Crazy Time of Late!

Ok, so, what the heck, right?  Where have I been? 

The last week or so was a total blur.  It started on Cinco de Mayo; Mr. B and I were enjoying our evening martini (no, we forwent both a margarita and a mint julep (it was also Derby Day) for our traditional Bombay Sapphires) when my little brother called, worried that he'd had two missed calls from my mom and dad and one from our brother.  Well, I hadn't heard anything so I told him not to fret about it.  
Famous last words. A few moments later, he called back to report that our dad (who had recently had hip replacement surgery) was back in the ER after experiencing chest pain/breathing problems.  My brother told me he and his wife were leaving immediately to be with my mom (and dad) at the hospital.  

LONG story short.  After many phone calls back and forth with  him and my mom and after my dad ended up having a major heart attack right there in the ER (a great place to be for these types of things), Mr. B and I decided I should leave the next day to drive up to NC to help out however I could.  Drive?  Well, I thought about flying but by the time we got all of that worked out, it'd be just as easy to drive and so that is what I did.

I left at noon and made it to Waltersboro SC (not a very exciting place for a single traveler, BTW).  When I travel by myself, I always stay in a "better" hotel.  Meaning, not a Motel Six or Red Roof Inn but a place that has interior doors to the rooms.  This time I was at a Holiday Inn Express and it was surely nice enough other than there wasn't much around for dinner purposes.  I ended up eating a salad from McDonald's in my room and drinking a few beers I'd thought to throw into my cooler.

I was up B&E Monday for the remainder of my drive to NC.  I left around 6:30 am and after roughly five hours of additional driving, made it to the hospital in Chapel Hill.  

By the time I arrived, much of the excitement was over.  Dad was in the cardiac critical care unit waiting for a few additional tests and scans.  Turns out the culprit, meaning, what caused the heart attack, was a bunch of blood clots that formed in his heart as a result of him a) going off his blood thinners in preparation for his hip replacement surgery and b) having to be on coagulates for the same reason.  He'd been back on the blood thinners a few days but apparently the damage had been done.  Frankly, I thought this was all rather scary.  Someone with a known heart issue with a pretty much rest of live need to take blood thinners has to go off them for another surgery and yet no one advised them of this risk?  I know my dad would have still opted for the hip replacement surgery, but, both of them would have been much more on alert for this life threatening side effect.  My mom told me that when dad first started complaining of discomfort in his chest, she wasn't really worried, initially, because his heart monitor wasn't doing anything strange.  Well, it wasn't because this problem had nothing to do with his device/ his heart rhythms.  But for the grace of God, is all I have to say about what could have happened.

Anyway, the doctors (a slew of them with the one in charge looking like he was all of 25) wanted to ensure there were no more blood clots lurking in any other places.  Plus, of course, they had to get his heart stabilized (at the point the device was freaking out a bit trying to get back to normal), his heart rate down, blood pressure up, medications in order, etc., etc.  So, dad stayed in that unit until the following day, Tuesday, when they moved him to the regular cardiac unit on the same floor.  

The doctor told my mom there was likely little to no permanent damage to his heart and that his heart is very strong. What did I tell you about my dad in the piece I wrote about him a few posts ago?  He never gives up.  He is determined.  He was up and about (using a walker because of the hip replacement) almost right away.  Good appetite and antsy to get the heck out of there.  

They released him late morning on Wednesday and by that evening, the three of us were sitting around the dinner table enjoying a meal together.  

He had an appointment with his regular cardiologist Friday so I waited to leave until we knew he had the all clear from her, which he received.  She told him to proceed with his rehab for his hip, after which he'd need to enter into cardiac rehab (a lot of the stuff he already knows but she told him a refresher would be a good idea).  I left Saturday morning right before his first appointment with his physical therapist.

I drove until my eyes started to blur and ended up in Lake City, FL.  A great exit.  Lots of hotels, restaurants and a Starbucks to boot.  This time I landed at a Holiday Inn which had its own bar and restaurant so I didn't have to drive around finding something to eat.  I wandered down to the bar to order some food to take back up to my room (buffalo chicken salad).  While waiting for the food, I had a drink and chatted with the couple sitting in the bar and the (lady) bartender.  Talk about a small world, and this is what I mean by that.  The couple were talking about his health issues (I overheard).  He'd recently had hip replacement surgery.  After he recovered, they went on a cruise (their first).  A few days after the cruise,he had a heart attack.  Why?  Blood clots due to, well, you know why.  After talking some more, we discovered us three gals were all 48 years old.  You know what?  That's just weird, isn't it?

Anyway, I made it home safely by noon on Mother's Day.  My MIL was there (unfortunately I'd missed most of her visit) and my dear husband was prepared to make us both a special Mother's Day meal.  

