March 30, 2017 - Thursday

57 degrees/cloudy skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I see that I never did get yesterday's log uploaded. I was just about two seconds from hitting enter when Mom had the first spell with her heart. 

As most know, Mother had a double bypass two and a half years ago. That's a daunting procedure for the most hearty person, but for an eighty seven year old, it's almost unheard of.

Mom came through the surgery and recovery like a trooper. Since, she's had small episodes of a fibrillation, a heart that beats out of rhythm, but they have mostly been controlled with medication.

A few flare ups occurred early last week after Mom's colon operation that kept her in the hospital a day or two longer than planned. Once home, she began to have more frequent episodes.

We were having our coffee yesterday morning when Mom announced that she needed to visit the bathroom. I was, in fact, proof reading yesterday's blog and getting ready to upload it to the internet.

Something seemed strange. There was no noise coming from the bathroom. I rose from the chair and asked Mom if everything was okay.

No answer.

I found Mother slumped over, her head on her knees and unresponsive. I felt for a pulse and was happy to find one, but it was racing, so fast that I couldn't count the beats. It was performing a drum roll, not a common street beat. 

I got her back to her bed where I called the nurse on duty at her senior complex, called my sister, and dialed 911, not necessarily in that order. 

By the time the ambulance arrived and Mom was placed on the gurney, she was talking and smiling. I remember thinking, "Darn it Mom, I thought you were dead twenty minutes ago. The least you can do is not socialize with the cute paramedics and smile so much!"

Mom's a class act. That's not the way she rolls.

Mom is sick. Further tests at the hospital indicate that she has congenital heart failure with fluid around her heart and lungs. She also has pancreatitis. I'm unsure where that came from, but my sister indicated it could all stem from her heart problems coupled with last week's major operation for colon cancer.

While Mom was undergoing tests, I talked with the director of the rehabilitation unit and director of nursing in the rehab wing of Mom's complex. Mom will be visiting them for a week or two after she's released to gain her strength back and be able to live on her own.

Mom insisted last night that I go home today. As she said, there's nothing I can do other than sit and look at her in the hospital and once she's back in her community, she'll be busy with rehab. 

Somehow, I feel as though I'm cramping her style, even while she's lying in a hospital bed hooked up to tubes and monitors. 

So, after talking at length with my sister, Barbara, I've decided to go ahead and make that long drive north. Sargie and I very well could be heading back this way sooner rather than later if Mom needs us, but for now, I'll point the car north and travel to much more familiar territory.

It appears I'll be going through thunderstorms in the south and eventually snow in the north. I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but honestly, I could do without the inclement weather today. 

One thing I know for certain, there's a wonderful, loving, beautiful, girl waiting for me five-hundred and fifty miles north of here. She's the best prescription that anyone could write for this guy. Hang on honey, I should be there late this afternoon or evening and yes, I'll be careful.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. I've read many of your messages to Mom over the past ten days and all have bolstered her spirits. I don't mean to be a prayer hog, but if you could continue saying them for Mom, we would be so appreciative. 

I purposely waited until this morning to finish packing so I wouldn't be tempted to leave before daylight. On the positive side, Sargie hasn't called to tell me we won the lottery, so I won't have to worry about loading the ATV sitting in the mall. 

Now, all I have to do is figure out how to get that beautiful garden pond and waterfalls and the grand piano onto the roof of the Kia to take home.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road... via Terre Haute, Indiana... soon to be back to Pentoga Road...

Written early Wednesday morning

Practicing for the 2017 swim suit edition of Sports Illustrated.
Building strength and endurance, Mom walked to the dining room last night and even made a detour around the garden pond on her way back.

March 29, 2017 - Wednesday

50 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Terre Haute, Indiana

I'm approaching the end of my stay in the Hoosier state. Mom continues on the mend and when she feels good, I can tell that I'm not the only one who is getting itchy feet. Still, getting better isn't always a leaps and bound type of thing, sometimes it's a methodical journey of putting one foot in front of the other. I'm playing my departure by ear.

