Monday, October 27th
We were looking for a good Halloween movie, and I was telling M about the Criterion movies I have been watching in their 2000s horror movie collection. There were several quite decent movies, among them a movie called Rogue about a gigantic alligator in the wild hunting people. "If you want a good alligator movie, this is the best," M said, and it was free on Prime, so we went for it. Alligator!
This 1980 movie stars a young Robert Forster along with a host of character actors whose names you probably won't know, but you will recognize. (That's the guy from The Godfather!) There's also a cameo from Sue Lyon of Lolita fame as a news reporter. (The sad fate of the actress who hit it big too early.) The movie is directed by Lewis Teague, whom I have never heard of. Kind of tells you the level of movie you're dealing with.
It's actually a decent rip-off of a big, scary animal movie. Think Jaws in a sewer. This is mainly because it was produced by the same people who made Jaws. In addition to that, it was written by… wait for it… John Sayles! Not a bad pedigree for a B movie.
Tuesday, October
My sister called as she was in Illinois visiting our older relative. She's in her mid-90s with a bad foot and is now blind. She and I commiserated on how long everything takes. My aunt had commented that she could live another 10 years. My comment was that I didn't think she wanted to last that long, and she definitely agreed. It's great to be able to say hi to her.
Mom came for lunch, and right after, one of the recreational activities staff came by to get my annual evaluation. We also spoke about my birthday next year. I turn 59 in a week, and I have a tradition of having a really big birthday party when I change decades. M yesterday had the brilliant idea of having the party at the gazebo downstairs, right here at the hospital.
Turns out, they didn't have a guest limit for the gazebo, and if a resident wanted to come down and join us, they could! Same with the staff. I'd love that. I also thought along with catering the party, I could send some dessert or a special meal to people in their rooms. I could share my birthday with anyone who would appreciate the meal! I'm glad I think of these things early, so I have time to plan for them.
Wednesday, October 29th
My CNA, M, had a trainee with her today. He was a middle-aged man named J who was from Maui, so we quickly bonded over that. He had been a photographer for 30 years but had wanted to change careers and help people. His mom had been the head nurse at Kula Hospital, and if he had still been living on Maui, he would have loved to have worked there. I'm always glad to see a new CNA on the floor. Yippee!
Thursday, October 30th
My dad‘s memorial service would be this Sunday, so I needed to finish writing his essay. I had been going over it in my mind for a while, and I was really having a hard time coming up with a positive way to talk about him because most of his life was filled with paranoia and mistrust. And then, out of the blue, it hit me, and it was very easy to complete. It is November‘s essay, so you will be able to read it!
Friday, October 31st
There was a Halloween gathering on the first floor, and they were getting a lot of residents up for that. I got into my chair after everyone went downstairs because an old high school classmate was coming to visit and bring lunch.
Before she got here, A stopped by to work on my hand and be impressed I was in my chair. Eventually, she left, and my high school friend showed up. It was so nice to visit with her, and I really enjoyed the sushi! There were 13 pieces, and I was able to stretch them to last for three meals. Fabulous!
Mom came by just when they were starting to feed me dinner, so she took over. It's always nice to have Mom or my sister feed me, as I can take my time.
Saturday, November 1st
Mom was at a conference today, and I didn't think she was going to stop by, but she did. She said she was glad she went and learned a lot of stuff. She was tired, though, so she didn’t stay long. I had a nice day, enjoying that I didn't have to do anything but ignore the fact that I needed to write the blog very soon. Ignorance is bliss.
Sunday, November 2nd
I made sure everyone knew I needed to be done with my shower by 10 a.m. so I could watch my father‘s memorial service in Michigan that would be starting at 3 p.m. their time. I had finished my essay, but I knew I couldn't read it because I got too choked up.
Luckily, the friend I had reconnected with earlier in the year was at the memorial and read my essay for me. I was worried that whoever read it would not get the intonations correct, but she read it beautifully! There were only a few people, in addition to my sister and our Michigan friends. Or I could say, there were more than just my sister and our friends there!
The minister had known him, so she was able to give a very personal homily about my dad. I really enjoyed that. After the service, everyone went behind the church to the Memorial Garden where they laid Dad’s ashes to rest. Her friend R was with her and held her camera so I could see by FaceTime what was happening. Very wonderful!
The cover photo this week is my sister with the minister behind the church at the Memorial Garden where dad was laid to rest. It's comforting to see the church where I went while I was growing up. It seems a little odd, but a building can be comforting when it has good associations for you! Have a fantastic week!
Add comment
Comments