dessert and we discovered that Springer’s in Stone Harbor was open during the week. The flavor selection was dwindling, but he enjoyed some Bumpy Road and Cookies and Cream. Needless to say, the weight that he lost during his illness is back on thanks to his increased appetite!

Family time with his nephews found Bryan playing hide and seek in our bedroom with the little guys squealing with delight as Uncle Bryan tickled them once they emerged from their hiding spot in our closet. He did have a problem, though, when one or both of the boys squealed a little too loudly. Loud noises are not welcomed.

Each night we watched a family movie. We tried to pick a film that was rather lengthy because we had an ulterior motive. Bryan now is supposed to be using a C-pap machine since he has severe sleep apnea. This was discovered when he was in the hospital. A condition that needs immediate remediation. He hates wearing it. After a visit to the pulmonologist, he was switched from a C-pap machine to a Bi-pap which Bryan claims is easier to use.

So, “Gone with the Wind” was a two-night movie during which he hooked up to his machine. Medicare requires that he wear the device for a minimum of four hours a night. Well, we got up to two hours/day during vacation. I am hoping he is continuing the two-hour compliance so that he will not lose his machine, which will cost around $1500 out of pocket. The goal is 30 straight days of four+ hours/day of usage to meet the Medicare requirements to keep the machine for free.

I’ve begged, cajoled, cried and done my best to stress how very important it is for him to wear his Bi-pap, citing the benefits of renewed energy and more alertness during the day. Now that he’s out of my watchful eye, I’m not sure how it is going back at the apartment. It’s hard coordinating with all of the staff that come in and out of his house each day.

Who knows if my texts, emails and phone calls about this are falling on deaf ears? I can only pray that someday soon he realizes that he can benefit from sounder sleep and continue the good habits which he started during our family time together.