When Mom feels well, I can tell the call of the wild, that natural instinct to run with one's girl gang, is beckoning to her. There are cards to play, bingo games to attend, evening musical programs to sing along with, multiple meetings to attend, and most importantly, lots and lots of conversations in which to partake. Mom has missed ten days of local news, the really important stuff from around the senior community. If Mom has a good day, it'll be time for this guy to point the car north tomorrow morning to begin my journey home. If it's iffy, I'll stay and sponge off of her for another day. The dining room has excellent food and even better ice cream!

I've got a real dilemma. Assuming I win the lottery over the next twenty-four hours, I want to take the Honda side-by-side home. Then there's the garden pond I wrote about yesterday. Now there's another item to add to that list.

Uh huh, it's the digital grand piano sitting in the lobby downstairs. I have no idea how many thousands of dollars it would cost if purchased new, but I've never seen anyone play it. I'm pretty sure no one would care if I bring it home. I just don't know how to get the ATV, the garden pond and waterfalls, AND the grand piano to fit in the Kia. I've got twenty-four hours to figure it all out.

Mom had a good day yesterday. She bounced out of bed in the morning and was soon sitting in her recliner eating breakfast. A short nap followed soon after. 

I left her for a couple of hours and made my way to the mall for some additional lady's clearance items. We're going to have to build another closet for Sargie to hang everything, but assuming she likes some of the tops (admittedly, I have NO taste in women's clothing) she should be able to sport some different looks. If they aren't her style, well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. You can't go too far wrong when a piece is originally priced at $79, then it's marked down 85% with an additional 55% discount after that. If this whole shopping thing is successful, maybe I'll get a certificate of merit from the Sargie School of Clearance Shopping. Only time will tell.

Mom had a bit of discomfort Tuesday afternoon. She complained that her incision was hurting along with a hernia that she had repaired, but has resurfaced. I've told Mom to stay out of the weight room and quit pumping iron, but she insists.

We were taking an afternoon walk when she became tired and short of breath. Seems her heart was beating a bit too fast, so we came back to the apartment.

When Barb and John, my sister and brother in law, arrived late in the afternoon, they gave Mom an examination and found her heart rate, oxygen, pulse, and gas mileage, where it should be and Mother was pronounced good to go for another round.

Since it was dinner time, the four us walked to the dining area where we enjoyed good conversations and an excellent meal.

With Mom leading the way, we walked the length of the complex to the dining area. She must have been hungry as the rest of us had to sprint to keep up with her.

Mom had a quiet night and other than having to heed nature's call, slept well. In fact, it's currently 7 AM and she's still in bed. A healing girl requires a great deal of sleep.

Today's a big day around here. Mom has a beauty appointment at 10 AM. I'll walk her down then I think I'm going to let her do a solo stroll back to her apartment while I go to Sam's Club for some needed items at home. Toilet paper, paper towels, and rawhide bones, aren't nearly as much fun to buy as clearance items, but sometimes we have to take one for the team. In this case, paper goods seem to be at the top of the list today.

Other than that, Mom and I will, no doubt, spend the day talking, walking, and if the weatherman is to believed, we might take a stroll outside and enjoy the spring temperatures.

I'm going to play my departure day by ear, see how Mom feels. It could be Thursday, possibly a bit later. I want to make sure my mommy is back to tap dancing and running with the girl gang before I leave. You know, that call of the wild thing.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road... by way of Terre Haute, Indiana...

That's a mallard hen duck roosting on top of that wall. On the other side is my garden pond. Well, it's only mine if I can figure out how to get it home along with the ATV and grand piano.

ET REVERSUS EST!
(She has returned!)

March 28, 2017 - Tuesday

50 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Terre Haute, Indiana

It was indeed a warm homecoming that Mom received last night at dinner time. Longtime friends weren't slow in showering her with hugs and kisses, and of course, all wanted to hear first hand accounts of Mom's latest medical journey.

