Thursday, April 9, 2015

The Indestructible Ocotogenarian

                                                                             
         
                                                                                               

A few months ago, I took my mom  for a pedicure. Though she suffers from hammer toe, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, this was nothing compared to what we went through that afternoon.

When we arrived at the beauty shop, I noticed the spa tub was already filled with water. This meant that my mom had to take off her shoes and socks on another chair before we could catapult her into the the spa pedicure chair. After I helped Mom remove her socks, and roll up her pant legs it was time to hoist her up into the next chair. Suddenly, she froze.

I had one hand on my mom's arm, while she was holding on to the walker. She couldn't seem to get her feet to cooperate, and she became wedged in between the walker and the pedicure chair. The manicurist tried to help me scoot her over to the seat, but she became a dead weight. My grandma who weighed one hundred pounds soaking wet, also had the ability to turn her body into lead whenever anyone even thought about lifting her.

Finally, the manicurist called the owner's son over. His job was to lift the walker over our heads, so my mom wouldn't be pinned in. As we both held on to Mom with all of our strength, he managed to get the walker out of the way. Unfortunately, my mom's purse went sliding off into the next tub submerged in water.

He quickly fished out her purse, and the first thing I pulled out was her cell phone. Miraculously, it was still working, but it went dead shortly after I finished drying everything off. In the meantime, my mom remained very calm, and waited patiently for her lunch. When I went to tell him that the phone wasn't working, he was nowhere to be found.

Next, I asked someone to put her empty purse in the dryer for a few minutes. While my mom was having her hair coiffed, her purse mysteriously disappeared from the dryer. I ran frantically all around the beauty shop, until someone finally found it.

After I dropped my mom off at home, I stopped off at a neighborhood cell phone store, to see if there was any possibility of reviving her phone. The only option was to buy a new phone, and even the most basic one would've cost over two hundred dollars, as our plan wouldn't entitle her to an upgrade until the fall.

My hubby even ordered a used phone, but when he called to activate it they told him that the phone would only work with a pre-paid plan. None of this made any sense, as my mom was already covered under our plan. She just needed a basic phone for emergency and long distance calls.

After going back and forth with other cell phone companies, it finally hit me. I remembered that my brother-in-law was the one who recommended our phone carrier, as he thought it had the best out of state reception when our older son was in law school. My husband immediately called his sister-in-law, and she saved the day with an old flip phone that was in perfect condition.

My mom was happy to receive her replacement phone a week later.  She didn't even complain at the beauty shop for the mishap, but was happy when I did. The staff was very apologetic, and quite generous with one of their most loyal, and cherished weekly customers. They even threw in some scented body lotion for her driver.

My mom still goes in every week, even when her arms are writhing in pain from pushing her walker. Heads turn, as women young and old say, "I don't know how she does it. That woman has such a wonderful attitude. She never complains. Despite everything, she's still a breathtaking woman with a beautiful head of hair. Her poor daughter must take after her father."


40 comments:

  1. Despite the comments, well done daughter!

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  2. You're a daughter in a million, wonderful post Julie.

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  3. LOL - you told this story so well. Hopefully there never will be a next time, but just in case, put the phone in rice - uncooked white rice - cover it completely. The rice will expand as it pulls the water out. It worked for my niece when she dropped hers in the toilet.

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  4. In spite of the situation, this is a beautiful story. Your relationship sounds precious.

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  5. Octogenerians and cell phones...a topic for infinitely more stories...at least in my experiences that come close to being spot on with yours. Fortunately, we never had to fish said flipper out of toilet or any other water. It stayed safe, secure and mostly forgotten in a zippered compartment of her purse. I talked to that purse more often than not. You are a darling daughter...bless your heart and head of hair. Our Dads 'hair gene pool' must have been a dominate trait targeted for daughters. Fun read and one for Gorgeous' memory book.
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
    AtoZ 2015 Challenge

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  6. Your mom's a warrior.

