I must, firstly apologise, for not contacting anyone when I was home last week. Yes, I was home, in England! The reason for my visit was to 'check in' on my mother, who had decided, once again, to 'throw herself to the floor', and fracture several bones. If that was not enough, she put her head down (again) to save her hands, and was treated for cranial bleeds. Thankfully, she is making a good recovery, but a necessary 'emergency' visit was deemed. My sister, Elise, who is my heroine, as this has fallen upon her shoulders, found it amusing, fortunately (for me) when my mother told my aunt that 'the girls have been marvelous'. I have turned into the prodigal daughter, and the fatted calf was slaughtered, proverbially, of course, upon my return. Although I was only there for a total of seven days, I hope I managed to make life a little easier for Elise, and I know it was 'a little'.
The flight was booked about a week after the kids had left to go home. Flights from Austin for the week after were decidedly few and far between as well as being very expensive, and the same could be said for those coming back in for the previous week. It was after I received my confirmation that I realised I would be gone for Austin City Limits, the F1 Grand Prix, and perhaps the most important event, (although I doubt it would affect the airport,) Dogtoberfest! I would not be able to watch Frank get intimidated by dogs of all sizes, and forget to 'strut his stuff', due to anxiety!
It was a very busy week prior to my departure, and along with packing and making sure all my work was completed, I had to make a cake for my daughter. I had no idea what to make, as I had exhausted my repertoire. However, a song played on the radio a couple of weeks ago, and I commented that I was surprised that she knew the words. "It comes from one of my favourite films. Mr. Holland's Opus". Eureka! An idea! The remaining dilemma was how to transfer the idea into dessert! Knowing my daughter's sense of humour, I giggled from the inauguration of the thought to the lighting of the candles. I made a large round cake, and four smaller triangles, covered them in home-made fondant, and marked the latter with 'a', 'e', 'i' and 'u'. The large round 'o' shape, simply had 'Mr Holland's' written upon it, and attached was a handle. She looked, and then I said to her, "What do Americans call their handbags?" She looked, and then laughed heartily. "Mr. Holland's 'O' purse!" Fortunately, she loved it! Those around us were slightly baffled, but that did not matter!Dana was heavily burdened with work on Monday, but thankfully on the day I departed, it was not as grueling for him. However, I took with me a copy of all my 'cookie cutter' documents, so that I could perhaps help with the paperwork, whilst away, if nothing else! Tuesday morning started with me being very calm, but gradually things started to fall apart. My 'motion sickness' wrist bands were not in their usual place. As I land, on my final flight of a journey, I put them, very carefully, in the front pocket of my backpack. When I get to the destination, or home, I check that they are safely tucked away in said pocket. They were not there. I could not think what had happened to them, and panic started to set in. Samantha arrived to collect me and offered a solution. I could buy some more! I have not seen the same bands as those that I am used to, but she convinced me that we would be able to find a replacement. We did find replacements, but they were not the same as I had misplaced. However, I was at least in possession of 'a pair' of bands that promised to keep me from feeling queasy. When we returned to the office, Richard 'face-timed' before I left, and asked if I could get some mints, that were on sale in both pharmacies we had visited!
Not the best route, in my opinion, I took off from Austin to Dulles. I sat on the plane, unable to access the airline 'app' so that I could watch a film, for three and a half hours, crocheting, and watching my battery run down, as my phone 'kept trying'. Even when I stopped looking, it kept trying to connect!
Thankfully, the flight landed early, and even more thankfully, the gate was open. I felt as if I was on a roll, as the gate where we stopped was not far from the gate where I was to take off. Austin airport, (every possible shop,) did not have the mints my son wanted, but as I sped along the terminal, I noticed a small concession stand. "Four! Can you not buy them where you live?" Hmm. Well, yes, and no! Yes, I can buy them in Austin, but they did not have them at the airport, but 'no', I did not think I could get them in England. The saleslady had lost interest at the first 'and', looking out for anyone else who wished to make a purchase!
Arriving in London, I tried to retrieve my case, but the lady that had been sitting under the locker would not move. Everyone pushed past, and eventually, there was a lull, so that I could haul it down. I wondered how long I would be able to continue this practice, without help. (During the flight, I had tried to retrieve my phone, and asked the steward to help. He had said, "No!", then added, "You have to keep jumping up until you reach it". I laughed, as did he!) I made may way out through customs, and looked for Steph and Jamie, as she said she would be waiting with the crowds of people looking for loved ones. She was not there, and I assumed it was because I had landed early. A few minutes later, I spotted Richard. He had taken the day off to chauffeur me around. I was surprised but not suspicious, despite him seeming a bit on edge. "Now everything is okay, but.....Grams had another fall last night". It appeared that my mother had been given the 'all clear' to walk on her own during the day, but had to be supervised at night. Although accompanied to the bathroom, she was left to her own devises and missed the 'frame' when trying to stand.
