Hits and Misses (July 22-28)

It’s hard to believe that I published the first edition of “Hits and Misses” 6 years ago today. I’ve missed a few installments for various reasons over those years, but this weekly review of the week that was has become an important closure to each week for me. I get to take a few minutes to regale the successes, lament my failures and frustrations, and move ahead into the new week. I’m honored that you choose to read these weekly recaps.

So let’s move into year 7 and have a look back at the week that was…..

HITS

• Most weeks of my summer vacation always feature good food and this week was no different. While running errands early in the week, I treated myself to lunch at Huey’s in Southaven. The Deluxe Chicken sandwich has been a longtime favorite of mine. While picking up dinner for the Geriatric Ward, I made a quick stop into Nothing Bundt Cake and grabbed a couple of miniature cakes — strawberries and cream as well as the lemon cake to be exact.  My sweet tooth was very happy! As far as home cooked meals went, the success of the week was the Creamy Herb Pork Chops that Mom and I made mid-week. The recipe was a bit spicy for the Geriatrics, but quite yummy and really easy to make.
• Since the summer is quickly coming to an end, I knew that I needed to head to the mall and buy new shoes. I hate shoe shopping and put it off as long as possible. I was lucky this time and stumbled onto two pairs of canvas shoes that I really like and they were on sale! Win for me!
• While scrolling through memories on Facebook, I realized that it was this time last year that Mom and I made a whirlwind trip to Plainview to pack my things because I was moving into a new apartment. As I shared the memory with Mom, she commented that the trip was almost fun — just the two of us working together and enjoying each other’s company along the way. We recalled donating piles of clothes to charity, experiencing square donuts, and giggling like teenagers together. It’s a trip that I will forever treasure……and a memory recalled this week that brought us both a little joy in the midst of a hot summer day.
• As the week came to a close, it was time to watch a couple of movies with Mom as she recovered from her latest illness. We watched Saving Mr. Banks and Good Sam (a Netflix original that I was betting would grab Mom’s attention on a Sunday morning spent at home sick). I love being reminded that a good story can transcend age differences and can bring a smile when you’re feeling down.

MISSES

• The week began with a return trip to the mechanic for my car. Nothing was horribly wrong with the car, but some work that needed to be done — and should have been done the first time —- got taken care of this week. It was just annoying to be without my car for another couple of days.
• Mom has a couple of medical procedures coming up in the next few weeks. Nothing too serious….just some things that need to be taken care of. However, scheduling the visits has proven challenging. It took a little longer than normal to get one doctor to tell the other how far in advance of the procedure a medication should be stopped. When an illness popped up, another procedure was delayed. It’s just part of dealing with the medical issues of a Geriatric, but it can definitely keep you on your toes as you try to schedule everything without interfering with other appointments already on the calendar.
• I have a very low tolerance for people taking credit for something they did not do. Did it really matter in the grand scheme of things? Not really. Does it suck when you aren’t given credit for your work? Definitely. Oh well, c’est la vie!

Hits and Misses (July15-21)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• For one of the first times this summer, Mom and I were able to spend much of the week together in the kitchen. I enjoy getting to work with Mom and create something new (for us) there. The time is always accompanied by lots of laughter and great conversation. I’m especially appreciative when there aren’t other people around to crowd the space. This week was even more fun as we tried out a couple of new recipes that were quite fun. The biggest hit of the week was Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna and it was yummy! Probably a little more labor-intensive than we would normally trouble with, but definitely something to keep in our back pocket as a dinner option from time to time.
• As I continue spending time watching Netflix, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the CNN series The Seventies. This look at the decade was fascinating and it addressed everything from music and television to the Watergate scandal, global terrorism, and the ERA. I’ve always enjoyed examining American history through a very wide lense and this multi-episode series did an excellent job of connecting the dots. I was excited to see that other decades have been addressed as well and am continuing my watching. The Eighties is off to a very fun start!
• I had a little free time this weekend, so I took advantage of it and took in a couple of movies — one was a happy accident, the other a film I have been desperate to see. Let’s start with the accident – The Secret Life of Pets 2! So much fun! Since leaving children’s ministry, I rarely take in an animated film. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the second installment of the series. Why was this an accidental viewing? Traffic on Saturday afternoon was a little worse than I expected, so I was late for the film I had originally intended to see. After a short morning of work on Sunday (more on that in a second!), I headed back to the theater to see Spider-Man: Far From Home. I can’t believe I’m officially a fan of the Marvel Universe. Great closing film to this phase of the saga…..and the shots from throughout Prague brought back special memories from my travels earlier this summer.
• Early this week, Mom and I were watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate and heard Alton Brown going on and on about a Memphis establishment — Gibson Donuts! I’ve spent most of my life in the Memphis area and had never tried one of these donuts. (I must confess that I assumed it was associated with the donut shop in West Memphis — Howard’s — since the sign from my childhood looks exactly like that at Gibson’s. Boy, I understand the error of my ways!) After leaving the movies on Saturday, I stopped into Gibson’s to buy a dozen glazed donuts. When I got home and bit into the first one, I was in Heaven! They are light and airy……but so flavorful! My mouth is watering as I write this….I may need to make a return trip to Gibson’s…..
• Sunday morning was not spent in church. Instead, I accompanied auditions for AMDA, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Based in NYC and LA, AMDA offers students the opportunity to pursue professional degrees in musical theater, dance, or acting. I have played for the Memphis auditions a couple of times over the years and have always enjoyed the experience. This time was no different. The faculty and staff visiting Memphis were charming and a lot of fun in the audition room. Since there were only 3 auditions that morning, it was a short commitment (Yeah!) and I still got paid a nice fee because they had reserved my time (Double Yeah!) Easy days “in the office” don’t always come along, but when they do…..that’s something to celebrate! And I had a lot of fun getting back to my roots playing musical theater rep again. I miss not getting the opportunity to play as much of this music as I once did….