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  7. We go to a foot nurse every 6 weeks. We don't have to immerse our feet. Sounds an unnecessary complication to me. Good story though, glad your mom has a phone to use.

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  8. Your mom is a beautiful lady and has a wonderful attotude. You take after her in the best ways.

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    1. Attitude is what I meant, but maybe attotude might be the more hip.

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    2. You are always hip, Arleen! I honestly didn't even notice the typo.

      Julie

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  9. Wow, what a story. I put my flip phone through the washing machine by mistake, let it dry, and it still works just fine.

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  10. Oh my gosh I couldn't believe this while reading. Geez! But the last sentence totally cracked me up LOL.

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  11. You left me laughing! I work for a senior center and have learned from the 95-year-olds I see regularly, that what my father used to say is true. Getting old IS NOT for sissies.

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  12. Obviously the incident didn't stress her one bit. They should have purchased a new phone for her though.

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  13. Glad things worked out, sorry the day was difficult. Am surprised the tub was already full f water before her arrival, in fact, I think that probably breaks some health code rules, as you should see them cleaning it from the person before when busy and or see it was clean prior to water being run in it. Plus, even for someone younger you should be able to sit down with ease. My Dad is 89, still has a full head of hair that is less grey then my own. I apparently didn't get his genes. lol

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  14. It took me a while to recover from reading your post so I could type straight. Been there. It's amazing, and the dead weight experience is something I will never forget.

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  15. That must have been such an ordeal! I took care of my mom (she now resides in long term care) and I have been in your position. She seems like a spitfire and a real trooper. You must have been exhausted especially with the cell phones. they anger me so from all the people who have had problems with them. I have a basic flip phone and glad of it.

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  16. Carole - Thank you so much, Carole!

    Yvonne - My mom's always gone out of her way for me, so I wanted to return the favor. Thanks Yvonne!

    Rhonda - I've heard about the rice trick. When I went to the phone store right afterward, they told me that the phone was already too far gone. Glad your niece's phone survived!

    Sheila - It really is. Thanks Sheila!

    Sue - My mom is the one with the fabulous head of hair! Great line about "Gorgeous' memory book!" I'll be sure to tell her when I see her today. The men in our family also haven't fared as well. Thanks so much, Sue!

    Delores - A warrior indeed! Hahaha!

    Jo - The foot nurse is a much better idea. We'll have to try that next time. Thanks Jo!

    Arleen - That's so nice of you to say, though I wish I had more patience. Thanks Arleen!

    Tamara - It's amazing that your phone survived the washing machine!

    Julie - I know what a huge help you've been to your mom. I hope she's doing well. Thanks Julie

    Liza - I think it's wonderful that you work at a senior center. I know how difficult it must be, and I'm sure that you add so much to the quality of their lives. Those 95 year olds are lucky to have you, Liza! Oh, and your dad was right!

    Alex - I couldn't believe how calm she was! Since, she only has basic phone needs, and has no interest in the Internet, the shop was generous in other ways.

    Julie


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  17. Sandy - Though you're probably right, I was only worried about her getting in position safely. We've been going to the shop for so many years, and I know how clean they keep it. Wow, it's great that your dad still has a full head of hair! Hope he's doing well.

    Lee - I'm sorry if this brought back sad memories for you. I know how much you did for your mom, and I know how much you miss her, Lee.

    Birgit - I hope that your mom is doing well in long term care. There are so many wonderful places out there now, that it really is the best for everyone. My mom is a trooper. Thanks Birgit!

    Julie

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  18. Your mom IS indestructible! I hope I'm half that when I'm her age!

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  19. quite a tale. You are an awesome daughter, and your mother is amazing. Patience is the key. Happy Friday!

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  20. You mom is like an ancient pagan goddess. If I were the pedicurist, I would grovel before her and kiss her feet. Do you think she would bless me?

