—The French Quarters—
—Monday, October 23rd, 2023—
—About Me—
I was born with Spina Bifida.
Unlike most people born with Spina Bifida, I can walk.
I do not have much feeling in my Legs or Feet.
Both my Legs and Feet are Aptrohpied.
My Feet are a bit deformed, and I wear a Special Made Soul for the insides of my Shoes.
I have a Colostomy and a Urostomy.
I also have type 2 diabetes. I wear a “FreeStyle Libre” Sensor on my arm to keep up with my Blood Sugar. It connects to my smartphone.
I’m not supposed to exercise or overwork myself. —I’m not supposed to walk long distances.
—I think that’s enough about me for you to keep up with my Story.
Follow me as I walk the Streets of New Orleans.
My Brother left for work this morning, leaving me alone.
We are staying at the Hilton in Riverside.
It’s a lovely place and nowhere near what I’m used to staying at. —It’s no Motel 6.
I wanted a new Hat because I have sweat so much in my Derby Hat, and it needs cleaning. I won’t be able to wear it for the rest of the trip.
I take my shower and get dressed.
I notice my bed sheets are dirty from lying on the bed while still sweating. You sweat a lot here.
It’s hot and humid already; the buildings and cement roads put off a lot of heat.
I called the Front Desk to ask them to change our bed sheets.
I knew the Cleaning Service had already gone by our room, and I had put out the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. (My Fault)
I head out the front of the building and ask the first local I come to if she knows where I can find a Hat Store.
She very politely tells me, “Canal Street.” I Thank her and began walking to Canal Street.
The City has Benches on the Curb about every Fifty Yards.
I sit and rest at each one.
I cross the Street and ask another local where the Hat Store is.
She politely tells me to go on down to the French Quarters. She tells me to keep going straight.— I keep walking.
Bench after Bench, I sit and rest.
My Low Blood Sugar Alarm goes off on my Phone.
I checked my Sugar, and it’s at 69.
I pull my Snickers Candy Bar out of my pocket and eat all of it.
I sit for Ten Minutes or so until my Sugar reads 80. — I keep walking.
The Sky is Blue; the Sun is Bright; the Wind Blows towards me and keeps me cooled.
All around me are the sounds of a Big City on a Monday—a Weekday. Other than the typical City sounds, it’s quiet.
Bench after Bench, I sit and rest. Block after Block, I cross. I arrive at the French Quarters.
I see a man wearing a very nice Fedora Hat.
He’s a middle-aged man such as myself.
Short, Stalky, with a long “Chin Beard.”
Admittedly, I do not know what to call that type of Beard.
It’s a Goatee that he let grow long; It’s to his Chest.
I walk over and ask him where to find a Hat like his.
He excitedly tells me about his Hat and where he bought it.
He told me to walk down to the Big Church and look to the left.
The store’s name is “Chapel Hats.” — I keep walking.
As I walk, I pass Artists, Performers, and the Homeless.
I hear Jazz playing.
I see Artists’ Painting in the Square. I see stunning Art. The Cool Breeze blows against my face and body.
I sit on a Bench to rest. I people watch. I listen to the Jazz.
As I sit, I see “Chapel Hats.” I walk over.
Inside, they have some Amazing Hats—all reasonably priced.
I found three that all fit me and are in my price range.
I get a Derby Hat and admire it when my Blood Sugar Alarm goes off again.
I checked, and it’s back to 69. I’m out of Sugar. I only brought one Candy Bar.
I know there is a Candy Store next door, and I figure I’ll head inside there and buy some Sugar.
I do pay for the Derby Hat, though. I wasn’t letting it get away. It was 39 Dollars. I tell the Sales Lady I’ll return for another Hat or Two. — I head to the Candy Store.
Inside the Candy Store, I grab a bag of Candy and a Box of Candy.
I didn’t look to see what they were or how much they cost.
At the Cooler, I grab a Dr. Pepper.
My Blood Sugar Alarm goes off again.
The Owner, standing by the register, says, “Low Blood Sugar. What you got will fix you right up.” I thank him, and the Cashier rings me up.
I’m feeling sick and can tell my Sugar is extremely low.
39 Dollars is the total. I was shocked that I picked up the most expensive items in the store; I paid the Bill.
Outside, I drink the Dr. Pepper and break open the Box of Candy. — I eat several pieces.
Up ahead, I see a Restaurant called “Montys On The Square.” — I head inside “Monty’s.”
Once inside, I’m quickly seated.
My Waitress introduced herself, and I introduced myself.
I explained that I had a “Sugar Crash” and wanted a Sweet Tea.
She replies, “I understand Diabetes, and I’ll take care of you. Okay?”
I smile and Thank her. She made me feel Safe.
She brings a Large Sweet Tea. — I down it.
— She brings another.
I realized that my Blood Sugar was crashing, and my Body was Exhausted. I also realized that any Sugar I took in, my body was burning off quickly. I began to wonder how far I had walked.
I told my Waitress, “Destiny,” that I wanted a “Blue Burger with Fries.”
They were out of Blue Cheese, so I replaced that with Pepper Jack Cheese. — I continue drinking my Sweet Tea.
“Destiny” asks me where I had walked from.
I tell her, “The Hilton on Riverside.”
She then told me I had walked over a mile. I was shocked.
She explains that walking too far in this town is very easy.
She also explains that the buildings and cement roads put off a lot of heat, not to mention the heat from direct Sunlight.
I ask her if I look bad.
She says, “You look exhausted.”
She suggests I take an “Uber” back to the Hotel. I agree and Thank her. She gave me my Burger, Fries, and another Large Tea. I begin eating.
After eating, I open my “Uber App” and book a ride.
I pay my Bill and Thank Destiny.
I also write on the “Merchant Copy” that “Destiny is a Great Waitress. Very Caring and possibly the Best Worker you have.”
I leave my Tip for Destiny.
I sign the receipt and head outside to wait for my Uber Ride.
Within Four Minutes, my Uber pulls up.
I introduce myself and explain that this is only the Second Time I’ve used Uber myself.
I asked if I had already paid. I had. It charged my Card when I made the Reservation.
We arrive at the Hilton, and I explain to my Driver that I will give him 5 Stars. I hand him a Cash Tip.
He thanked me and told me he would give me 5 Stars.
I thank him and walk into the Hotel.
I am now back in my Hotel Room.
My Blood Sugar is 300 and dropping again.
I look at myself in the Bathroom Mirror and admire my New Hat.
The Hotel Room has been cleaned, and I am about to nap.
I feel Great.
It’s been an exhausting yet Great Day.
I promise not to overdo it again.
Love you,
–Lynn
