Not So Wonderful Thursday

 I think I had barely logged out of here on Thursday morning, when I was given the information that my VFW Post Commander had died the previous night, due to complications from a motorcycle/SUZ collision (Comm. being on his bike). I ended up at the Post, but it was a vigil for the Comm, and later that evening, many went down to the hospital to do the Walk of Honor. They were able to use both kidneys and his liver. Friday I stayed home and did pretty much nothing. The Wife went to Tucson, as the Daughter was being induced at some point on Friday. She'll be gone for a week.

This morning I did get the news that baby arrived well and healthy. I am waiting the weight, and other details now, so I can pass along to RM. I probably won't be headed down there to see them until tomorrow. I know much of today will be bedrest, and not sure how long she would need to stay at the hospital, etc. I know Daughter was saying that she doesn't want everyone one int he world coming in the room at once, and know the SIL's family, that won't stop them. They're a bit of assholes most of the time.

So this post is paused for now, and will open up later today.

Washington and Detroit play tonight, and I am hooking up with a buddy I have not seen in awhile to watch it.

PeacE

Life Goes On

A friend of a friend passed away this weekend. I knew Gene, as we had "hung out" a few times over the years. Usually it was while out with this friend that we would meet up with others. Gene was just a handful of years older than I. He was a bit goofy... kinda reminds me a lot of a friend of mine named Don that passed away about 5-6 years ago. Goofy, but would be the first to give you "the shirt off their back" if you needed help with something, or some money, or whatever.

Gene was in pretty good shape. His job kept him active as he worked for a local alcohol distributor, and was the head of the department for servicing the stadiums and arenas in the Valley. So it was a big surprise to here about his death yesterday. Especially considering it was in a house fire. Allegedly, he was found just six feet from the front door. Details aren't out if he passed from smoke inhalation, or what, so I can only speculate why he didn't make it out the door.

My friend Jeff is a bit more upset, because he knew Gene better. I'm just being a a friend to him, as I didn't know Gene that well.... just ...can't imagine such a nice guy dying in a fire.

This afternoon the youngest Son goes in to have his arm re-casted. Then another four weeks or so before having that removed, and the pins. The Wife and I jokingly say to each other that this is the year to get all our medical issues taken care of, since the high deductible is being paid through this arm incident. For me that would be my knee and hip replacements we both think I need (or will need int he next few years).

Guess that's all I got for now...

PeacE

...

Friday was a long day. Not only did my regular job take a bit longer, that night I was covering a shift for one of the bouncers at the pub.Friday was also the day my buddy Don took a turn to the worse. Seems his health had deteriorated so bad that day, they moved him to hospice that evening. A couple people I knew had been in to see him, and told me how bad he looked, and that I should get there to see him. But I had to finish work first. All night I debated with myself, if I should go see him or not. Word was he was incoherent due to the morphine. By then end of the shift came, I had decided I would go, and I got there about 3 am.

Fifty minutes later, he passed away. Was he hanging on, waiting for me to get there? I don't know. His girlfriend said she believes it, and it just makes me feel guilty. To think he held on waiting for me, so because I hadn't gone and seen him sooner, everyone, including himself, had to suffer? I don't like to think that.

I spent most of the weekend with my family, avoiding having to deal with people. Though Sunday I did go down to the pub to watch the Redskins win (a win for Don!) and saw a few people there. Dread going into work today. Don had gotten me this job, and he had been with this company several years. Many of the techs he has worked with for even longer with other companies, through mergers, etc. I have a feeling, that prior to getting to start my route, it is going to be a long day. I'm trying to time it so I am not early (like usual) and right on time, to avoid as much extra chatter as possible.

Have I dealt with all my grief? Probably not. I just don't want to be dealing with it in public.

PeacE

Just Die Already

Yesterday I talked about the Damn Cat and his issue. I guess it would be lack of issue, since he was blocked up and couldn't pee. Either way, later in the morning I felt sort of bad. Here I was talking about just putting him down, as it is the cheaper alternative, then I herd news that yet another friend of mine had passed away. I know, it seems weird that a guy my age has had so many friends pass away over the past two years. Weirder yet, that all my friends are older than me. I guess I don't like people my own age ... I don't know. So yesterday pretty much had me bummed out most of the day.

This morning had us doing a follow-up shot at the vet for Rusty. This shot is supposed to help something like making him produce fluids and help breakdown the crystals that are in his system. At $51, I told the vet (or rather the receptionist, as the vet didn't come out to talk to me) this was his first, and last shot. The vet wants him to do another 3-4 days of these shots, but I flat out told them fuck no. We've already spent (now) damn near $800 on a fucking pet I don't want, so why would I spend another $200+ on the fucking thing?!? The vet said it was our decision, but Rusty may develop the same situation again.

I love how they use the pet's name, making it sound like a human, and that we cannot neglect their health and welfare. But I looked the receptionist in the eye and told her I could have saved $700 if I had just put the fucker down in the first place. Needless to say, I don't think I am a favorite owner of a patient now.

I called the Wife to tell her what I thought about the whole cost vs need situation. She got all quiet on the phone, meaning she didn't agree with me. I plainly said that I am not running the cat to a vet to spend more money. IF she wants me to spend more money on the cat, it is to put him down. Yeah, things are going to suck around my house the next few days.

I wonder if I should just leave the front door open, put the dog in the back room, and let the cat wander away, then say he got out past me and ran. Then hope he doesn't find his way home. Easy fix for me. But I don't think the Wife will buy it. Rusty better get well, or some Korean family is going to be eating a good dinner soon.

Damn, that was a bigoted remark. Glad to see I ain't losing it.

PeacE

Just a Follow Up

This morning, as I was preparing the two younger boys for school, I called the Wife. She had spent the night at the hospital with family, the Daughter, and the oldest son, in the even that FIL passed away. This morning's update, as of an hour ago, is that he is still hanging on.

The Wife has four older brothers, and two live close enough that they were able to be here yesterday for the family decision. Both were there till with their families when I brought the two younger sons home last night. Another brother is driving in from Florida, since it would be a minimum of 32 hours to get here for a flight (from where he is at I guess). This morning, the last update I heard was he was in Texas somewhere, so he is over halfway total distance, though I am sure he is very tired.

The Wife mentioned on this morning's communique that she felt FIL was holding on, knowing that the one son was driving here as fast as possible to see him before he passes. I blow it off to wishful thinking, but what do I know about death and all? I only feel bad that the other son is not able to make arrangements to be here, all due to things beyond his control at the moment.

So, basically, I feel I am sitting in limbo. I told the Wife if she needed me to call. I am spending the morning here at home. I don't handle hospitals well... some mental carry-over from all the days spent there when my Dad was sick with cancer, and other things. Obviously this has brought up many memories I don't care to re-hash.

Not a great thing, but I wish I had some booze around right now....

PeacE