I was happy to be able to go help my mom and dad out.  And, frankly, once we knew dad was going to be ok, it wasn't all doom and gloom.  My brother was in the hospital with us a lot (he'd been there pretty much since the get-go) and he came home with us every night to regroup, chit-chat, socialize, eat dinner and relax.  I was able to (briefly) see my other brother and also my step-daughter for an hour or so over a coffee at Starbucks after getting her new phone at Verizon (I'd had to get mine the day before, unexpectedly, but, such is life).

Mom and I cooked a few dinners together; I cleaned up and did the dishes, just like old times.  I can't remember the last time my mom actually let me do anything in the kitchen.  This was sorta nice.

I came home to a bit of craziness because I somehow picked up a Trojan virus on my laptop.  I'm so careful but these things do manage to sneak in.  It took all of Monday and well into the night for the AVG folks to get it fixed.  Thankfully, all is ok but I know had it not been, it would not have been the end of the world.

So, here it is Friday and I'm still feeling a bit discombobulated but I'm thankful to be home and that all is well.  Mark and I celebrated our 7th anniversary Wednesday; a bit quiet, just a dinner out, but, quiet is ok.

Now.  Onwards and upwards to the rest of May!

Mrs. B

Well Duh

Apparently, I had to download the app!

Testing uploading pictures.  If I did it correctly, there should be a picture of my mom and dad's dog.

Mrs. B

Hello From My New Phone!

I was able to figure it out. Now if only I can get the Swyping down!

Lucy, Flea and Poetry

I recently took Lucy to visit my Father. When we arrived, we discovered that he'd bought Lucy a new toy, named Flea. Boy, does Lucy love Flea! Lucy mailed Grandfather a thank-you card, complete with this picture and this poem:

Flea

I love Flea!

Flea loves me!

Flea’s the best pal

That ever could be!

I like to play rough

But Flea’s so tough

Flea never says

“That’s Enough!”

Flea doesn’t mind the pool

Flea’s ok with my slobbery drool

Flea tolerates it all

Flea is so cool!

Flea’s body’s fat but that’s not a bother

Since he’s got six legs, he simply flies farther

Yeah, Flea’s great but mostly ‘cause

I got Flea from Grandfather

Lucy H. B

Today, Lucy received this response in an email:

i was up all the night

getting wording just right

to answer, honestly,

your note about flea.

as dark became dawn

and i muffled a yawn

i tried to compose

some elegant prose

and somehow respond

to my favorite blond.

i hope you and flea

share great revelry

you give me much glee;

you're top dog with me!

grandfather h...with help of timmy timmy and porter.

Fun, fun!

Mrs. B

My Dad

My dad had planned hip replacement surgery today.  It's been a long time coming, let me tell you.  It was originally scheduled for late 2010 but he had other health complications at the time that made the surgery impossible.  The surgery was  rescheduled for 2011, but then my mom had a serious health issue that had to be addressed first.  So, finally, today was the day.

Dad, in true dad fashion, was ready to go.  He'd done his part; kept his weight down, exercised as much as he could, continued on with life even though he really was in dreadful pain.  They were here in Florida until early April doing their best to enjoy their retirement in the sun but, of course, always with this pain in the background.

Anyway, even though this is a very common procedure now a days, it's still unnerving and scary when someone you love goes under the knife.  For me in particular, having lost my step-mother last year and just recently my father-in-law, I was pretty skittish today.  I prayed; I asked my church to pray also, and I felt a lot better but still and again, I wasn't totally relaxed until my brother sent me a message just before 2:00 that dad was out of surgery, he'd done great and there were no complications.

While sitting here earlier today thinking about my dad; thinking about everything over the past almost 45 years, I wrote this little piece.

Love you, dad.

Mrs. B

My Dad

Made me crowns from chewing gum wrappers

Took me on bike rides with me sitting behind him holding on for dear life

Liked to listen to me read out loud from my Laura Ingalls Wilder books

Helped me with my stamp collection

Carried me everywhere for three weeks when I had a case of trench foot

Taught me how to keep score at San Diego Padre base ball games

Let us have a cat even though he really didn’t like cats

Was a firm but fair disciplinarian

Knew the importance of staying at a motel with a pool

Taught me how to pitch a softball and coached my team for several years

Was never too tired at the end of the day to help me with my homework

Forgave me when I dropped a tent trailer on his hand

Was the only person brave enough not to give up on teaching me how to drive

Rebuilt the engine of my 1968 Karman Ghia (even though he’d told me when I bought it to take it back)

Was a hard task master but always provided cold beer and good food at the end of a hard day of physical labor

Because my older sister inherited my mom’s, he built me the most beautiful cherry Hope Chest (as well as other handmade items)

Makes a killer margarita

Taught me to never underestimate the power of curry; especially in egg salad

Although he doesn’t always know what to say in times of trouble, he’s always there in times of trouble

Is man enough to allow himself to be called Pop-Pops

Let me sleep in while he walked my dog

Never gives up

 

  

Climb. Beer. Wind.

