These are floating stairs in my son and dauther-in-law’s three story loft apartment.

I’m taking care of my daughter post shoulder surgery in the East Bay this week. I wasn’t quite prepared for how strenuous it would be. Mainly because I live in a big, flat house without a stair. My son and DIL have three stories that I find myself going up and down most of the day.

This spiral staircase goes up to the bedroom where my daughter is staying.

This is another view of the floating staircase above.

Needless to say, I was beyond tired the first day and stumbled home via Lyft to my Airbnb to fall asleep as soon as I got inside. The next couple days I got stronger. But I did sleep 10 hours last night. The very first night, my son ended up in the ER in extreme pain. He’ll be having surgery soon to repair a hernia. I’m waiting to find out when, so I can tackle those stairs some more.

My son put together a schedule for my daughter with times to take medicines, do her PT exercises, ice her shoulder, etc. It’s very complete and helps us stay on track and not let the day slide away.

My son also typed up a few of his own recipes for me to help them with their busy schedules. The Overnight Oats recipe is below:

Funny, I took care of my son five years ago for his shoulder surgery. I’m staying in the same Airbnb that I did then. I guess it’s my surgery digs. I have to say, I had a ton more energy five years ago and also, I wasn’t recovering post my ankle surgery. What a difference those five years made on my body. It was the COVID years, too.

Despite the unfortunate events that brought us together, I’m grateful for the time with my kids.

Do you notice a difference in your energy level or fitness from five years ago?

Is it better or worse and why?