Amazing how fast the human body can recover, even if one is just three months shy of her ninetieth birthday. I calculated that Mom doubled her strength and mental acuity approximately every four hours yesterday. If the trend continues, I'll have to tether her to the apartment by day's end so I know where to find her.

She awakened Monday morning and pronounced that she'd slept well. I'm glad SHE did. Mom had talked, laughed, and giggled, all night. Since it was her first night home and I was lying on a rollaway bed in the living room just a few feet away, I was privy to her all-night escapades.

There are many who believe that a person communicates with loved ones who have gone before while in a dream state. If that's true, Mom and Dad sure had a good time Monday night. If it happens again while I'm here, I'm going to tell those kids to keep it down. Some of us youngsters need our sleep.

Mom enjoyed a good breakfast Monday morning but I could tell she wasn't firing on all cylinders. Who would be? The poor girl had just undergone major surgery for colon cancer six days before.

With a full belly, she said she was sleepy, reclined in her chair, and closed her eyes. It was almost an hour and a half before she opened them again.

The nap made all the difference in the world and we talked until my brother-in-law, John, an RN, arrived to check her vitals and do a bit of rehab work.

The advances she made over the next four hours were close to miraculous. I could see her gaining strength as the day wore on and though somewhat tired when John left, Mom's improvement was noticeable.

One thing about it, my brother-in-law is a born educator. He was firm, yet gentle, and taught through positive reinforcement. I don't now how much Mom absorbed, but I certainly learned a lot throughout the day.

We spent the rest of the afternoon talking and watching television and when it was time to go to supper, Mom announced she would walk, a fairly long distance.

Pushing a walker, she made it to the front desk at the halfway point before growing too tired to go on. I borrowed a wheel chair and rolled her the rest of the way.

We barely made it to the entrance of the dining room before Mom was mobbed by her friends and acquaintances, all armed with hugs and kisses. I can well understand why she loves living here.

It's apparent that the residents of this entire community are their own family group. They love their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and in Mom's case, great great grandchildren, but those who reside here are a real family to each other, a self sustaining support group, amigos, the go-to people when sons, daughters, or others don't or can't understand. It gives me great peace of mind knowing that Mom lives within such a caring community.

I spent part of last evening in the courtyard studying the garden pond. Hmm, it has the right dimensions and correct depth, with a raised, rather than the usual in-ground, design.

I pictured this very pond in my garden. It's not what I had originally planned, but it would work and is possibly a better design. All I have to do is sneak it out of the courtyard in the middle of the night and get out of town before it's discovered missing.

Here's the problem. How do I get this pond home? Should we win the lottery over the next forty-eight hours, there's the side-by-side ATV sitting in the mall that has first priority. The Honda will need to ride on the top of the Kia for the trip back to the Upper Peninsula. 

I'm not certain there's room for the pond alongside the ATV. Dang. Just my luck. I should have driven the Blazer. Maybe there'd be enough room for both.

Today will see a bit more activity around apartment B-318. Mom wants to go for more walks and be a bit more active. Assuming she continues to improve and able to navigate somewhat on her own, I'll be heading north Thursday morning at first light. I'll surely miss Mom, but can hardly wait to get home to Sargie. We have plans for this coming weekend, the first of several activities scheduled for an upcoming week-long vacation for Sargie.

I'm going to leave Mom alone for a while today and head to the mall. For some reason, our data usage greatly exceeds our limit for this month. I'm not certain if it's caused by the tracking apps we have on our phones or for some other reason. Regardless, it might be time to change our plan.

  

Mom's ready to take a morning nap. I think I'll quit writing and tuck that little honey in just as she did with me almost sixty-five years ago.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road... by way of Terre Haute, Indiana...

I have room for the waterfall in the Kia, but not sure how to transport the rest of the pond.

Mom's back in the house and talking with her girl gang

March 27, 2017 - Monday

57 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Terre Haute, Indiana

I'm running a day late and a dollar short this morning. It'll be a short one today. 

We brought Mom home Sunday shortly afternoon. To say she was ready would be a vast understatement. Perched on the side of a chair in the hospital room, Mom reminded me more of a horse in the starting gate at the race track rather than a sweet little 90 year old lady due to depart the hospital.