MISSES

• Like the rest of the country, I just have to say that it has been too damn hot this week! Fat does not like hot weather.
• My car went into the shop this week simply to have things checked out thoroughly. Gotta love when the mechanic doesn’t listen to my questions and simply does his own thing. As a result, I am taking the car in again this week to a service department that I trust and have a long standing relationship with to have some of my concerns addressed…..and to see what (if anything) really needs to be done.
• Poor communication has been a running theme around here this week and I continue to find it very frustrating. Is it really so hard to provide accurate information to those who will be impacted by it?

 

Hits and Misses (July 7-13)

Here’s a look back at the week that was…..

HITS

• After returning from last week’s vacation, we knew that we had a lot of doctor’s appointments on the calendar for the Geriatrics. Most of our visits resulted in good news. We were especially thankful that a biopsy triggered by some unusual conditions for Mom came back negative — no sign of cancer returning. Yes, there is oral surgery and a couple of rather unpleasant procedures ahead for Mom, but things could have been much worse.
• As we continued to deal with Mom’s ankle injury, I am also thrilled to hear laughter in spite of it all. After returning from the orthopedist, Mom attempted using only an ankle brace for a few minutes in the house. That was clearly not going to happen; her ankle and leg were still too weak to support her comfortably, so she chose to remain in the boot for a while longer. After one of our outings, Mom began the climb up the exterior stairs into the Geriatric Ward. As she struggled to lift the boot to the next step, she simply leaned her head against the railing and her shoulders began to shake. At first, I thought she was crying in frustration. You can imagine my relief when I heard Mom laughing at the fact that she couldn’t climb the stairs! Sure, there have been some moments of frustration for her because of the injury, but all in all, she has handled this challenge like a trooper!
• With all of the doctor’s visits, I have done a lot of driving this week. There’s also been the issue of helping Mom in and out of cars, offices, and the house. By Thursday, I was beginning to feel the aches in my body. I was very happy that my massage therapist was able to fit me in for a last-minute session and give me some relief. It was great to simply relax for a few hours without worrying about anything else while letting some of the tension melt away.
• As the week came to a close, I was able to catch a few baseball games because of the free trial of MLB Extra Innings this weekend. I enjoyed spending several hours watching my beloved Braves and Astros both win games……and seeing the Yankees beat the Blue Jays wasn’t the worst experience in the world either. I wish I was able to take in one of the games in person, but that just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me at the moment. Maybe next summer…..

MISSES

• Crazy schedules can make the week seem really long. Lump in a few doses of negativity from those you just don’t want to hear from and you’ve got the perfect formula for feeling as though you have no support to get all of the things done that need to be handled. I’m glad the week is over and thankful that the week ahead looks as though it will be much less hectic!

Hits and Misses (June 30 – July 6)

Here’s a look back at the week that was……

HITS

• The more time I spend with these people, the more I find myself enjoying my times of worship at First Baptist Church – West Memphis. I know that my parents struggled when they made the decision to begin attending church closer to home — I personally could not have been happier with that choice — but I am thrilled to see that they have settled into a church home where they are loved unconditionally, the  Gospel is presented clearly, and loving the community and Christ are the clear focus. Each time I hear Pastor Josh in the pulpit, I am thankful for his commitment to personal preparation and study of Scripture. Trust me…..congregations can tell a difference.
• Late last week, Mom made the announcement that my siblings would not be joining us in the Geriatric Ward to celebrate Independence Day. So….she decided it was time to hit the road for a short vacation to Branson, Missouri. Being at the Geriatric Ward is my summer vacation, but it is always fun to make a road trip with my folks when there’s no one else around and they can just let their hair down a bit. We took in a couple of the local shows (and I managed to survive!) and enjoyed some meals that aren’t commonly found in Memphis. It was a short trip — driving up on Thursday and returning home on Sunday — but we packed in as much as we could.
• Once we arrived in Branson, the Geriatrics decided to turn in early on Thursday evening. I wasn’t ready for bed quite yet, but didn’t want to do too much either. That’s when I made my way to Cold Stone Creamery just down the road and enjoyed one of the most majestic things I have tasted. Peanut Butter Cup Perfection in a waffle cone is just that — perfection! Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter cups, chocolate syrup, and creamy peanut butter blended together…..I’m tempted to make a drive right now just thinking about this Heavenly treat! I’m very thankful that there is not a location nearby or my waistline would be in more trouble than it already is.

