Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Bon Voyage!

It's almost time to go! I'm not sure if I'm going to have a chance to get back on the computer before we leave on Thursday evening (especially since I haven't started packing yet, much less supervising the packing of the man, who thinks he needs his entire wardrobe for a week), so I just wanted to give everyone a quick heads-up. We'll be back on May 14, and hopefully by the next day I'll have the strength to type and post some pictures of my fabulous Parisian vacation. I'm really looking forward to going, not only because it's Paris and I've been looking forward to it, but because there are things I'd like to get away from here for a while since I can't do anything about them.

File this under the heading "you can’t leave town without a crisis." My stepdad called early Sunday morning. Early as in I wasn't up yet and wasn't able to ask coherent questions, not that I would have gotten answers anyway. He said he had to have a "procedure" yesterday and he'd call me after. When I didn't hear from him, I called around to all the hospitals in his area – he lives in rural NY state, so the hospitals are miles and miles apart, and even further from where he lives – and finally found him in Ithaca recovering from a lamenectomy to his lower back. That's not a procedure, that's a major freaking operation, especially for a man his age and with his weight and various health problems.

I talked to his nurse, who was surprised I wasn't there. Apparently he put me down as a resident relative. I told her that not only was I not resident, but he lives alone, I'm almost 300 miles away, and I'm leaving the country any day now. Together we wondered how he even got to the hospital since he's not allowed to drive. I thought that ratting him out would at least keep him there for a while, but when I called to talk to him this morning, I was told he was busy being discharged and would call me when he got home. It hasn't been 24 hours! It's spinal surgery! He's alone and elderly and refuses to do therapy or exercise!

I think I need a glass of wine. Preferably seated at an outdoor café table under a nice shady tree, gazing at a wonderful Parisian street scene. Far, far away from here.

12 comments:

Meg said...

Au revoir! Please eat a Ladurée macaron for me while you are there, as I did not get to have one last spring and I regret it. Vous parlez français?

Paula Gardner said...

Bon voyage! N'oublies pas, nous voulons beaucoup de photos.

Have the most fun ever and please excuse my very poor French. It's been 30 some odd years.

Claire said...

Since I don't speak French at all, so here we have it in English....Have a super wonderful vacation. Eat lots of good food, drink wine like water, take lots of pictures, and try not to worry about your step-dad. (easier said than done)

CraftRage said...

Enjoy your trip!!

Elaray said...

Please, don't get me started on the state of health care in the US. I'll pray for your dad.

Have a wonderful vacation! Take pictures, buy fabric and souvenirs (souvenirs - there's my French!), eat fattening foods and return home safely.

Kitty Couture said...

Bon voyage, Karen, et à très très bientôt !
I hope you'll get my message in time. The last couple of days have been... unspeakable, and I was certain that today was May 6, not 7. I do hope you get my email!
Have a wonderful time and I'll see you there - wait, no, that's here for me ;)

MarilynB said...

Have a wonderful time in Paris. We just got back from there last Friday and had a great time which is not hard to do in Paris.

Cathy said...

Parents! (Roll eyes)

Have a wonderful, relaxing time. See new things and eat great food. And what was french for "fabric store" again?

C. Dishmont said...

Have fun! BTW You've been tagged!

Connie B said...

Oh have a blast ! The last time I was in Paris I was dragging around 5 teenage daughters and a husband - Fun to the nth degree but not condusive to ANY fabric shopping. Hope you get some in. Oh yes- you've been tagged...http://couturesmith.com

laura said...

When we were leaving for the airport for Germany last year my youngest called to inform me that her dad (my ex) had suffered a seizure that very morning. Of course I was immediately worried for my 3 kids and what they must be going through, but luckily he was ok. Now that I'm literally out to sea (I'm waving to Atlantic city from 2 miles out as I type this) my youngest calls yet one more time and now it's her grandma (my ex's mom) who is having emergency exploratory surgery tomorrow for a mass in her stomach! She's a lovely lady and once again I'm worrying about my kids! Life happens whether you're ready for it or not! While wearing your new wardrobe, I hope you get to sit at many sidewalk cafes and sneer at those who won't look as sharp as you!!!

Cennetta said...

Karen, I hope you have a grand time in Paris. I'll be praying for your dad.

God bless,