August 31, 2014 - Sunday
Terre Haute, Indiana

We went to visit Mom Saturday morning and found her in the same condition as the night before; the breathing tube still running down her throat and heavily sedated. I tried teasing her a bit and though she couldn't talk, she did open her eyes and give me "the look." Mom later told us that she didn't remember us being there. It's just as well. My jokes weren't all that funny.

Since our departure was hurried on Thursday and the car scheduled for four new tires, we used the time away from Mom to purchase a complete set of new Goodyear Eagle tires, usually $99 on sale for $59. The Kia is now sporting new shoes all the way around.

We arrived back at the ICU ward two hours later and found Mom sans breathing tube, sitting up, chatting away, and directing traffic. I couldn't believe it was the same person we'd seen earlier in the morning.

So the day was spent visiting Mom, doing a bit of shopping around town, and Sargie did some laundry and cleaning. When we left Mom around 8:30, she reminded us NOT to forget her hearing aids, her cell phone, or Kindle book. Yup, Mom is back.

We enjoyed supper last night here in the senior complex as person after person came by the table to extend their well-wishes for Mom. On several committees and chair person of more than one, Mom's a popular shaker and mover here at Westminster Village. As her son, I was very humbled and honored to pass on their messages.

We're to meet my sister and brother in law after while at IHOP for breakfast. After, we'll go see Mom and assuming she had a good night, we'll come back to the apartment, pack, and head the car north. If we don't leave today, it will be Tuesday before we drive home as there's no way we're going to fight holiday traffic on Labor Day. I'll drive on the long and empty stretches (hopefully) of interstate between congested areas, Sargie will navigate the urban areas and after dark. We'll definitely be driving west of Chicago so we can miss that traffic.

Time to get a cup of coffee and think about what I want to order for breakfast at IHOP. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road, via Terre Haute, Indiana...