Stand aside.
Grandma's going home.

I stayed with Mom while my sister and brother-in-law visited the drug store with a fist full of prescriptions that took well over an hour to fill.

They spent no small amount of time figuring out Mom's medicine schedule and placing the right pills in the corresponding boxes.

Mother was tired last night. She and I spent the evening talking and watching television. It was almost 9 before I tucked her in for the night.

I'm not sure who Mommy was talking and laughing with during the wee hours of the morning, but she sure had a good time. The pain medicine, quite potent, caused her to have a pleasant trip between her ears, but she awakened this morning saying she slept like a log.

We had a short breakfast and her pills taken before she reclined to take a good nap.

My brother in law, John, an RN, is on his way to change Mom's dressing. I think I'll take the opportunity to get some fresh air and smell a rose or two along the way.

Entries might be a bit sketchy this week, but know Mom is still on the mend and enjoying being back home. There's no keeping a good woman down and Mom's about as good as they come.

Time to get a move on. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road by way of Terre Haute, Indiana...

Sister Barb and John sorting out all of Mom's medications

During a quick visit to the local mall, I was tempted to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap to have my picture taken, but remembered if Sargie were here, she'd probably not have encouraged me. 

March 26, 2017 - Sunday

57 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Terre Haute, Indiana

It appears that today will be Independence Day for Mama. She spent all of yesterday sitting in a chair, went for a walk or two, and navigated her way to heed nature's call when needed. The biggest obstacles to her mobility seem to be the persistent IV tube and wires that connect her to a heart monitor. When Mom asked if they could be removed, the nurse said that since she was on the cardio unit, those will be the last things to go before she walks out the door.

There was initially some question as to whether Mom might come home yesterday, but one doctor couldn't make it for a final consult. He's to conduct his rounds this morning at 7 AM and after final orders, meds are discussed, and all those end of the stay things, Mom will be wheeled out a free woman.

My sister and her husband, both in the medical profession, are currently at the hospital talking with the doctor. I told them to call me when it's time to move Mom and I'd drive her car over to bring home the flowers and whatever else. Maybe I'll luck out and even get to transport Mom.

I did spend some time yesterday at the local mall. Sargie would have been so proud of me. She's trained me well.

I walked into Carson's, a Yonkers/Kohl's/Macy's type department store. 

Sniff... sniff

What's that? My nose was leading me to the women's department. A clearance rack? Look at those blouses, sweaters, and tops! OMG! Sargie would think she died and went to Heaven.

Let's see, 75% off the original price, then another 35% clearance markdown, and if one had a used article of clothing for Good Will, another 20% off of that.

After six years, I have a good idea of Sargie's preferences in clothing. She's also taught me how to find a good bargain.

I chose one top after another. If Sargie were here, we'd have to rent a U Haul truck to bring all the treasures home. 

My arm was about ready to break under the weight of all the shirts, blouses, and sweaters. It was time to check out.

The young clerk, probably a local university student, was very nice and when she asked if I had a Good Will coupon, I explained that I was from out of town and if I had some good piece of used clothing, I'd gladly donate it.

She smiled and shrugged her shoulders and began to ring up the purchases.

"Wait!" I said, "I have a newer pair of underwear that have a lot of good left in them. Let me grab those!"

She wasn't sure whether to laugh or close her eyes, so she took the safe route and said she'd give me the additional 20% discount just the same.

The total came to around $30. I smiled and as I removed a debit card from my wallet and explained that really, Carson's owed me money.

"How do you figure?" she asked. 

These young kids, little common sense, no mental math abilities. I sighed and put on my best professor's face as I began to explain. 

"Pay attention," I told her. "There could be a quiz after."

Originally, 75% was discounted from the original price, then another 35% for clearance. On top of that, an additional 20% is subtracted for the Goodwill discount. That adds up to... 130% discount. Seems you owe me around $10 for removing this clothing from your store."

Her face got that blank look that only those who are highly confused get.

