My beloved. He and Paco have traded beds in the night. So Steve can try out a firmer mattress and see if it helps. Today, was Paco’s first day at Sunday school. We gave him the choice between Temple or Roman Catholic classes. He opted for the Temple. For Steve, it is a surprise. I guess Paco has seen enough of the Catholic church, and he misses Holy Spirit in San José (as do I). So he wants to see the earlier culture born. I am ok with that.
I have never seen Steve willingly go to a Temple. Certainly never seen him leave one happy. I am sure after his Bar Mitzvah he was relieved. Today Paco started Sunday school at the local Jewish Temple. Today, Steve was simply happy. He said that it is just a nice community. When I met the Rabbi 2 weeks ago, I explained that I am a Catholic. And he said, we just appreciate nice people to join our community. I like that I don’t have to go to services to let Paco explore. The goal seems to be to encourage knowledge of everything. If Paco wants to change next year, that is ok too.
I had booked a massage for each of us at Massage Envy. I have wanted one for a while, my joints are so achy. Steve keeps looking for a gift certificate he has, and he cannot find it. With the current injuries I cannot wait! So Friday, I called and they had openings for today. I went first (at Noon) because the person available at 2 is more medically educated. I was impressed when I told the receptionist the medical issues we had, that she was so in tune. She ensured Steve’s back took priority. Mine went well, just fine. I was concerned about Steve’s walking with Lemon in the stroller to Temple, but he did. I did not get an emergency phone call. I came home to a happy trio of boys.
Steve took off for his massage; he came home walking straight up. He said he fell asleep on the table. He has not been able to sleep on his stomach for 2 months. I saw him smile for a whole afternoon.
Alas, I saw a rat in the garage. We had seen one outside last night, but not in the garage. I have had bad experience with rats (one in Oakland 8 years ago held us hostage for 36 hours, long story). Steve set up traps, it went off, but no catch. Icky. As a result we went on a family trek to the Co-op to get Peppermint Oil. Aunt Pat had given me a method of deterring rats using peppermint oil. The boys were just happy to be together in the market. It was hilarious. We then ate out at a pizza and grill place. Lemon flirted with everyone. I ran into a runner’s group guy, who was out with his son. Steve is his name and I would guess he is about 50. He asked what had happened to me, dropping out of the group, and I explained that everything just got too much with heat in the evenings and chemo. He had a shocked look on his face. He did not know. That is kind of…cool. In 1997, he had suffered from Ewing’s Sarcoma at an age closer to 35 than to the teens where it is more common. You would never know now. He is an attorney for the state and just a good fellow.
The other funny thing today is I wore a t-shirt from Paco’s school (Cesar Chavez Elementary) and was complimented twice for wearing it. One, I think someone who did not realize it was for the school, not for the activist (she was younger and UC student-looking). But the other was from a parent whose daughter had just left Chavez to go into Jr. High. He thought I was cool because my kid went to a good school. That was after he and his wife had played peek-a-boo with Lemon throughout dinner (Lemon used a menu and the other dad used the pizza stand to hide behind).
There are restaurants and friends I miss in San José (sigh, I miss my Spanish lessons with Caro, Juli and Debbie so much). We all miss the Persian restaurant (on Union and Foxworthy) and Tacos México (soooo good and cheap on Bascom) and of course, Pizza My Heart (all over). But the strangers here, the sense of community, cannot be outdone. I thought it would be so “green” that it would be exhausting. Nope.
Today was a good balance of family and a small amount of independence for each parent. Steve distracted himself on the way home by entering an open house 2 blocks away. We know we won’t buy for a year or two. But it was a nice feeling. I showed him the house that I wanted later. He thought it was cool too. We agreed that we will stay within walking distance of Chavez. It makes life so easy. Lemon will go there in a few years and Paco will be old enough to bike to Jr. High on his own. This area is also close to the Davis High School. I like that too. In my high school days, my parents always let me have friends over. They would rather me be home than out. I remember members of the JV Football team thinking my parents were cool because my dad let them use his chips to play poker. Funny, I think they thought I was cool because my parents were cool.
I think I am pulling off being cool here because of Paco and Lemon. I’ll ride that. Oh, I was sore and tired today, but the happy company outweighed the aches and pains.