Continued from Yesterday -- > Boy is my noggin ever full today... Part 1
I arrived in the E.R. waiting room, sat down and grabbed my phone as to get my brothers up to speed with things. Just about the time I started to dial Kev, I heard a creaking door and a muffled cough. As I looked up, my Dad was sauntering across the waiting room looking more on edge than usual...
He brought me up to speed on the goings on with Mom. He was waiting for her to come back
After rattling with the door because it locked behind him, he stomped just a bit and flailed his arms before calling out for them to buzz him in. About that time, a gang of what looked like interns or some-such-what came piling out the door like a parade of clowns getting out of a Volkswagen. I sat there silently watching, nodding my head and "speaking" to each one as they came out... much like the SNL skit on the airplane with David Spade and the "buh byes". Dad was grinning that squinty eyed grin he has when he's wanting to go bat-sh*t-bonkers over something and isn't in the appropriate place to do so.. After the stream of people exited the door, he winked and disappeared to check on Mom.
You would have to know about my dad that if he's getting blind sided by emotion and worry, he's a grumpy, hard a$$. I get it, because I'm the exact same way. My theory is that if something is happening, the best way to handle it is with logic based on the facts in front of you at the time, so getting weepy and hysterical doesn't solve squat... however, I do have a little bit better bed side manner than he does.
After a few minutes ... with still no opportunity to update "the boys", Dad opened the door and waved me back. I took a deep breath and put on my "public face" before I rounded the corner.. I was worried to sick to see how Mom looked. I was happy to find that she looked just like my wonderful little mother, who though she can drive me absolutely over the edge worrying about things that aren't hers to worry about - has been one of the strongest rocks in my life when the chips were down and so was I...
I could tell by her demeanor and eyes she was going to be okay... "Hi, I'm Kim Comer Jackson... I've been handling prayers and PR for you this morning... how are you feeling?"
She laughed and said she was coming back around, but reiterated how scary the event had been. Dad was obviously more jittery than any of us and as I told her of the numbers I had gotten from Beth and Shannon in case I needed them - she seemed to be relieved to realize that I'm more capable of handling things than she has led herself to believe... Dad got his phone out of his pocket and after opening the contact list, handed it to me and said, "Just take a spin down through there and get anybody you think you might need..."
I felt like I was playing in the Romper Room mirror... Beth's I have - but it wouldn't hurt to have Larry's cell and a home number too... I have neighbor Mike, but I also need Norman and Bob...I'll take Tom and Shannon, Bob and Ginger, Possum and Vicky, After scanning up and down the list a couple of times and adding some here and there I had everyone I needed and passed the phone back to Dad.
I talked with Mom a bit about taking time to meditate, focusing on rowing her OWN boat and not worrying about what's happening in situations she has no immediate control over and then sensing that Dad's blood pressure might ALSO be as high as a cat's back, I suggested that I leave and he call me immediately if there was any change or anything was needed at all.
As I left the hospital and drove home, it occurred to me that the time HAS come for the tide to shift. I've joked with them about it for years and years... and just a few years ago when I was out on a visit and Dad told me twice while I was there (and again a few days later) about the new molding he'd put in the bathroom ... it's been mentally screwing with me a bit since then, but a few days ago it really came to fruition.
It makes me wonder when they each realized with their parents that the tide was shifting.
It's not all sad though... I've been getting some really great "Baby Boomer material"... I'm pretty sure I've got a friend whose Mom thinks she's hanging out with a guy named "Viggle", but I've gotta confirm that before I can tell it :)
It's obvious I didn't keep with the timeline I sat yesterday and that does kind of stink, but I am getting superbly organized over here and I'm really being a drill sergeant with myself about my schedule... I think I'm on my way out of "the woods" for the first time in many, many, many years...
Have a Grand and Groovy Day!
Be Kind to One Another...
Don't Text and Drive!!
For More Info on my projects Google KCoJax, Flawn Ocho, Ocho-rific