"You're lucky," I continued, "that my wife doesn't have a larger closet. It could have been much much more."

The blank look became profound as she attempted to do the mental math. The lights were on, but no one was home.

"OK, look," I said, "You seem to be a nice girl. I'm going to do you a favor. I won't charge you anything for taking these tops. No need to do the math."

The poor coed's brain was already in overdrive. Lacking any common sense and obviously, fewer mathematical skills, I burst out laughing and gave her my debit card.

"Just ring it up," I said. "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning. You'll be okay."

Now's when I could launch into my "we don't teach common sense or practical math in today's classroom" lecture, but I don't have the time.

The rest of the day was spent with Mom. We talked and I'd occasionally bop out of the room while she did whatever it is Mom's do when boys leave a hospital room.

I kissed her goodbye last night saying we'd keep our fingers crossed that today, Sunday, we could break her out of the Big House and she might come home.

In other news:

Congratulations to Coleman for wrestling his way to 4th place in the state of Maine.

Coleman with his back to the camera

He's had a great season, his first.

Cousin Emmie brought her daddy, Matt, and both were there to cheer Coleman to victory.

Shirley Temple, reincarnated?

It's time to end this and get the show on the road. My sister just called, saying that they are doing some last minute blood work to check Mom's something or the other and that she should be ready to come home a bit later today. Once at the complex, we're going to attempt to sneak her into the elevator and up to her apartment before her girl gang discovers she's home. I imagine the trip alone might make her tired.

Emmie LOVES her Uncle Luke

Let's see, the throw rugs are picked up. Check.

Mom's goodies needed to come home. Check.

Evidence of this past week's parties gone. Check.

Time to get my mama home!

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road... by way of Terre Haute, Indiana...

Wouldn't Sargie and I look good bopping around the UP in one of these?!
I tried talking the Honda salesman into the same 130% discount as Carson's. It didn't work. At least I don't have to figure out how to fasten it to the top of the Kia for the trip home.

 

"... ah, yes. Kitchen? I'd like to have the Creme du Poulet Broth, Iced Tea, and for dessert, a slushy... and make that cherry."

March 25, 2017 - Saturday morning

64 degrees/partly cloudy/calm winds

Terre Haute, Indiana

After a small setback late Friday afternoon, Mom appears to be back on the fast track to recovery. Seems her heart decided to begin racing once again and after careful monitoring during the evening hours, a procedure was performed just before midnight to shock the heart back into a more sensible rhythm. 

* Saturday afternoon - After visiting with the nurse at the hospital this morning, I learned that I'd misunderstood what happened in the middle of the night. Mom did not have the procedure. Her heart went back into regular rhythm on it's own. Either way, it's all good.

I just got off the phone with her nurse and he said she was MUCH better, had rested comfortably, and reported that her colon had FINALLY awakened and was working. 

Friday was a day of joy in room 328. I walked into Mom's room and quickly did a U turn. Seems she was not only up and out of her bed, she was giving herself a bath. The NG tube protruding from her nose, the plastic thing that had become a semi permanent part of her body, had been removed making Mom look like... well, Mom. 

I was sitting in the waiting room next door, when the next thing I knew, Mom had finished her bath and was sprinting down the hall with a nurse in tow. I was relegated to cart boy, in charge of making certain the bag of fluids connected to the IV in her arm kept up. 

Mom was given permission to chose anything off the hospital menu, anything at all, as long as it came in liquid form. Since her last meal and drink of water had been Saturday night, even the lowly chicken broth tasted heavenly.

I spent the morning at the hospital then made my way to Sam's Club around noontime. First came a tour of the sample ladies. 

I pretended to ignore them at first, making the rounds and mentally registering what each had to offer. I certainly didn't want to get my entree' eaten before the appetizer, let alone accidentally begin with the dessert.

In the end, I feasted on salmon, sausage, lemon cake, and a fifi something or the other that was horrible.

I wasn't full. Hmm, another round? I particularly enjoyed the lemon cake, so I went back with a disguised voice, hoping she wouldn't recognize my face. 

