Sister P

ALS has taken P's voice now. Spent Fri with her so S could go to work for the day. A month ago she could get a short sentence, two weeks ago she could utter a word or two. She had a rough day Thurs but a pain patch helped her and she was able to rest. S looked like he hadn't slept in quite a while. Their kids are a big help although A is at college for another week.

The folks are hoping to come down to stay with her a few days next week. If they are well.

my day...

cell phone rings and after a moment I realize it isn't the alarm but an incoming call. It is 4:45AM and the caller ID displays my parents cell phone number. I slide the phone open and hear Mom saying "K, can you hear me?" I reply yes only to hear the question again. I answer again only louder and her response is to ask the question a third time. I respond this time so loudly that I am sure my neighbors are going to be disturbed.

Mom: "I just wanted to call to apologize for inadvertantly dialing your number earlier."

Me: "Huh?. My phone didn't..."

Mom: "I had the phone open and must have mashed your button."

Me: "That's okay, the phone didn't..."

Mom: "And then the phone rang and I thought you might be calling. I just didn't want you to wake up and see that you had a missed call from me and worry".

Me: (trying to figure out if I can get back to sleep before the alarm will be going off at 5:15) "That's okay, my phone didn't..."

Mom: "Anyway, we're about to leave the emergency room and go back home."

Me: "Huh?!?!?!"

Mom: "Your father wanted me to call you ealier but I thought we'd wait until we saw if it was necessary."

Me: (wide awake) "Is he okay? Are you okay to drive back home?"

Mom: "Oh yes, it's a beautiful night. I just was trying to get your phone number from the cell phone and thought I had hit the wrong button and didn't want you to worry."

Me: (worried) "Mom, what happened?"

Mom: "Your father was in a great deal of pain and had shortness of breath but they've given him some medicine now so we're heading home. Nothing serious, the pain was in his stomach not his chest and they say he pulled a muscle. I'll talk to you later. Love you."

I did call her back just before I boarded a much earlier bus than normal to work and they had made it home. Checked back tonight and she said they had rested all day.

movie time

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" is on so nothing is going on.

Reruns

at some point, overnight, the trees were blooming, grass was leaping up, another generation of birds built their nest in the same spot underneath the deck. There was nothing there two weeks ago. Not a string, and now another nest. Same as it ever was.

And now that things are blooming and the trails will be full of bikers and the park full of hikers I think of you yet again. I know that before I realize it, the trees will be bare again, the birds will be absent again, like you. The silence will be painful, again. And if there are other voices, they will not carry the same lightness. But for now I'll enjoy the birds and the trees, and the hikes and the rides.

Monday

Visited P and stayed with her today. The disease is worse but her spirits are high and she has incredible patience to put up with me.

more overheard conversations

Lunch conversation: "You know what I'm saying?.... she is soooooooo....They are driving to Texas... He is soooooooooo Funny!!!.... can't believe what they did."

Scape of a chair across the floor. "What they should have done... She isn't going to do that!!!... The state..." Paper rustle, the murmur of voices converge.

Post lunch at seminar: "I don't drink that much.. does it mix with water?... two drinks and woah!!!... I kind of have to mix it up a little....and I don't get, like, that... after that I told him if he seems me like that then cut me off." (Lady slows down as she walks by in case she knows me. She doesn't)

"But what I mean is if you are going out.... I love beer!!! (much laughter) "I've figured it out now." New voice as more enter room. "We can sit there... work out their... So that is awewome!!! The thing is... He doesn't.. OMG!!!... great!!... She found out!!!! OMG.... when he... this guy.. Yeah like you don't want to.... it;s like where were you?.... (session resumes, voices fade. As quickly as my interest in the class).

overheard

while sitting at dinner. From table with couple in their fifties and daughter (?) who may have been 20 and child about two and even younger child.

@ 20 year old daughter: "And then the judge asked me where do I live?"

even younger child: "naaaaaaahnaaaaaaAAAAA!"

@ 2 year old child: "He said Nana!!!"

Nana(?): something, something...."Kennesaw".

@ 20 year old daughter: "Austell Mom! I know where I was living at the time. and then the judge told me I had better be sure."


Me: "check please."