The Unexpected
I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Challenge.
I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store, mentally preparing for the day. Grocery shopping, reading a few articles for class, getting Destiny ready for her friend’s birthday party, and going to a movie with my husband tonight. I knew if I kept on track, everything would get accomplished and I would have an enjoyable, relaxing evening out.
No sooner had I put the car in park, that a text from my husband popped up.
“My Dad fell this morning when he was going out to get the mail. He’s in the ER.”
My heart leapt into my throat. Was he ok? How soon could we leave for Cleveland? Our plans changed right then and there.
I called our son and made arrangements for him to stay with the girls and chauffeur Destiny to her birthday party.
We were soon on our way to Cleveland. Keith’s sister let us know that everything was going to be ok. My father-in-law needed a few stitches above his eye.
When we walked in the house, he was snuggled under a blanket in his favorite chair. I bent down to kiss his rough cheek. “Thanks for coming,” he said as he lifted his head to receive my kiss. A bruise was beginning to appear above his eye. We chuckled over the shiner he was going to have tomorrow.
As we sat and visited, I kept stealing glances at Grant. He is an amazing man. He’s almost 91 years old and still gets around pretty independently. Although he probably shouldn’t go out to get the mail when there is 8 inches of snow on the ground. He is a kind and gentle man, much like his son. He told us over and over how much he appreciated us coming up. There wasn’t anywhere else we wanted to be this afternoon.
Our day did not happen like we thought it would. I would say it turned out better. We got to spend time with Keith’s sister and dad as well as our Annie and her boyfriend. We laughed over memories and new stories. We discovered a new Chinese restaurant and filled up on jelly beans (Grant always has a dish of candy nearby).
Today I was reminded that sometimes unexpected, scary events can turn into something special and bring unexpected opportunities to grow closer to those we love.
I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store, mentally preparing for the day. Grocery shopping, reading a few articles for class, getting Destiny ready for her friend’s birthday party, and going to a movie with my husband tonight. I knew if I kept on track, everything would get accomplished and I would have an enjoyable, relaxing evening out.
No sooner had I put the car in park, that a text from my husband popped up.
“My Dad fell this morning when he was going out to get the mail. He’s in the ER.”
My heart leapt into my throat. Was he ok? How soon could we leave for Cleveland? Our plans changed right then and there.
I called our son and made arrangements for him to stay with the girls and chauffeur Destiny to her birthday party.
We were soon on our way to Cleveland. Keith’s sister let us know that everything was going to be ok. My father-in-law needed a few stitches above his eye.
When we walked in the house, he was snuggled under a blanket in his favorite chair. I bent down to kiss his rough cheek. “Thanks for coming,” he said as he lifted his head to receive my kiss. A bruise was beginning to appear above his eye. We chuckled over the shiner he was going to have tomorrow.
As we sat and visited, I kept stealing glances at Grant. He is an amazing man. He’s almost 91 years old and still gets around pretty independently. Although he probably shouldn’t go out to get the mail when there is 8 inches of snow on the ground. He is a kind and gentle man, much like his son. He told us over and over how much he appreciated us coming up. There wasn’t anywhere else we wanted to be this afternoon.
Our day did not happen like we thought it would. I would say it turned out better. We got to spend time with Keith’s sister and dad as well as our Annie and her boyfriend. We laughed over memories and new stories. We discovered a new Chinese restaurant and filled up on jelly beans (Grant always has a dish of candy nearby).
Today I was reminded that sometimes unexpected, scary events can turn into something special and bring unexpected opportunities to grow closer to those we love.
It sounds like a good day, despite the injury (which was the whole reason you dropped everything to go), since you were able to spend time with beloved family members.
ReplyDeleteBTW: The phone-blogging worked!
Wonderful that you were able to see him and get a sense of how things were. Good for you. My mother-in-law is 80 and is living with us. She is not very stable and we keep a close eye on her to keep her from falling.
ReplyDeleteLife happens and you just have to go with it. Sorry for the fall, but you did get a great visit in with a special man.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you had a scare but so glad it turned into a day with family and small recoveries for your father in law.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things turned out okay for your father-in-law! :-) ~JudyK
ReplyDeleteSo glad your father-in-law is ok. And so glad that you were able to go and support him. I know he appreciated your company!
ReplyDelete