She did. I was busted, but I put on my best smile, complete with the double sets of dimples, and complimented her Sample Lady outfit. 

It worked. I got my second piece.

Still not full, I made my way to the famous Chez Sam's, known by the ordinary people as the deli, where everyone who is anyone in Terre Haute dines. I enjoyed my favorite faire, the $1.50 weenie and Coke platter complete with sauerkraut and onions. 

The afternoon was once again spent at the hospital. Mom received flowers that made her room smell like spring.

Her eyes were beginning to droop. It was time to walk back to the apartment. With a kiss and a couple of "I love you's," I was out of there.

I had a moment of profound sadness yesterday. Seems an elderly lady down the hall passed away. The stopping of her heart caused bells and alarms to sound and nurses and doctors from everywhere sprinted to her aid, all for naught.

I'll never forget the sight of seeing her husband and daughter crying, trying to support each other, to comprehend what had just happened. I had to get out of there. Hospitals are meant for healing, not dying. Unfortunately, even the best doctors can't always perform miracles.

I've seen plenty of death, especially in arctic, hypothermia, drownings, plane crashes, suicides, but it was the husband and daughter who I felt so sorry for. The mom and wife had moved on to leave her loved ones behind to mourn. I mourned for their mourning. 

The fresh air outside revived my spirits. With the temperature in the mid seventies, I hopped the fence along the golf course and made my way home. 

Plop.

A golf ball?

I looked around but couldn't see anything.

Plop.

What the *%#!

Was someone aiming at me? At best, my sight extends for about twenty feet ahead, but I couldn't see anyone.

After doing an about face and flying over the fence, I learned from the golf course warden that I'd been cutting across the driving range. Someone had told him there was a person who was in everyone's way and he'd sped out to intercept me in his official warden cart, complete with a flashing warden light. 

Pretty impressive. 

I was busted again for the second time in one afternoon.

With golf balls raining down all around me, I cleared that four-foot high fence with a few feet to spare.

I believe I'll alter my route today. It's time to explore new uncharted areas of the golf course's perimeter. Better yet, maybe I'll just walk completely around it and forget any shortcuts.

I met my dinner dates at 4:30 for supper.

Phyllis, Marion, Glenna, Marty
You'll notice not one, but two containers of salted caramel ice cream to go at the closest place setting. I need to keep my nourishment up you know.

I especially enjoy and love my dining companions. All, Mom's very best friends, are sweethearts. Not every one of Mom's buddy's are pictured, but the group ranges in age from the mid-eighties to a hundred, depending on who shows up for supper. 

Marion (left) pushes a four-wheeled walker, sort of the sedan version, but Glenna has the racing model, a sporty three-wheeled bolt of lightening that, literally, sprints down the hall. I'm fairly certain that under that sweet grandma exterior lies a wild granny who thrives on rushes of extreme adrenaline.

I spent some quiet time, alone, on the veranda last night. 

I did a little praying, a bit of guffawing and sniffling, even some cursing, as I'd just found out Mom's heart was out of rhythm again. I wondered how much more an almost ninety year old woman could take, but then, God reminded me, He's the one who makes the decisions, not me.

The phone rang at midnight. It was my sister saying she'd talked with Mom's nurse and the heart procedure went very well. After shocking it, the ticker was once again back on track. 

I didn't sleep very well after. The body was willing, but the mind wouldn't let it rest. 

FLASH FLASH FLASH - JUST IN!!

I just received a call from Mom and she was so excited. One of her three or four doctors had been in to see her this morning and said, "As far as I'm concerned, you can go home."

Mom knows that she also has to be cleared by her heart doctor and there are other circumstances that might dictate her release, but it's the most positive news we've had during this past week of roller coaster rides.

Mom was also excited that she's been given permission to begin eating normal food and when I talked with her, was waiting for her favorite breakfast goodie, an English muffin. She told me to not be in any hurry to get to the hospital today, that she was going to take a bath and do whatever it is people do in the mornings on the third floor cardio unit. 

