It has been some busy times for us.  I am taking on some new challenges at work including training on the Generational Characteristics and how this affects the workplace. It is very interesting subject matter and I am enjoying the thought-provoking classes I am teaching.  I am off today for three days in Oklahoma, some will be spent teaching and some spent as the student in Finance Excellence classes.  I am traveling without a coat from 70 degree Houston.  I have already been warned about the weather in Bartlesville.  Oh well!

Lauren took a pretty bad fall from Feather a few weeks ago at Dev’s.  Her back pain, in particular, has not resolved.  She saw the orthopedic surgeon who has pretty much been on speed dial with this family handling my broken pelvis, my mom’s knees, Ally’s broken arm and Lauren’s myriad of horse related accidents.  Dr. Chau never forgets to remind us that he was the attending physician on the grounds when Christopher Reeve (Superman) had his horrible accident.  He is not a huge horse enthusiast.

Lauren has seen him multiple times following falls from Mickey for her knees.  We have failed to follow up with his suggestions for MRIs of both legs.  Denial!  Moments into her visit last week, Dr. Chau had already focused on her knees again.  Apparently, they are not getting better.  Additionally, he was concerned about some tearing and/or rupturing in her lower spine.

Lauren had three MRIs last week.  I regret that I am out of town as I know Dr. Chau has given her a lot of information and it might be confusing and overwhelming.  Essentially she has torn cartilage  in both knees and a ruptured disc in her back.  He has always been conservative and is recommending physical therapy.  He is concerned about rheumatoid arthritis so she will have some lab work done as well.

I am just hoping she gets more comfortable and stays out of surgery.

It is Mickey’s birthday today.  He is 16.  While he has been personally responsible for a lot of the wear and tear on Lauren’s body, he has been her partner in her equestrian career for much of her life.  Happy Birthday, Mickey, I am very grateful to you!