Tuesday, September 5, 2017

IWSG: Sidestepping Into Fall

                                                               

It's time for another edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Be sure to visit Alex J.  Cavanaugh and the rest of the talented writers who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

As the Jewish New Year is approaching, I thought I'd repost a 2014 Rosh Hashanah story.
                         
                                                      Sidestepping into Fall

Fall is the time for new beginnings, and Rosh Hashanah 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.

Wishing those who celebrate, a very happy and healthy New Year!

                                                              

30 comments:

  1. Those family traditions are to be treasured, Julie, even if in the process your mom gets indigestion. Loved sharing this. Have a very happy and healthy New Year.

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  2. Hope you have a less eventful Rosh Hashana this year. It's great that you have so many of your family close by.

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  3. Those prerecorded programs can really mess you up.
    Hope that's the last time you have a pile up in the garage.

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  4. All families are alike! Hope you had a fun summer and are looking forward to fall.

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  5. Well, that was definitely an eventful holiday. Hopefully those garage exits are organised in a more orderly fashion now.

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  6. I always love reading your tales about your family. It's like reading a sit-com script. :)

    Take care, kiddo!

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  7. I remember this story! As good this time as the first time around. Anything with your mom is always going to be gold. :D

    Hope you are well, Julie!

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  8. This is a great family story! I love how you captured all the hubbub and love of family life!

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  9. Family feasts are never boring. Your collection of relatives sound like a solid group.

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  10. Carole Anne - A little indigestion is always expected after one of my meals, and all of the drama doesn't help! Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing this story!

    Natalie - We're going out for dinner this year, so it will be easier for most of us! Thank you, Natalie!

    Alex - The days of garage pile ups are over, as we live in an elevator building now. Thanks for hosting another great IWSG, Alex!

    Carol - It definitely was not a fun summer, but it's turning into a fun time heading into fall! I'm sorry I didn't get back to you last month. Thanks for being so understanding, Carol!

    Nick - We live in a smaller place now which forces me to be more organized. I should have had a dress rehearsal last time! Thanks Nick!

    Hi Susan - At first I thought you said "sci-fi" instead of "sit-com" which is really not far off! Would you believe in the move I misplaced my phone book which has your number in it? I'll have to email you to get it again. I do miss you! Thanks Susan!

    Julie

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  11. Julie - I've interviewed some interesting people including war heroes, a Paralympic athlete and an astronaut, but my mom only lights up when I read my silly blogs about her! She is as good as gold and I'll tell her you said that! Thank you so much, Julie!

    Tyrean - Thanks for making my day! I really appreciate your kind words and hope to live up to them, Tyrean.

    Susan - It's sad that we have such a small family, but we do always find things to laugh about when we're together. Thanks Susan!

    Julie

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  12. Good morning, I wait for a better and interesting article again
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  13. Falls are scary. My mom had a fall earlier this year. She put a gash in her knee and hurt her arm, but she didn't have any breaks or fractures. We were both relieved about that but still shaken up.

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  14. GEM JULIE ~
    Another funny story involving your Mom. A bit like that really could be worked into a story or script and built into a major plot point. How many stories have revolved around some kind of misunderstanding or other?

    ~ D-FensDogG

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  15. Hosting a holiday event is always a big deal but that is where memories of loved ones are made (both good and bad). Unfortunately, your cousin got hurt, but you did get to spend that extra time with her and learned more about your dad.

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  16. Hi Julie - you do have the most incredible stories ... that's lovely to read ... just smiling happily as I read imagining all the kerfuffle going on. Also what an opportunity to learn more about your father ... these times don't often come up. How funny that in watching a recorded programme of course she (your mother) thought it was a now time ... crazy ... but so well told - cheered this wet day up! Take care - Hilary

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  17. Siri - Thank you!

    Chrys - Glad you our mom was OK. You must've had quite a fright! Thanks Chrys!

    Hi Stephen, It's true that many stories do result from misunderstandings. Not sure this is major plot material, but maybe it could air in the 3 a.m. time slot! Sorry I haven't visited in awhile. I know I'm too late for BOTB, but I'll stop by soon. Thanks Stephen!

    Arlene - Yes, something good did come out of the experience. Thanks Arlene!

    Hilary - I did enjoy our late night chat and things are never dull when my mom's around! Thank you for the kind words, Hilary!

    Julie


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  18. My long winded comment disappeared. Basically said glad things worked out in the end, we do what your mum did, and l'shana tova

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  19. Hi Rhonda, I'm sorry that I didn't see this sooner, and I apologize for being such a bad blogger. Things have been very hectic here. Thank you and a Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Julie

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  20. I'm late to the party, but I'm glad you can laugh about this and that everything worked out well. Falls are indeed scary. My 93 year old grandma (who lives alone) fell a few months back, was alone and unconscious for 24 hours, and almost died. She's better now, but with age, those kinds of things can be pretty scary.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bryan and Brandon! So sorry to hear about your grandma. What a frightening experience. Thank goodness she's okay. It's great to see you, and I apologize for not stopping by more often. Thanks guys!

      Julie

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  21. Just refound your blog, hope all is well and yes, fall is well and truly upon us.

    Yvonne.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne, It's nice to see you again! Hope you're doing well, and I'll be sure to visit soon. Thank you!

      Julie

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