MISSES

• Dentist visits are horribly traumatic for me. On Tuesday, I had to make a return visit to have work done on the back two molars of the bottom right side. The procedure really was not that involved. The dentist simply wanted to replace an old silver filling in a neighboring tooth while taking care of a small gap between the tooth and filling of another. Everything took less than 45 minutes and I was never in pain….but I was definitely in distress! When I return for another procedure, I will probably ask for the happy gas from the outset.
• When we checked into our Branson hotel on July 4, we were informed that the fireworks show would begin promptly at 9pm and would be based in the parking lot of our hotel. When the show began, the sound echoed throughout the enclosed cavern and sounded as though multiple rifles were being fired simultaneously. I stepped out of my room to be greeted by ashes falling on the cars parked in the lot. I really was surprised that the establishment would produce an amateur firework show that was so disruptive to everyone’s rest while there were several outstanding shows provided along the strip that were clearly visible from our location. I guess I’m just an old cranky man….
• Our vacation took a turn on Friday morning when Mom fell while visiting local shops. Mom has suffered from weak knees for many years and avoids stairs at all costs. We had stopped in to visit the Thomas Kincaid gallery and there were two standard stairs that led into another section of the shop. I had gone down to check things out and was returning to tell Mom that it wasn’t worth descending the two stairs when I saw her making her way off the final stair. She reached the floor when her knee seemed to buckle and she ended up sitting on her bottom. I cannot adequately explain the feeling of terror when you watch your mother collapsing in front of your eyes — almost falling in slow motion — and knowing that you are completely helpless to do anything to stop it from happening. Even though I know it took only a matter of seconds to happen, it felt as though it was an eternity and I couldn’t get to her side in time to make sure everything was okay. The scariest part was that her legs had wedged under her and she was adamant that I get them out from under her. After a few minutes of catching her breath, she was certain that she was okay and did not want to call an ambulance. We left the shops and stopped for lunch before returning to the hotel. Later that evening, we would attend the Dolly Parton Stampede as we had planned. Her knee and ankle were sore, but she was determined that things would progress as planned. By the end of the evening, we had agreed that if she was not feeling much better in the morning, we would return home immediately.
• When I saw Mom on Saturday morning, she told me that she wanted to see a doctor to make sure there was nothing wrong with her knee before we started making our way home. When we finally found the urgent care center at the local hospital, x-rays suggested that her knee and leg were fine; there was a slight fracture in her interior ankle. Mom was fitted with a walking boot and told to take it easy. After much discussion, Mom decided that she wanted to stay in Branson another day in hopes that her leg and ankle would feel better after a day of rest. On Saturday, we were concerned that she would not be able to safely walk for basic bathroom visits along the way if we tried to make the drive home. We simply had to avoid another fall at all costs. By Saturday evening, after a day of napping in the hotel, Mom was going a little stir-crazy and wanted to get out a bit. We had a quick bite to eat and I had secured tickets for the Pressley’s Country Jamboree with the Geriatric’s blessings. I had been assured that there were no stairs in the auditorium and that we would be seated at the back of the auditorium. There were no stairs when we arrived — but the slope in the hall was tough for ME to traverse with an uninjured leg! I made my way to the box office to get our seats changed.  The slight incline that we still experienced on our way to these new seats was a challenge for Mom and Dad, but they made it there safely and enjoyed the show. When intermission arrived, I saw that both were getting tired and experiencing some aches…..so I convinced them that we should leave. I think that was the quickest they have ever fallen asleep once we arrived back at the hotel!

UPDATE: Mom is doing just fine. This afternoon (7/9/19), we had a follow-up appointment with the fine physicians at Campbell’s Clinic in the Medical Center. After careful examination of current x-rays and thoroughly checking out Mom’s ankle and foot, the doctors determined that the Branson facility had been overly cautious; Mom had suffered what appears to be a severe sprain and did not fracture her ankle. It will still take up to six weeks for her ankle to be strong and secure, but protecting her ankle with a walking boot before transitioning into an ankle brace is all that will be needed. The “fracture” that was diagnosed appears to have been an old injury. Her continuing issues with her knee and calf are currently attributed to twists sustained during the fall and should begin to feel better very soon. What a relief!