So, this morning, we have reason to celebrate. It's not a done deal yet, but it's getting closer. 

I'd write more, but there's an apartment to clean. I asked Mom to give me plenty of notice before she's released so I can get this place back in order. I've been telling Mom that the girls and I have had wild parties nightly complete with loud music and that there are beer bottles and cigarette butts lying all around the place. 

Mom just chuckled in that watch it buddy way that I've heard since the day I was born. 

Yep, she's feeling better.

Wild parties or no, there are some socks and other underthings I should probably pick up off the floor should she be able to come home. Heart trouble and colon cancer aside, Mom still walks tall and carries a big stick.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Four generations later, Ivy is enjoying corn on the cob.

My nieces - Sophie, Livia, and Mama Christy
... the girls were wrestling over who got to sit in the front seat

March 24, 2017 - Friday

57 degrees/partly cloudy/breezy

Terre Haute, Indiana

You know, there are people in this world who make you feel good, those who cause a person to laugh, to want to hug them, and who you never get to see enough.

Let me introduce you to my nieces.

Christy was widowed at a very young age and with some help from my sister and brother in law and her husband's parents, not only raised two beautiful girls, but also earned a nursing degree. 

Christy is now a nurse working in Indianapolis. I probably respect her more than any student, high school or at the university level, that I've ever known. She truly earned her degree.

Sophie will graduate from high school this spring and plans to become an art therapist. Livia will be a freshman in high school next fall and though she won't admit it, I'm told she's quite a good fiddle player. 

It's rare to find two teenage girls who don't mind spending time with their great grandma and their great uncle. They are full of "yes pleases," and "no thank you's," and aren't slow to say, "I love you."

I wish they lived about five-hundred and fifty miles closer so Uncle Tom and Aunt Sargie could spoil each. Though their mother might occasionally disagree, truly, they are a gift from God. 

Thanks for a wonderful visit last night, ladies. I love you very much.

Mom threw us a positive curve ball yesterday. Her heart "flipped" at three AM Thursday morning and returned to a normal rhythm. When I arrived at the hospital around nine, I found Mom walking down the hall with the assistance of two nurses! Twelve hours earlier, with a heart fluttering out of control, she had all the energy of a wet washrag.

Sitting up and feasting on ice chips, Mom held court from her chair until early afternoon on Thursday.

I bopped in and out of Mom's room all day. Walking to the hospital, I almost had PTSD when I saw this:

Though my marching bands often exceeded a hundred forty members, we never could afford a large trailer(s) in which to tote our equipment. Still, it took four large commercial buses to carry us when we traveled.

High School marching band... seems like another lifetime. Come to think of it, it was. Can't really say I miss it.

I snapped the next picture for those who live in the more northern climes.

Uh huh, people are mowing and raking their lawns. There are spring flowers everywhere and the grass is a lush, plush, green.

 Right now, it sounds as though an entire flock of ducks are quacking in the small garden pond outside my window.

Guessing, I would estimate Terre Haute is at least six weeks ahead of the UP heading into the summer months. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a bit envious. If brother-in-law, Boyd lived here, he'd be busy planting his garden. 

Come to think of it, so would I. I'm getting the itch.

I ventured to a local garage to have the headlight changed on the Kia yesterday. They told me it would be a day or two before they could get to it so I ended up driving to the automotive department at Walmart. It was an hour and a half wait, but in the end, the Kia now has two functional headlights.

While dallying, I decided to part with $7 and purchase a pair of shorts. I won't have to worry about any cars hitting me while I stroll around town. These white, Big Bird, legs of mine will serve as a beacon to all that I'm in the area.

Meanwhile, back in the Upper Peninsula, Grandma Sargie had the day off and was enjoying some quality Grady time. 

Hambone informed me yesterday afternoon that he was doing Pawpaw's job and cleaning the drive and patio.

 

It appears his best buddy, Brutus, was helping.

Grady stayed overnight Tuesday and met Macrea late Wednesday afternoon for a Grady exchange. Sargie's back to the Vision Center today.

