Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Sidestepping Into Fall

                                                                       
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Fall is the time for new beginnings, and Rosh Hashana symbolizes the Jewish New Year. We celebrated by filling up on the traditional holiday dinner which featured everything from matzo ball soup to brisket. The evening was pleasant but relatively uneventful until our guests said their goodbyes.

The front door is no longer an option for some of our family members who walk with aids. Hence, there are fewer steps to the car through the garage. My aunt and uncle were the first to leave, before the pile-up began. With breaking speed, Mom was about to pass-up my cousin. I told her to stop showing off with her walker, and let our cousin head to the front of the line. My brother helped her down the first step. Then she broke free, and kept walking with her cane. Seconds later, I heard my brother call out for help. Unfortunately, my cousin hadn't seen the second step, and was lying face down on the garage floor.

Apparently, this was the second time she had fallen in two days, and her face was pretty beaten up. After not taking no for an answer, our cousin agreed to let us drive her to the emergency room. My brother met us at the hospital, and we kept her company in between tests. The hours passed quickly, as she told us stories about growing up with our dad. They were first cousins, and though he was five years older, he treated her like a sister. They even took separate trains to meet at the Cubs games when she was only ten. She enjoyed going to the games with our dad, because he told her everything he knew about baseball. Years later, Dad introduced our cousin to his fraternity brother who became her husband.

After her tests were over, they stitched up the inside of her cheek, and were ready to send her home. My brother and I both pleaded with the doctor to keep her overnight, as she lived alone, and was at risk to fall again. We were also hoping a physical therapist would assist her in using a walker. My cousin kept apologizing for ruining our evening, and told us to go home. She didn't realize how relieved we were that she wasn't seriously injured, and how much we enjoyed learning more about our dad. My cousin couldn't have been more appreciative that I stayed with her until she was safe in her hospital room, and promised to call her children first thing in the morning.

It was almost 3 a.m. when I got home. I expected to find all of the dishes piled up, but my husband and sons washed all of the wine and water glasses by hand, and set off the dishwasher. I was so grateful for their wonderful surprise.

At the end of Yom Kippur, I had my immediate family over for a casual break the fast. After dinner my mom seemed anxious to go home. She suggested my brother take his dessert to go. We couldn't figure out why she was in such a hurry. Finally, she admitted she wanted my brother to drive her home before the storm hit. None of us could figure out what storm she was talking about. The sky was completely clear when we walked her to my brother's car.

A few days later, the subject came up again. I thought my mom made up the whole story, because she was mad at me for something.  She swore she heard about the storm on TV, while I was preparing dinner. Then it hit me. She had been watching a previously recorded program from the week before. It must have been interrupted due to a severe storm watch. When I told her she exclaimed. "How was I supposed to know that? And by the way, you gave me indigestion." I'm so glad my aunt has offered to host Thanksgiving.


46 comments:

  1. Sorry about your aunt's fall, how scary. I am glad she was able to pass the time for all of you with stories despite needed stitches in her mouth. Sound like your family is full on for the holidays, but at least you will get Thanksgiving off :)
    L'shana Tova.

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  2. Ah...families. No other words required.

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  3. It's so scary when a fall like that happens. My mom did it twice (resulting in some serious brain injury). So glad you got them to a doctor right away and everyone was okay.

    And happy belated New Year!

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  4. Indigestion LOL! I wonder if anyone ever has an uneventful family gathering? I've never seen one. Maybe Thanksgiving :)

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  5. gotta look out for the seniors. Sounds like all went well despite falls, hospital trip, fake weather alerts,etc. Gave you stories to tell and fodder for years to come.
    Relax at Thanksgiving....

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  6. FARRAH LANSBURY ~
    There is so much in this blog bit that inspires me and could result in one of my (in)famous A-list comments. What I mean is... I see doors of humor standing open in nearly every paragraph, beckoning me to enter and have my way.

    Normally I would charge through those doors and exploit the humorous potential but, alas, you don't really know me well and I hesitate to risk offending you due to the serious nature at the heart of this blog bit (i.e., a nasty fall, a hospital visit, stitches inside the mouth - Ouch!)

    So, until you know me better, I'd better play it safe and simply say a heartfelt "Ouch!" and add that "I hope the patient rebounds quickly and fully."

    However, I will add that I REALLY enjoyed your poems, "especially the really funny ones" (to steal a line from Woody Allen's movie 'Stardust Memories'). 'A PAIR TO REMEMBER' and that last stanza in 'FREQUENT FLATULENCE' literally made me GOL (Guffaw-Out-Loud).

    And I simply must axe: Was the title 'A Pair To Remember' a deliberate spin on the movie title 'An Affair To Remember'?