Elise was at the bungalow, and we discussed the best way forward for my mother, before going to visit her and presenting her with a 'fete accompli'.
Apart from a plaster across her nose, Mum looked pretty good. The senior nurse was particularly concerned about the previous night's events, and was asking for details, as the lady in the next room was asking if my mother thought she had a 'case to sue'. We told mum what we had discussed, and she appeared to be in agreement.
Richard suggested that rather than stay on my own, I should
'bunk down' on his sofa for the night. Steph mentioned that she was going to go swimming at 9am, and I gladly agreed to join her. "No, tonight", she corrected me, and I did not think twice before saying, "Yes!" After dinner, we went to the leisure centre and swam 900 metres! It was just what I needed to clear my head and relax my tired bones. I slept very well, as their sofa was much more comfortable than the futon on which I normally sleep!
"Is my grandma still here?" was enough to make my day start with a large smile! Ollie was delighted to see me, and despite the very early hour, I was just as delighted to see him. After breakfast, a short playtime and quick showers, we left for school! Although not happy to have to go, Ollie was bribed with some fun time when he came home and the promise that Grandma would be around later. Mum's house was very cold. It did not take long for me to get used to the warm climes of Texas and develop a hatred for the damp mornings of October in England. They did not bother me when I lived there, and I would always be the first to chastise those who complained, but having not been at home in October for 13 years (my first trip back after emigrating) I was sympathising with those whom I used to scold. The first thing I did was turn on the heating, and then set to work.
Although we had discussed the possibility of mum moving into 'sheltered' accommodation the day before, having slept on it, all three of us (Elise, Mum and myself) had realised this was not the way forward, and reverted to 'plan B'. I removed the larger objects from the bedroom I usually call 'mine', when visiting, and started to clear out the cupboards, so that if necessary, it could be used by a carer. I made some coffee, courtesy of Joe, who had deemed it necessary to send me on my way with half a pound of his finest wares, and remembered that mum always has provision for emergencies. There, in the cupboard, was a carton of 'long life' milk, which was just what I needed! I put some washing in the machine, and continued to find new homes for objects that needed to be rehoused.
My mother is most protective about her car, and although when she first fell, the probability of driving again was virtually non-existent, (as was a complete recovery, and in some circles, mortality,) it was now looking likely that she would be able to pick up where she left off, at some stage within the near future. Therefore, she was reluctant to let me drive it. "She will take it on airport runs", she told Richard. I advised her that I had no intention (never mind that there was no time permitting) to become a 'ride-share' driver, and then reminded her that in order for me to drive back from, and then to the airport, would require someone leaving the car and then picking it up. I was also not going to be gallivanting (as she tends to call it) all over creation, as very few people knew I was in town, and this was purely a visit to see her! I would be going from Richard's house to hers, to the hospital, and back again! She finally agreed to amend the insurance so that I could take advantage of the idle vehicle, rather than hire one to sit next to hers!
I took my laptop to the hospital, together with the 'dongle', so that I could connect to the Internet, and spent three hours chatting to my mother, preparing documents for signature for various people around the state of Texas, accessing the different courts for 'case' information, and speaking to 'professionals' regarding a 'discharge' date. By the time it came to leave, I felt as if I had done a days work! Mum was just as exhausted, having received several phone calls, taking part in occupational therapy exercises, and having her blood pressure taken several times. I drove back to the bungalow, and then on to Richard's house, to bath the kids! I was exhausted, but it was a good exhaustion!
Jamie had not had a good night, and we had some quality time whilst Steph took Ollie to school on Friday. It was a good bonding experience, and a therapeutic release before heading out to repeat yesterday's performance. Steph made dinner, and Richard opened a bottle of wine. After three sips I was giggling like a three year old, and entertaining my hosts! "I wish we had something sweet", said Steph. Richard offered to walk to the shops, but I then remembered the 'cup' cakes, which were in my bag. They were still very fresh, and hit the spot!
I met Elise on Saturday and we finished the cleaning. Considering my mother is not really a hoarder in the sense that I am, we threw away a lot of things that she was adamant she would never use again. "What's a salmon kettle?" Samantha asked. I tried to explain but gave up, as it had been put into the rubbish bin and would be crushed on Monday when the refuse gentlemen arrived!
