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Someone recently said my blog reads like a fairytale. I thought about that for a long time and decided it kind of should...no one wants to hear about the bummers that interrupt the inspirations. But of course, they exist. Life isn't perfect in our house and certainly not in the studio. Since the daily creative scene rotates on the axis of reality, here is an update on what I'm really doing.

Last Saturday morning, my bride and groom-to-be were sleeping in after a late night arrival for a blissful weekend of wedding planning. The phone rang really early and I jumped to get it so it wouldn't wake them. I recognized caller ID as my mom so responded with a chirpy, Hi, what's up? This is the ..... Police Department. Your mother fell out of bed and hit her head, but was able to use her panic button. An ambulance is on the way and you might want to come over here.

Fast forward to early afternoon at the ER, she's released, okay-ish, nothing broken, but a whopper bump on the head (and nasty black eyes to follow). Shaken up and sore for the next few days, back to baby steps again without much interest in the usual.

Yesterday we played Beauty Shop, Dress-Ups and went out to our favorite spot for lunch. She looked like a fashion plate from the 60's. Big sunglasses, black straw hat and pink lipstick. The day was actually fun- like we'd climbed some kind of jungle gym together, sitting on top, swinging our legs and watching the other kids play tag. Reliving the spill, she said that she was on the floor trying to figure out how she got there. And how to get up. The cat was still up on the bed, perched at the edge, looking down at her. Meowing like crazy. Mom's response to her beloved Sassy: What the hell are you looking at? Get off your poof and call 911!

Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. We've got plenty of that and by the way, thank heavens for the panic button she wears and the medical alert system. It worked exactly how it's supposed to except that after the police, they called my brother and cousin in Missouri. The ambulance crew head told me to make up a sheet to keep by the door with her name, numbers, weight, allergies and meds. A Grab and Go sheet.... makes sense.

 

******

 

Last night Andy and I went down to the park late, late to watch Maggie play her first softball game with the newly formed company team (advertising). I always loved being on the sidelines of my kids' sports events. Never missed one if I could help it and thought the evening would be like those days when she was a little league kid again. Almost- except that along with James, we were the only spectators on the only bleachers, over by the Visitors (town tavern). In place of warmups and coaching tips, everyone on the opposing team bench was smoking, cussing and admiring each other's tattoos. And whacking the ball out of the park every single at-bat. In the midst of their third or fourth grand slam, the 30-something power hitter stopped on second and hollered at his teammates- I CAAAAAAAN'T RUUUUUUUN!

 

The 40-something pitcher turned, limped a few steps to pick up another short throw and yelled back- Beats sitting on the couch watching American Idol!

 

Yeah, it definitely does. And BTW, everyone on the field needs to go straight home and make their own Grab and Go sheets.

Comments

[Kim]

A grab and go sheet. What a perfect suggestion! I'm glad your mom is OK.

[Colleen]

I love that idea and will be doing that for both my mother and mother in law. I signed both of them up for the alert system and my MIL has used it a number of times. The firemen know her and her history now and they know to look for the lockbox to get in. Thank goodness for the button!!

[meleen dupré]

charlotte,

glad to hear your mom is feeling better, and i love the sheet idea....will have to pass that along to my parents. enjoy your family time!

meleen

[Jeannie]

Our local hospital has a program where you are given a form to fill out and small container to put it in and keep in the freezer, along with a decal for your fridge door. It has all the important info and the community knows to look there. Glad your Mom is feeling better and isn't it fun to see the diverse groups that still like to play!

[Peggy]

Great idea - I just made one for my Mom who is 85 and lives with me.
Loved what your Mom said to kitty - get off your poof! Glad she's feeling better.

[Kelly Henderson]

Oh Charlotte, there isn't anything that makes your heart leap out of your chest like one of those phonecalls... I've had my share the past few years too. I'm so glad your Mom is on the mend.

And I think it's perfectly Okay to let people know some of the down side. It's all a part of living a creative life, in my opinion. Life never gets perfect, but amidst it all, creative types still manage to create. And those "human interesty" blogs are the ones I love to read. I feel less alone on my creative journey when I see others with similiar struggles making the best of things.

Love,
Kelly

Kelly

[judy]

Thank you for sharing that.

I needed the 'inspiration' to get a sheet like that made for my dad.

[Alison Gibbs]

Great idea with the Grab and Go sheet. Hope your Mom is doing ok.
Thanks for a peek into your 'real life'. Sounds just like the rest of us.
Alison

[Calamity Anne]

My mom has had several trips to the ER by ambulance, and in all the stress of the moment it would have helped things tremendously if we had a 'Grab and Go' sheet. Great idea...it's getting implemented TODAY!!! Thanks!!!

[Gabriela Delworth]

Hello Charlotte,

Glad to hear your Mom is doing better.

~ Gabriela ~

[pam]

Wooo that's scary, glad your mom is ok. Talk about get your blood pumping.xo

[Troy Louise]

So glad your Mother is doing okay. We do need that reminder once in a while that laughter is the best medicine. Thanks for the tips about the Grab & Go list.

[Debby Schuh]

You really gave me a good laugh! Thanks!

[Donna]

Glad your Mom is on the mend. The Grab and Go List is a good idea for everyone in the house not just the elderly. I recently had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and had to call an ambulance. Would have been nice to hand the EMTs a prepared list of meds, phone numbers, specialists, etc. Now I know what I should do this weekend! Ugh!

[kana conger]

Love the softball story....although the younger yrs with your kids were probably more enjoyable! Hope your mom is better soon.

[Mary Ann/Ca]

So glad to hear your Mom is better, what a scare for you all.

I have had similiar experince going to watch my son play softball...he's in the over 30 league these days but it was great fun to take the niece and nephew and the dog and cheer him on, he was laughing so hard he couldn't run either!

[Jean]

My you have had a busy time. I'm sure that your mom enjoyed the time together, but it would have been sooo much nicer if she hadn't had the spill! Silly cat! That is exactly what our cat was like... whatcha doing down there?
Laughter sure helps! Hope the bruises heal quickly!