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  21. Al - I'm sure that you will be. Thanks Al!

    Joanne - I still have a long way to go in acquiring more patience. Thanks Joanne!

    Gorilla - She would definitely bless you! I can't wait to tell her what her new nickname is! I'm not sure about the foot kissing part though. Thanks Gorilla!

    Julie

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  22. So glad she's indestructible and so sorry her phone couldn't say the same... great story, though!

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  23. GEM JULIE ~
    Your Mom is very attractive. No wonder she doesn't like men much: they're probably pestering her all the time.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  24. All's well that ends well, I guess, but it was unfortunate that it happened in the first place.

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  25. Hi Julie - oh dear .. I love the passing comments - well I don't .. but quite understand - your mother looks stunning and so well groomed .. I think I need her advice! Great story and so glad the phone scenario was sorted ... cheers Hilary

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  26. I can only imagine my mother in that situation. She would bitch to holy hell.

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  27. What a nightmare, but your mom is gorgeous - in spirit as well as on the outside. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Julie.

    Hope you have a nice ending to Pesach.

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  28. Hi Julie,

    No need to rub your eyes. Yes, unbelievable, I know. I'm actually here in a virtual sense.

    A hilarious, or is that "hairlarious" post. Nice to know your mum aka "mom" got the phone situation rectified. I still wonder why you folks are allowed phones in your cells! :)

    A lovely weekend to you and yours.

    Gary

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  29. Hi Julie - wow, this was something out of a comedy/horror flick. Not that any part was really funny, just it seemed so unbelievable - my mother would not have remained so calm and cool. I take after her in that department.

    As to the phone, I did have to smile, mine went swimming in my toilet and all I could do was laugh. What other option was there!!

    I'm glad the shop was good to you and your mom. These things do happen, hopefully not a second time though!

    Sent with smiles, Jenny, Pearson Report
    2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
    @PearsonReport

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    1. Jenny - It was pretty much a comedy of horrors. Even the fact that my mom remained so calm sent shivers down my spine! Sorry your phone fell in the toilet. I'm impressed that you were able to laugh about it. Hopefully, the visiting podiatrist will take over from here. Thanks Jenny, and I'll pop in over the weekend.

      Julie

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  30. Kristen - Fortunately, it all worked out in the end. Thanks for the kind words, and for following me, Kristen!

    Stephen - I think she lets them down gently! Hahaha! She'll love when I read this to her later! Thanks Stephen!

    Debra - Well, at least it helped me get through the alphabet!

    Hilary - She'll be happy to offer her advice on grooming to all of us whether we want to hear it or not! I think you're doing fine on your own. Thanks Hilary!

    Ruth - That sounds like the mother I used to know! That means there may be hope for me when I'm an octogenarian! I'm still laughing, Ruth!

    Robyn - Aw, thanks Robyn! My boys are doing a much better job keeping Passover than I am. Hope you've been holding up okay.

    Gary - Quick get the smelling salts! Welcome back my friend! Yes, it was a non-stop "hairlarious" adventure! Hope you're doing well. Have a lovely weekend too, Gary!

    Julie

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  31. I think a large part of her indestructibility is you! She must be an amazing mom to have such a loving daughter. I probably would have given up after the cell phone store ;)

    You can find me here:
    ClarabelleRant

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    1. Clarabelle - That is very sweet of you to say, but she comes from pretty tough stock. Sometimes my mom has had problems with her house phone, so I couldn't leave her stranded without a spare just in case. We were very fortunate that our sister-in-law came through. Thank you, Clarabelle!

      Julie

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  32. Your mum sounds very spirited... like she's from the 'old and unshakeable, strong & steadfast breed'.
    But you and your mom are both 'one-of-a-kind'.
    Both are blessed to have the other! A win-win situation.

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  33. Great post, Julie! Your mom is a very special lady, and she is lucky to have a wonderful, caring daughter like you.

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