Wednesday, December 6, 2017

IWSG: The Defiant One


                                                                   

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.

The following is a repost from May 2014 when my mischievous Mom was in rare form.

                                                       
                                                                                                                         
(The Defiant One) 
 
Before we boarded our flight home from Israel, we made a quick stop at the duty-free shop at Ben Gurion Airport. We picked up some Ahava Lotion for my mom. She likes the special formula of Dead Sea minerals, and the convenient travel size tubes. When I told my husband that we needed to get a few extra he said, "She probably uses them like cartons of cigarettes in the joint." Then we rushed to catch our flight.


After our son graduated, I prepared myself for the worst. Though I knew he would be eating better at home, anything could happen once he stepped out of our house. All it took was a matter of minutes for him to get lost, robbed, or kidnapped by a gang of raccoons.


It didn't matter that he lived on his own for four years at college, now he was on my turf, and I felt entirely helpless. I've heard many stories about sneaky twenty-something kids who've gotten into all kinds of trouble. Little did I know, that he wasn't the one I needed to worry about.


I usually talk to my mom on the phone at least twice a day. This rule still applies on days that we spend together. The other night, I reminded my mom that I had an early dental appointment in the morning, and that I would talk to her afterward. She wished me luck, and said that she also had to get up early. When I asked where she was going at the crack of dawn, she replied, "Downstairs."

This struck me odd, as she usually doesn't go to early morning activities at her retirement home, but she said goodnight before I could get anymore information.


The following day I tried calling my mom, but there was no answer. She finally called me back later in the afternoon. I asked her if she was feeling okay, and she said that she was fine. Then I asked  if she went to the doctor. She said, "No, why? What have you heard? Who told you?"


I told her that her story didn't make any sense, and if she was only downstairs then she would've returned my call earlier. Then I asked what was wrong with her, and why she had to keep it a secret. She gave me her standard line, "I didn't want to worry you."

I dove deeper by asking how she got to her appointment. "My nurse took me."

She has a visiting nurse that is set up through her insurance. I didn't realize they were that close. I asked why she asked the nurse to drive her, when I could've taken her. My mom said that her nurse doesn't drive, so her husband took her to the hospital.

My Novocain was beginning to wear off, but I tried to remain calm.

"So her husband drove you?"

"No, he met us at the hospital. Her boss drove me."

"Let me get this straight. So the nurse, her boss at the agency, and the nurse's husband were all at the doctor's office with you, because you were suffering from chronic constipation? It was okay to bother all of them, but you didn't want to bother your own daughter?"


"That's right."


"Did anyone in the group bring you a box lunch?"


"No, but no one gave me any lip either."


"I'm sure your doctor referred you to a gastroenterologist. Did you make an appointment?"


"No, I need to see a spine specialist first."


"Makes perfect sense. I'm sure he'll do wonders for your constipation. And I suppose you gave your nurse a nice present for taking you."


"As a matter of fact, I did."

"The Ahava Lotion?"

"It's the least I could do."



31 comments:

  1. An insight into another world, someone else's problems. Thank you for that 😊

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  2. My mother-in-law is in the habit of bothering others rather than family...I do think its because she doesn't want to hear what we have to say...

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  3. Like the lotion theme in your story. My mom is not thinking that well either these days and sometimes her decisions are similar to the ones of your mom. I hope that I am as good a daughter as you when my mom moves to independent living where I live next May.

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  4. Surprised she didn't give one to everybody.

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  5. "No but no one gave me any lip either" totally cracked me up. I could read about your mom all day LOL.
    Hope you are doing well, Julie!

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  6. A great use of that lotion, well at least in her eyes. Excellent story!

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  7. What a fun story! Your mama sounds like an absolute hoot.

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  8. Sometimes, it takes thinking about situations with our moms that bring tears of laughter and joy in our lives.
    Wishing you a successful crossover into 2018.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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  9. I remember this post, but you've given us so many great ones about your mom that I can't keep them all straight. Glad you re-shared this one. I loved reading it again.

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  10. "No, but no one gave me any lip either." Oh my gosh that made me laugh.

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  11. Oh, your Mom!!!! Are you going to be like her when you're old?

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  12. LOL - I know I read this one years ago, but it still makes me smile. We have similar problems with our parents. Last time I couldn't get ahold of my dad, I called his mobile, and it turns out he was at the ER with his wife who they were admitting. (she is fine now). No call to us, or to her kids. They didn't want to worry us.

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  13. Carole Anne - I hope this doesn't mean that things aren't going well for you. Please take care of yourself, and sending lots of good thoughts your way. Thank you Carole Anne!

    Liza - Yes, there is a method to their madness! Thanks Liza!

    Natalie - I'm sure that you are already a wonderful daughter! I don't spend as much time with my mom as I used to. I've gotten busier with work and it's more difficult for her to get out, as she's become even less mobile. So we just have to do the best we can. Thanks Natalie!

    Alex - I could only fit so many bottles in my carry-on bag! Thanks for hosting another wonderful IWSG, Alex!

    Arlene - Thanks for being such a wonderful cheerleader! Hopefully, she'll come up with some more shenanigans that I could write about in 2018!

    Julie



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  14. Julie - I wish that you lived closer, so that you could hear some of my mom's stories in person! She'd probably put you to work too! Thanks so much, Julie and I hope you're also doing well.

    Nick - My mom is one of the original re-gifters! Thank you, Nick!

    Rhonda - She definitely has her moments! Thanks Rhonda!

    Patsy - Laughing is always better than the alternative! Thanks Patsy!

    Pat - Very wise words! Thank you and wishing you all the best in 2018!

    Lee - Thanks for always being so thoughtful when I know these stories make you think about your own mom.

    Chrys - Thanks for the kind words, and I'll be sure to share them with my mom.

    Julie

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  15. Debra - I'm already old and fortunately we have the same sense of humor! Thanks Debra!

    Rhonda - Funny how they don't realize that they worry us more, by not telling us! In some ways they really are like teenagers! Glad his wife was okay. Thanks Rhonda!

    Julie

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  17. Julie, I enjoyed this story. Your mom is a hoot. I know it can be frustrating at times to know what she needs when she keeps things a secret from you. Bless you for being there for her anyway.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Connie, Thanks for the kind words! I'm really not as helpful as I used to be. I wish that I had more time and patience.

      Julie

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  18. Hi Julie - sorry a bit late getting here ... need to get off my tail ... and see one of your mother's surgeons?!?!? She cracks me up - they are such fun stories - despairing for you ... but will just add to your memories. You'll be glad you've done all that you have for her - that's the blessing later on ... take care and enjoy the festive build up ... cheers Hilary

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  19. Your mother sounds like a pistol! (And your husband sounds funny!)

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  20. Hah! She's keeping you young, you know that? ;)

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  21. Hehe...your mom is certainly keeping you on your toes!

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  22. "That's right." Great response. Concise and to the point :) My Mom does the exact same thing... Let's say I can relate.

    Blue

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