    Loved the book, Julie. Thanks again!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Stephen - Thanks for not calling me Farrah Busey! Feel free to come back, and knock those doors wide open. I'd love to hear your humorous spin on this. Thanks for your kind words about my silly poems! A Pair To Remember was in part a playful parody on An Affair To Remember, as well as a twist on memory loss. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! I'm very fortunate to have worked with such a talented group of women.

      Thanks again,
      Julie

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  7. A pre-recorded program - that is too funny!
    Sorry your cousin was hurt. Smart to ask that she stay overnight.

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  8. After reading a post like this, I feel I should atone for something. Has anyone ever said "You goofed!" to your mother?

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  9. Rhonda - Fortunately, it all worked out in the end. Her stories were quite entertaining. Thanks Rhonda, and happy New Year to you, and your family!

    Delores - Never a dull moment! You are absolutely right, Delores!

    Luanne - I'm so sorry your mom's fall resulted in a brain injury. That's awful. I think my cousin realizes how lucky she is, and knows it's time to get more help. Thanks Luanne!

    Carol - Thanksgiving will definitely be fun, and a nice change of pace!

    Joanne - It's all about the fodder! Thanksgiving will be a breeze! Thanks Joanne!

    Alex - I got a kick out of the previously recorded report too! There was no I was letting her go home. I also didn't want to take a chance on her climbing up the two steps in my house again. Thanks Alex!

    Julie

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    1. Alex -Oops... I meant to insert (way) in between no and I.

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  10. Sorry your cousin was injured, I enjoyed reading your post as it gives one a different insight to other's lives.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Sorry about your aunt's fall, but glad she was okay. It's awesome you have so many of your family nearby to celebrate the holidays with. That's funny about your mom and the TV show.

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  12. GB - Nah, I think you've been a very good gorilla! We tell her all the time, in the nicest possible way of course. I even read my stories to her before I post them.

    Yvonne - We were very glad she was okay. Thank you, Yvonne!

    Natalie - We actually have a very small family, but we're very lucky that our boys didn't move away after college. Thanks Natalie!

    Julie

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  13. Julie, I'm so sorry about your cousin. I hope she is doing better.

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  14. When my best friend was alive, we celebrated the Jewish holidays with him every year. Since his passing, our holiday celebrations are down to three. I did teach at Israel College, Tel Aviv, so I still have Jewish friends that celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but they all live in New Hampshire. I never knew too much about their ceremonies, but I do miss the matzo ball soup.

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  15. Loved that picture from 'Seinfeld.' Was that the Festivas dinner?
    I have family coming over for Thanksgiving. There's no elderly relatives, though.
    Except us.
    :-P

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    1. Al - DING, DING, DING!! You were the only one who recognized "Festivus!" Although there could've been a few disbelievers who chose to ignore it! BTW, you are not elderly, unless you're already sporting a "Manziere!"

      Julie

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    2. Al - Wasn't the "Bro" Kramer's choice, while Frank Costanza favored the more elegant "Manziere?" Fun memories!

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  16. Susanne - Fortunately, my cousin has been doing fine. She's been busy interviewing for extra help around the house. Thanks Susanne!

    JJ - I would love to hear stories about your teaching experience in Tel Aviv! Some of my hubby's family lives there. I'm sorry about your best friend. They're really irreplaceable.

    My grandma and mom are both tough acts to follow in the matzo ball department. Each matzo ball was perfectly shaped, and light as a feather.

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  17. Hi Julie - lots of possibilities here ... but the hospital story is the best - the way you laughed through the whole episode ... your cousin sounds as though life will not get her down - but I'm glad she stayed in hospital overnight. Wonderful your lovely hubby and sons washed and dried - clean kitchens do soothe us don't they!

    Honestly .. this was a great read .. and one I must remember ... I was usually exhausted from caring when emergencies arose and it took a great deal of me talking to me .. to be positive. Thankfully there weren't many .. but I was grateful when my brother turned up one Friday night after my uncle was admitted urgently ... and stayed with him til he was allocated a bed. I felt shattered ... and was glad to get home 'in a heap' ...

    Love your stories and way of telling them ... having just travelled with my mother's cousin - we were almost in the same boat - but I think I'm more decrepit at the moment! Cheers Hilary

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  18. It sounds like you were treated to some wonderful stories... it was unfortunate that it took a fall down the steps and a trip to the hospital to get them.

    Ah... your mom. I do believe I love her.

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  19. It's always something, when it comes to the Jewish relatives. I'm glad your cousin got the medical attention and family care that she needed after her fall.

    Let's hope your mom doesn't keep watching that same recorded program. She'll be on perennial high-storm-alert.

    A blessed 5775 to you and yours, Julie.

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  20. I hope each year will find you all together, sharing stories.

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  21. Hilary - I hope you're feeling okay. With your boundless energy, I can't imagine you being the least bit "decrepit." I know how difficult your experience was with your mum, and I'm glad your brother lightened your load by taking care of your uncle. Thanks so much for your kind words. It really meant a lot to me, Hilary!