Note:

This free write is a continuation of what I began in "Type. Window. Comprehend".

And, so, one moment The Fate Scheduler had been in his kitchen thinking of her, The Girl Who Smelled of Pine; the next, he was standing in what appeared to be a huge gymnasium full of people who were wandering about any which way. He blinked, looked about him, and then blinked again; attempting to make sense of what had happened. It was a futile effort, as there was no sense to what had happened. Those in the room seemed to be in a state of total confusion; as if everyone had just been snatched from somewhere else and had absolutely no idea why they were now there. Since that was exactly what had happened to him, staying put seemed to be the thing to do. Maybe in another eye blink, he’d be back in his kitchen. It wouldn’t do to move from this spot, only to become even more lost and befuddled, like the majority of the other people in there seemed to be.

As he stood there in observation, he confirmed to himself they were indeed inside a huge gymnasium; there were the basketball end boards and hoops; looking, he noted, a bit ratty and tatty as their nettings were torn and hanging down in places. To either side of him against the walls were wooden bleachers; and, his sensitive nose was telling him, the place smelled like decades of sweat, stinky feet and bubble gum.

Watching the people roam about, it dawned on him that he was reminded of the several times he’d been in a similar place registering for college classes. There was the same sense of almost panic, of not knowing what one was supposed to be doing. Buoyed by a bit of confidence that perhaps he’d figured something out, certain details of his surroundings began to make themselves clear. First off, over towards the east side of the room, there was a long row of tables, behind which sat a group of people; each wearing a somewhat bored expression on their face. In front of each person’s section of the table was a large placard with a letter of the alphabet clearly printed within its center. “A” was on the far left, next was “B”, then “C”, and so on, with “Z” on the far right. As he watched the tables, he saw the person sitting behind “T” lean over to the person sitting behind “S” and whisper something. “S” nodded and stifled a huge yawn. Well, then, obviously, this was some sort of registration center, and yet, not one of the others in the room were approaching the tables.

The Fate Scheduler was uncertain. He thought perhaps he should walk over to the tables and go up to his letter; in fact, he was sure this was what he was supposed to do, but he held fast to his position because he hated being the first to do something in case it was not the right thing to do. This trait was one of the reasons why he’d never made much of a name for himself at his firm; he was not destined to climb the proverbial corporate ladder.

He shifted his gaze from the tables; eyes darting about the room, searching for something that might provide an answer as to what he should do. As he did so, he heard a loud BANG coming from the side of the gymnasium opposite from where the Alphabet People were sitting. He craned his head around in time to see the large, multiple doors being flung open, one after another, each with such force that it bounced off the interior walls. Streaming in through the doors was a massive crowd of people; easily the same amount as which were already inside the gym. He noticed that, while the people already in the room were in a state of confusion, those coming in appeared to know exactly what they were doing, with each one of them approaching one of The Confused with outstretched arms and welcoming smiles on their faces. Slowly, slowly, awareness dawned on the faces of The Confused as they each in turn recognized the person advancing towards them. Then, shouts of joy echoed throughout the room, accompanied by a rush of almost incomprehensible conversations of which he could only make out snippets of “Oh my God! Oh my God!; and “MOM?”; and, “Take it easy, there, Cowboy, it’s all going to be okay now”; and “Holy shit! I need a beer and I need it NOW!”

In this midst of this cacophony, a new emotion; The Fate Scheduler was bereft. No one was singling him out. He was totally alone. On the heels of this, a glimmer of hope. Maybe this was a mistake and he wasn’t supposed to be here after all. Perhaps this was, in fact, a quite nasty dream. With this in mind, he immediately began to pinch himself. When he didn’t awaken, he went at himself like a man gone insane; pinching every skin surface he could reach, wrenching the flesh this way and that in his agitation, aware all the while that this was both futile and he must look like a total fool, but unable to stop himself all the same.

Then came another loud BANG from the other end of the room; the door with this one opening with such strength that it brought with it a whoosh of strong wind similar to those that swirl around you and blow grit in your eyes and deposit bits of trash at your feet. Except this wind brought no dirt or garbage, it brought his third grade teacher, Mrs. Sippy. He stopped pinching himself and gaped at her.

“Well then,” she said eyeing him. “You always were an unusual child”.

Mrs. B

Easter Weekend Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our Easter weekend/visit from Mom B. and Aunt Judy:

Aunt Judy treated us to dinner Saturday night. We tried a new place near home called Truman's Tap and Grill. They've got a few kinks regarding service to work out, but the food was pretty good!

Sisters!

Sisters again! Easter morning on our way to church. Lovely sunny day!

With two of his favorite ladies

Mark and Mom B

I feel sorta tall...

Mr. B with another favorite lady (I'm guessing :-) )

Jack's Easter Lily

Grandma W's. She LOVED Easter

The yum-o ham. Seriously, whomped all over Honey Baked

Mrs. B