I enjoyed my dinner on Saturday night. Richard and Steph were able to enjoy a 'date' night, and I had picked up some supper from Sainsburys. I simply cannot find 'shredded duck with pancakes', nor a really good 'chicken korma' in the wilds of Texas, and could not make up my mind which one to have. I bought both, and thought I would decide once it was time to eat. I also bought a dessert, (profiteroles with salted caramel sauce,) and a bag of real bite sized kit-kats. I declined the offer of a glass of wine whilst they were gone, as I knew I needed to be in full possession of all my faculties if I was in charge of the boys! When the time came, I enjoyed both dinners, (which I thought were rather small portions, so I did not feel guilty,) the dessert, and half the bag of kit-kats! I watched old comedy shows, and before long Richard and Steph came home, and then I enjoyed the rest of the wine!The routine for the next few days were the same, although I was a little late getting to the hospital on Monday. I visited my aunt, who had also undergone surgery, about four days prior to my mother, and my uncle, who was the cause of my aunt having to undergo surgery. He had taken a tumble, and she had broken his fall, with her hip! Lesley, my cousin, arrived about half an hour before I left, and then I had to go to the supermarket to collect a paper for mum. By the time I got to the hospital, mum had already rung Richard and Steph to enquire as to my whereabouts, as my phone was 'busy'. I had been talking to Samantha, and had not realised that my tardiness would cause an investigation!
Saying cheerio on Tuesday was quite emotional, but I promised I would return in December, as usual. It was also quite emotional putting Ollie to bed, as I have had so much quality time with him this year. However, he did rise extra early on Wednesday morning, which although was not good for Steph, was a blessing for me! I gave them all a big hug which would have to last for two months, and got into the cab which had been ordered to take me to the airport.
My flight was uneventful, fortunately, as I was rather the worse for wear. I had developed a chill and was not feeling particularly good. I ate breakfast at the airport, and then lunch on the plane. I ate snacks, and then a cottage pie, without feeling the need to correct the hostess and tell her that technically it was a Cumberland pie, due to the cheese on top. I drank coffee, ate biscuits, sipped sparkling water, ate a salad, and drank some more coffee. The 'chill' did not affect my appetite!
The immigration officer noticed the last stamp in my passport. "How long were you out of the country, ma'am?" he asked. I told him it was only for a week, and then said that it was an emergency visit, and why. "Oh no! How is she doing now. That is bad!" It was nice to see some compassion after the business was completed! I retrieved my cases, emptied my airport purchases from my carry on into my larger case, and gave them back to the officials, whom I hoped would send them through to my next flight. Then I went through security, and finding the lounge closed for refurbishment, walked to the next concourse. Soup, hot chocolate, crudities, salad and cake were all unnecessary, but I was bored! I also felt lousy! My next flight was delayed, but only by fifteen minutes. I spotted a fellow passenger from my previous flight, also eating. "We didn't get enough on the plane, did we", I said, with a smile. She agreed! "It's here, so why not", she said, also with a smile. She and her husband were going on to Arizona to stay with her niece, who emigrated several years ago.
"Hey, we are all gonna get on the plane. No worries", said the girl behind me, as a man apologised for 'pushing in'. What a difference to the other guy, I thought! Welcome to Texas, y'all! We ain't nothing if not polite!
I did not mean to throw the water, nor the ice, over my neighbour on the plane, but I misjudged the glass. It was not a lot of water, but it was cold, and he spent the whole of the flight wiping at his leg. A little excessive I thought, but perhaps he was from out of state! "Let me get your case for you, ma'am", said a nice helpful gentleman as I said I had to go backwards along the aisle to retrieve my two bags. Welcome to Texas, y'all!
Samantha was at the exit, with balloons. I was so pleased to see her and almost collapsed as I gave her a hug. She said that Dana needed the extra time to 'shut up shop' and get home at a reasonable time. We collected my bags, as I explained why I was getting evils from the man whom was my chair neighbor, and we then headed out to go home.
Home. Yes, I was home! My home away from home! The visit had been spontaneous, traumatic, gratifying and a blessing. All the emotions had taken their toll and by Friday my voice had completely left me. I did manage to whisper to my mum, and take a call from my son. Mum is due for discharge very soon, and is quite alert. She is a little nervous, as is to be expected, but has been told that she is almost back to full mobility, and can drive when she feels like it! My heroine, 'aka' my sister, has put the wheels in motion for her return home, and arranged some care. She sounded a little more confident for which I was grateful! As for me, I was looking forward to a nice, peaceful weekend.
However, the best laid plans etc., did not occur. I received an email on Friday. "You have won...!" I had completely forgotten about the contest for Rodeo tickets! It also appeared that a couple of people had not been able to accept the prize, so would I like six? Samantha and Edward gladly accepted, and Jerry was most excited. We were all going to Bulltoberfest. What did that mean? Well, I think with the epic that I have written, that can be explained in ............. another story!
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