    Robin - I think she got her second wind late at night. It was also easier for her to talk in a smaller group. My mom does have her moments! Thanks Robin!

    Robyn - Good point! I'll have to delete all of her programs, just in case! Maybe I should keep replaying your news segment, though she'd instantly run out of hairspray seeing the high winds! Thanks and happy 5775 to you, Robyn!

    Susan - I'd also like nothing better! Thanks Susan!

    Julie



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  22. Oh wow. Sounds rough, but a disguised blessing at the same time.

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  23. So sorry to hear about your cousin's fall. And how wonderful to come home to the surprise of having the dishes done for you. The storm story made me chuckle. Family--can't live with them, can't live without them.

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  24. Now, that's the kind of storm I like. Hope your cousin is feeling better.

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  25. One thing for sure. You had one exciting event at your house. Bless your husband and son!

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  26. I'm sorry about your cousin's fall but how touching that you got to hear her stories about your dad. An unexpected blessing.
    As usual your mom is a riot.

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  27. Misha - I couldn't agree more! Thanks Misha!

    Connie - It was a great surprise! Yes, we all got a kick out of the weather story! Thanks Connie!

    Liza - I just spoke to her the other day, and she said she was healing nicely. Yes, false old storm warnings are the best! Thanks Liza!

    Lee - Both of our sons helped my hubby with the dishes. It was so nice to come home to a clean house. Thanks Lee!

    Julie - We always enjoy hearing stories about our dad's childhood. My mom cracks us up too! Thanks Julie!

    Julie


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  28. Bummer. Sorry about the unexpected detour in your plans, but your hubby and sons deserve a huge hug for cleaning up the kitchen while you were gone. I hope your cousin heals soon. My good friend has been taking a lot of falls lately, too. Then she had the nerve to talk to me on the phone the other day while she was cleaning off her roof! ARRRGH!

    Happy weekend, kiddo. (Nice comment from Stephen.)

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    1. Susan - Talking on the phone while cleaning the roof doesn't sound safe for even someone with good balance. Hope your friend is okay. It was an out of body experience when I walked into the kitchen! I also had the same feeling when I read Stephen's comment! Hope you're having a fun weekend! Thanks Susan!

      Julie

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    2. Lucky you! I wouldn't mind escaping this body every now and then... HA

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    3. Susan - It looks pretty good to me! More importantly, your hubby still feels the same way!

      Julie

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  29. Lots of story possibilities...memories and reality combined.

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    1. Nas - I especially love the stories about my dad's childhood, because there are only a few relatives left to tell them. Thanks Nas!

      Julie

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  30. My family gatherings usually quickly devolve into dysfunction LOL

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  31. Ah, family gatherings just aren't enjoyable if they aren't filled with the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous, right? Glad to hear your cousin is okay. Also, my grandmother can get a bit forgetful with the TV, too. My favorite was her watching the Thanksgiving Parade on TV and saying, "Wow, the Thanksgiving Parade is today? I had no idea!" To which we all said, "Yes, grandma, that's why everyone is here at your house and a turkey is cooking in the oven. You put it there, after all."

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  32. Family gatherings like this sound very familiar :D Beautiful post. Best of luck to you and all your family.

    Sarah Allen
    (Writing Blog)

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  33. Keith - At least things are never boring at your family gatherings!

    B & B - Your grandma sounds like a fun lady! I'm sure she loves cooking for her multi-talented grandson! Thanks B & B!

    Sarah - I guess things are pretty unpredictable at your house too. Thank you Sarah, and the same to you!

    Julie

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  34. I was drawn to your blog by the title. I'm an empty nester as well and have family scenes much like you described. So sad when the falling begins because that usually follows with huge living changes. Hope you can follow your dream to write again! I'm doing that too:)

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  35. Ah, family--always a fun experience. My mother has had a few falls of late. It's made her a bit nervous about getting out, but my sister says she still moves around the house pretty fast with her walker.

    I've never tried matzo ball soup but I'm curious after hearing about it for so long. I see the matzo balls that come in a jar in the store and they don't look so good, but I guess they're better in the soup and probably much better if homemade.

    Someday I also gotta try the gefilte fish. They don't look all that appetizing either, but I hear raves about the stuff. And I do like fish.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  36. Terri - It's true how falls may lead to lifestyle changes. We moved our mom into an assisted living facility a few years ago. Though she didn't want to leave her tri-level house, it turned out to be the best thing for her. Looking forward to learning about your life as an empty nester, Terri! Thanks for following me!

    HLee - Your first matzo ball experience should be at a deli. It will taste closer to homemade than the ones in a jar. Gefilte fish is more of an acquired taste. Let me know what you think if you try it. Hope your mom is doing well.

    Julie

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    1. Lee - Oops I just saw the H in front of your name. Sorry about that.

      Julie

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