Boats in San Diego Harbor
Terri Webster Schrandt

Wordy Wednesday: Summer Blues

The middle of July finds me reflecting on the fact that half of my summer is gone! Most of you know, it has been a very different summer for me as I recover from foot surgery, spending almost two months in a cast.

Prior to the early June surgery date, I spent a few weekends at the Sacramento River Delta and a weekend in San Diego.

This late spring image of the Sacramento River at the spot where we camp, shows the calm early morning stillness that sets the mood for the day.

Quiet Delta Morning

The first weekend in June, I spent in San Diego for my brother’s 50th birthday. We enjoyed Sunday breakfast in this hotel and took a stroll next to the harbor.

Boats in San Diego Harbor

These images made me feel relaxed and centered as the anxiety of the anticipation of surgery took hold of me.

With only 10 days left to live in my cast, I have found myself feeling blue most of July, due to lack of activity and loneliness. Mostly, my energy levels are lower because of the healing process and because as I use assistive devices (knee scooter and crutches), I must think twice about every task and plan that anything I do will take longer to accomplish.

Mind you, I am not complaining, but it would be silly to ignore my feelings. I have been trying to keep up with journaling this month, prompted by fellow blogger, Sue’s Journaling in July.

Journaling in July Prompt: 7/16 My Family

When I’m feeling blue, one thing that perks me up is spending time with my family. While I was in San Diego, my youngest daughter and I spent some quality time together and visited my mom in the nursing home. My oldest daughter visited me at home last weekend to celebrate her dad’s birthday. Even hubby stayed close to home instead of windsurfing! My brother and his wife and their four adopted daughters drove up during the week before July 4th holidays to spend time with our dad who just turned 83 on July 15th. Being surrounded by my family lifted my spirits and swept those blues away!

This is an older photo of dad enjoying a short fishing break in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite.

My 80-year old dad loves Tuolumne Meadows.
My now 83-year old dad loves Tuolumne Meadows.

Despite this temporary onset of the summer blues, I have managed to get a lot of writing done, so that is a bonus. I miss my daily physical activities, but I know I will be on both feet very soon.

This post inspired in part by Becky B’s Blue July Squares.

Before I know it, I’ll be back in the classroom at the end of August and back to normal routines.

have a good week
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31 comments

  1. I’m glad you’re healing Terri, but it is hard when you’re limited of what you can do. I just love the photos where the sky meets the water and everything looks so calm.
    Sending big hugs
    XOXO
    Jodie

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  2. so so glad your family have been helping you sweep those blues away. Love that picture of your Dad, and the one of the delta is stunning. Really hope the second half of July is a much better one for you xxx

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  4. I fractured my pelvic bone when I was in my late twenties and I remember the pain and the immobility very well. I do understand your feelings of frustration at being less active than usual. Your photographs are lovely and you are lucky to have such a vibrant and healthy dad.

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  5. Your photo is beautiful! Feeling a bit blue without the ability to get around easily is completely understandable. Hope the rest of your recovery time goes by quickly. 😊

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  7. Hi Terri, The early morning stillness with the windmills in the background is an interesting picture. A possible word here “dichotomy?” Acknowledging your “blue” feelings is possibly better than denial? More questions than answers. I know things will improve:) Sending you healing vibes:)

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      • Serious injuries and other setbacks make us more reflective, I think. I’ve had many over the decades and I think I’ve become a better person for being more aware of what others endure. Wish I’d learned these lessons many years ago but there’s always time for improvement.
        Keep getting stronger. You’re one day closer to getting the cast off.

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  11. Terri, you sound beyond ready to get the cast off and move on with your life. At least you had lots of family time and got some writing done. Setbacks are never easy for anyone, especially an active person like you, but think of the upside – you will be pain free.

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  12. Lovely photos Terri and your feelings are completely normal I would think. You must be so excited to get the cast off soon. I enjoyed reading your journal entry and also undertand how much you appreciated the family visits. Take care!

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