Sunday, August 8, 2010

A quiet weekend..with a side of frustration and sadness...and a smile..


OK, first the frustration..Kathy had to go in for an emergency procedure and was taken by ambulance from Lake Havasu back to Phoenix..happily, all is well and she's now back home in Lake Havasu...


In the meantime, Gerri has had one of those worst-case scenarios in the hospital in Tucson..a painful choking incident, followed by a probably-could-be-a-lawsuit-case of a very painful and roughly handled removal of tubes by an "on-call" doc that has has numerous previous complaints..if she's released tomorrow, it will have been 10 long days..scary and tiring and painful...and my heart breaks for her..



And Saturday would have been my brother's 71st birthday..and I miss talking to him and singing Happy Birthday..


But he wouldn't want us to be sad, so I pulled out of my memory a story {and we Irish do like our stories..} of a time we were reminded he was 10 years older than me..

It was during his post-marriage single days and he was dating ..a few..but this one seemed quite a bit ..younger..than Larry's 36 years..

They stopped by my house..I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant with Jeff..and h.u.g.e..had 2 other kiddos running in and out..

The conversation somehow went to the fact that I always knew how old he was because he was 10 years older than me....

The 'date' asked..
"soooo..how old are you??"

I looked over at Larry, standing behind her..giving me the universal hand signal for.."Shut up..Stop talking..do.not.say.anything.else" ..

"Uh...I'm..uh.....um..13??"

Yeah...she just sort of looked at me and gave one of those "huh.." looks..

So, it's Sunday night..and I will go to bed with a smile..Gerri will be released soon, Kathy is on the mend.

....and Larry, well, I still miss him more than I can express, but I can remember and smile and sing "Happy Birthday" to him..and I am certain he will hear me..and smile..


Have a wonderful week-beginning and try to think of a "smile-rememberie" too..

-me

ps...

13 comments:

smasek said...

You are definitely one of mine, a big blessing that is! Love you! s

Laurie said...

I'm sorry Gerri and Kathy have had such a ruff time, and I know you'll be relieved when they are healed and back to their old selves. My prayers continue. Larry is probably grinning and thanking you for the Happy Birthday. Have a better week Colleen.

Sherry Goodloe said...

Urrrrgh, the hospital. Had to go to emergency myself this past Thursday and am going to a diagnostic center this coming Wednesday. Fun times!

I could hear you singing over here to your brother :) Keep those memories sweetie.

xo Sherry

Pearl said...

I feel bad for your sisters, they sure have been through the ringer. There's nothing like a rough doctor! Sweet memories of the "Kindergarten Cowboy" loved the story. Have a better week my friend. Hugs, Pearl

Lori R. said...

Healing prayers for both sis sibs. You all must have made so many memories together! Loved your story about the age cover-up!! It made me chuckle....

Vee said...

Oh John and I have had such a chuckle over your last story. So quick you are!

As for the medical icompetence...well, I can so relate. I am so sorry that Gerri has endured such a difficult hospital stay. Hope that her family will pursue this situation until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion. These kinds of things are so unnecessary and downright cruel.

just call me jo said...

Your brother is in my thoughts a lot. He, I, and my husband all have birthdays within the first two weeks of Aug. That must make us related some how. I hope all goes well for you and your sisters. Sweet memories are blessings.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yikes, no fun weekend for the sisters. Hope all is well, soon!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Sending prayers & hugs your way.

Anonymous said...

I feel best when I'm no where near a doctor. Glad Kathy is back home again and I hope Gerri can go home tomorrow. Home is nice.

I'm sure Larry heard you sing him Happy Birthday, Colleen - and I'm sure he was smiling!

Hugs,
Zuzu

Sue said...

Wishing you a wonderful week, with no horrible doctor/hospital experiences.

Thanks for sharing the story of your brother - you must miss him dearly.

Hugs,

Sue

Little Penpen said...

Your brother's story was funny... good thing you watched for his signals! Blessings to you and your sisters!

Vicki/Jake said...

Sad days, huh.....
Love to your sis's and Larry too. And I think they ALL heard your sweet voice :)

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