I hope Hambone still has the same zeal for moving snow ten or fifteen years from now when Pawpaw could really use his help.

Mom was tired, but in great spirits last night. We're still waiting for that colon of her's to wake up and do whatever it is colons do. I even did a cheer in her hospital room in an attempt to awaken the lower half of her abdomen. It made my nieces laugh, but I'm not certain the colon paid any attention. 

I'll be with Mom all day today. My sister and her husband have work to do, so with a talking Kindle in hand, Mom and I will do our thing.

At some point, I may wander over to the Gander Mountain store and see if there are any outdoor man goodies on clearance. I also know there's a Harbor Freight Tool Store in town, but I'm trying to keep away. Seems I always find some tool I can't live without each time I visit.

With that being said, it's time to go see Mom. I've developed quite the walking route.

I'll walk across the parking lot, through a neighbor's yard, hop the golf course fence and hike along fairway #2, stroll alongside the football field of a neighboring high school, and after navigating a fairly large ditch, cross a busy intersection and arrive at the hospital. 

Boom.

Time to go visit my mama.

After all, a man's work is never done.

From Terre Haute, Indiana, so are the tales from Pentoga Road...

March 23, 2017 - Thursday (I think)
30 degrees/cloudy skies/calm winds
Terre Haute, Indiana

It's difficult to give the weather conditions from an apartment in the middle of a city. Most mornings, up home, I've already taken a predawn walk around the yard before writing, even in the winter months, simply to get a feel for the day ahead. Occasionally, I can see the very brightest stars if the sky is especially dark.

I just looked out the window of Mom's apartment to check on the weather conditions. I couldn't see a star if it hit me in the head. The ambient light is so bright that even with perfect vision, one wouldn't know what might be overhead. As far as the conditions... I looked at the weather online like everyone else who lives in the city.

Wednesday was a day of ups and downs. Mom rested comfortably Tuesday night. Wednesday morning the nurses attempted to get her up and moving.

The incision from her surgery stretches clear across her waistline and when she moved, the pain was horrible, enough so that it caused her blood pressure to spike and that caused her heart to go into a fibrillation, an uncontrolled racing of the heart.

I'd been visiting with Mom and she had asked if I could bring her lip balm. Seeing she was so tired, I kissed her goodbye and set off to find the closest drug store. Mom had given me directions, as had my sister. They claim I'd asked directions to Walmart, located almost out of town. What I meant to say was Walgreens. Still, I'd walked past Walgreens without seeing it, but I found Walmart.

One positive thing about the entire several-mile trek, I enjoyed a great wiener and drink for $1.50 at the local Sam's Club. I needed to use the restroom and was getting hungry. I always knew that Sam's Club card was good for something other than buying toilet paper and paper towels.

With Walgreens found (just two blocks from where I started) I purchased lip balm for Mom and returned to the hospital. What I found when I returned to her room scared me to death. 

Mom was gone.

I let out a yell asking where my mother was. That brought several nurses and Mom's cardiologist running. They informed me of the a fibrillation and after a short update, the doctor told me she'd been moved to the cardio unit on third floor. I apologized for my loud inquisition, thanked them, and found the elevator.

It's been years since I've panicked, but finding Mom's room empty brought out my worst fears.

Currently, Mom's hooked up to all kinds of wires and gadgets that beep and flash. As of last night, her heart was still in a fib, but we're hopeful that after changing medication, it might have slowed during the night. If not, she will be sedated today so the heart can be scoped and possibly shocked, resetting it into a normal rhythm.

So it's a setback of sorts, but I'm told not an unusual one for those who have previously undergone open heart surgery. 

My sister will pick me up this morning and we'll go to the hospital for the day. Hopefully by this evening, Mom's heart will be beating normally and she can concentrate on recovering from her surgery.

I'm going to head downstairs in search of coffee. I awakened way too early this morning, around 3:30, with my mind racing a hundred miles an hour and need a good jolt to get me going for the day. I have a feeling it could be a long one.

After all, a man's work is never done.

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