Kim injured his knees

On the 11th. Kim took an electric scooter to a church meeting but crashed it a few blocks from the church. His right knee was in pain all day, so he went to the ER at Chinook Regional Hospital to have it looked at. After 3 hours and some test, the attending physician determined that there were no broken bones and the ligaments seemed fine, but that he’d have to go for a follow up at the Southern Alberta Acute Knee Injury Clinic, which he did today.

The good news is that the kinesiologist confirmed that he had no broken bones and the ligaments don’t seem to be injured. The bad news is that the pain he’d been experiencing over the last week and a half is because of an arthritis flare up, caused by the injury.

He already had osteoarthritis in his knees (as well as ankles, hips, back, and neck), so that part wasn’t new. However, the kinesiologist told him that he had to adjust his activities if he wants to preserve knee mobility.

For example, no more kneeling or squatting for long periods. No running, or jumping, or sitting crosslegged, or any activity that is high impact or twists his legs. He also must be careful how he carries heavy loads, not squatting too low and being careful how he walks with them.

His flat feet also put extra strain on his knees, as they try to compensate for his feet rolling into the inside of his step. He has to get new orthotic inserts and buy special slippers to wear around the house.

Mary got a new job

Mary has been offered a job as a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University in Calgary. She will be teaching remotely and be covering two sections of the introduction to women and gender series course.

Currently, the contract is just for this semester, but it’s possible it could be extended for additional semesters depending on how this semester goes.

We’re all excited for her!

Lethbridge Corn Maze field trip

I took Quillan and Siobhán to the Lethbridge Corn Maze as part of a School of Hope field trip. This was the first time for both of them going through the corn maze, and they loved it. Wish we had brought water though. We stopped off at the Park Lake playground to play a bit on our way home.

First time at the corn maze for these two. Park Lake

Quillan’s baptism

Today was Quillan’s baptism.

Regan did the baptism. Mary gave the talk. Mary’s mum and Naomi each gave a prayer. Mary and Eve were witnesses. Regan and I did the confirmation.

It was quiet, with everything going on with COVID-19, but it was still nice. Quillan’s teacher, Cheryl Fletcher, was there, as were Sandi Earl, the Primary president; Cam MacLennan, the ward mission leader; and Ryan Peterson, the bishop. Sinéad didn’t come.

Mary’s undergrad convocation

Mary convocated today. Six years after starting her undergrad, she finally finished. She graduated with great distinction and with a combined major in English and women and gender studies.

My parents, her mum, Naomi, and Sinéad were there. All of our other children were there, too.

It was so nice to see here walk across the stage. We switched places today.

My first tattoo

After 25 years of wanting a tattoo, I finally got one today. I think it’s fitting that my first one is of Mary’s fingerprint over my heart. She has touched my heart in so many ways.

My film won an award

I just found out one of the films I acted in last fall won the best narrative over 5 minutes award at the film festival this weekend. I’m pretty excited.