Ethan’s Journey

 After my physical, I discussed getting established with a dermatologist and a cardiologist due to family history. I need to take care of myself to help take care of others right? I called two different offices. The cardiology office the person I spoke with was delightful and even gave me a tip that would avoid me frustration at my appointment. I got off the phone with a pleasant feeling about the cardiologist. The second office was dermatology. The lady I spoke with had the personality of a dried up cancerous mole. She was not pleasant at all. I wonder what the training protocols are for customer service there that are different from the first office.  I am a delight when I call. I try to be upbeat in case the are having a bad day, agreeable and don’t share too much. I am direct. “Good morning (I am chipper) I would like to make a new patient appointment.”  The rash (I am going to call her rash because she was as pleasant as a bad rash.) was just hating her job today....

 Today I had my annual physical. Why are appointments so exhausting? They shouldn’t be. I think they suck my energy.  In the waiting room there was an older lady. She had to be a little hard of hearing due to the volume of her voice. She needed to call her ride and there was a phone near the exit. She was unable to complete her call. Something was withholding the call from going out. I let her borrow my phone. She cracked me up. I was happy to help! I put on a lovely paper towel gown and everything. Basically I am pretty healthy but need to exercise more. Yuck! Who wants to do that? I wish sleeping was considered exercise. I would be ripped! My Mom and Gene are starting a new chapter today. I am excited for them on their new adventures. After work, I did some chores. Ethan and I had an unspoken date to watch our show. Paul bailed and scheduled a man play-date with a few friends. He has been running ragged the past several days.  Rain, rain  go away!!!!!!

 As I was sitting at the hospital yesterday, I found myself curious as to how they can improve efficiencies. It took 20 minutes for someone to come up with a wheelchair for Dario. There has got to be a more efficient way.  I found myself coming up with a bonus system so that there is incentive for speediness. I was trying to structure this fake system similar to Uber. The more people you transport the higher your wage. But it also ties into the people’s score of how you do. If you talked about something inappropriate or are rude, the patient can deduct stars butting you in a different pay class. Like I know anything about human hospitals, their payroll or anything. It was fun to think about it though. It’s very egocentric of me to think I could solve a problem that I am sure people with far more brains and specific supportive education are in charge of. Welcome to my brain. Ethan and I arrived at the hospital for his appointment. It seems like I was just there yesterday! Becau...

 Today I went to be with my in-laws while poor Dario was still in the hospital. It is nice that we have a strong family unit and we come together during times it is needed. Dario has charmed the nurses. Even the nurses that weren’t his, today, stopped by to say hello. I picked up Joanne and we headed to the hospital. I follow the directions to his room exactly how Paul described them to me. He gave great directions. We had a bit of a  vehicle switch this morning due to my van having a temper tantrum with the wheel bearing. Paul took my van, Ethan took his car so I could drive his winter jeep. I guess that is the advantage of having more cars than I can count. We got to the hospital with the promise of Dario being able to leave today. He had to show them he could do one thing. He tried but was able to. Minutes turned to hours. They brought him lunch. Lunch was 3/4 cup of soup, 1/2 cup of peaches and water. This was consumed in 12 seconds flat. This man eats! He eats a lot of fo...

I am hoping we have a break from the rain.   Ethan’s yard needs to dry out so he can move forward and have his floor poured. Paul’s dad is getting a little better each day with hopes to be released tomorrow. I will be on hospital duty for the day. We want an extra set of ears to make sure we are setting him up for success at home. I am so, so thankful to be able to work remotely. I do have a few calls to make tomorrow and will have to find a “quiet” spot somewhere to be able to conduct interviews. This week Ethan goes to the neurologist for his annual seizure check in. Basically it is to continue to have a valid doctor/patient relationship to continue prescribing Ethan’s seizure medication. Ethan has no interest in discontinuing the medications and has been advised against it. I popped by Avery’s for a quick minute. I was able to give her a hug and drop something off for Kendall. She is almost done with the semester. Woo hoo! I think she is excited to start her summer externship. E...

 My Mom and I started the day with coffee.  We chatted and she worked on things to get ready for her move. The car was packed up and we were off.  We had a few stops to make before getting to the new place and unpacking a few things. I got a tour and saw why she and Gene chose this place as their next home.  It’s funny when you walk in to an empty space and it feels exactly that, empty. It only comes to life after you have made it your own, cozy spot with your own cozy people. I had fun exploring and seeing all the possibilities for Mom and Gene to have fun, stay busy and eat well! Paul’s Dad is feeling better and is likely going home tomorrow. Paul and his sister have been instrumental being present and offering support. I situated a few things when I arrived home. I did a few chores. Ethan had already fed the dogs which was a helpful surprise. I turned a show on and Ethan ended up joining me. Paul arrived home and got sucked into the show as well. I don’t read book...