06-20-2017, 12:41 PM
The plan was to accompany my parents to Rome during the Serra International Convention during June. They were going to meet in the Holy City for a couple of days and then spend some time touring around. I was going to tag team with my sister Roberta to watch them. That way half the time we could be on our own. There was one potentially disastrous day trip planned to Florence where they would get to walk around all day. Not the best idea for one person using a walker and the other who was having a constant battle with gravity.
Also, I was going to photograph a wedding while I was there for the Business Manager of Serra International, John Liston. So, I was going to make some cheddar during the nine days.
Last Friday night, my father lost a round in his battle with gravity in my sister Stephanie's shower in Marysville, WA. The parents had decided to compound their rigors by doing a week in Washington to celebrate Stephanie's birthday, my niece's graduation from High School, and Father's day. When you are old and infirm, it's best to make things as difficult as possible.
They opted not to go to the hospital Friday. Which was a good thing, because it afforded him the opportunity to fall again Saturday morning in my sister's house. I got the frantic call as I was driving up to the Bay Area to photograph a fencing tournament as part of selling my soul to the devil. (I'd sell it again in a heartbeat)
My father decided he needed another ambulance ride in a different state so he could fill out his Emergency Room Bingo card.
Not only was my father hurt in the fall, he was also severely dehydrated and his potassium levels were elevated. The nice people at the hospital decided they would keep him. They also decided he can't fly. Not until at least next Monday when he has a follow up doctor's appointment to see where he is at.
My sister Roberta has to stay there with the parents in Marysville because sister Stephanie is flying off on her vacation with her daughter and grandchildren to Belgium.
Turns out my father has pneumonia as well. I tried to joke with him on the phone but he just sounded defeated like I've never heard him sound before.
So, Rome. I have to go. I promised to photograph a wedding. I kind of want to go because it's Rome, but I'll be there by myself.
The plane leaves at 5 and I'll be on it.
I had to talk to my mother today. She wanted me to help convince my father to go to rehab. I told her I wouldn't be party to ganging up my father especially after he had made up his mind to come home. Plus, Kaiser wasn't going to pay for the rehab visit. I also pointed out to my mother that she wouldn't like it if we ganged up on her to convince her about medical procedures.
So, good times.
Also, I was going to photograph a wedding while I was there for the Business Manager of Serra International, John Liston. So, I was going to make some cheddar during the nine days.
Last Friday night, my father lost a round in his battle with gravity in my sister Stephanie's shower in Marysville, WA. The parents had decided to compound their rigors by doing a week in Washington to celebrate Stephanie's birthday, my niece's graduation from High School, and Father's day. When you are old and infirm, it's best to make things as difficult as possible.
They opted not to go to the hospital Friday. Which was a good thing, because it afforded him the opportunity to fall again Saturday morning in my sister's house. I got the frantic call as I was driving up to the Bay Area to photograph a fencing tournament as part of selling my soul to the devil. (I'd sell it again in a heartbeat)
My father decided he needed another ambulance ride in a different state so he could fill out his Emergency Room Bingo card.
Not only was my father hurt in the fall, he was also severely dehydrated and his potassium levels were elevated. The nice people at the hospital decided they would keep him. They also decided he can't fly. Not until at least next Monday when he has a follow up doctor's appointment to see where he is at.
My sister Roberta has to stay there with the parents in Marysville because sister Stephanie is flying off on her vacation with her daughter and grandchildren to Belgium.
Turns out my father has pneumonia as well. I tried to joke with him on the phone but he just sounded defeated like I've never heard him sound before.
So, Rome. I have to go. I promised to photograph a wedding. I kind of want to go because it's Rome, but I'll be there by myself.
The plane leaves at 5 and I'll be on it.
I had to talk to my mother today. She wanted me to help convince my father to go to rehab. I told her I wouldn't be party to ganging up my father especially after he had made up his mind to come home. Plus, Kaiser wasn't going to pay for the rehab visit. I also pointed out to my mother that she wouldn't like it if we ganged up on her to convince her about medical procedures.
So, good times.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm