Although I had just about decided to take a trip home to visit with Mom and Dad, since I hadn't seen them in just about three weeks, my decision was made easier (or harder) when I received a phone call from the Manor on Thursday telling me that Dad has fainted in the dining area and was being taken to the hospital for a check-up.  I had to make some "hurry up" phone calls to my brother, Paul, to see if he could be there to assist with getting info about Dad (he did go, as did my SIL, Lisa, wife of my other brother, Rick).

As it turned out, a diagnosis of exactly why he fainted couldn't be found, but it was determined after tests that his lungs were clear and the CAT scan showed only previous TIA's (mini-strokes), so he was OK in that regard.  He did have a slight temp (100 degrees) and a high WBC count (white blood cells), which indicates an infection--which turned out to be another bladder infection.  He also had a slight bronchial wheeze for which he was given a so-called "breathing" treatment.

I visited with Dad on my way in to Lockport, just to make sure that all was OK.  The nurse was wonderful, explaining everything that was found and what they were doing to help Dad.  She also indicated that she would call me immediately if there were changes.  That relived my mind a whole lot.

On Saturday, my sister Sandie and her family (hubby, Todd, and son, Ben) visited with Dad at the hospital, and I made a point of being there while they visited.  By this time, Dad was up in a wheelchair, not doing much of anything, but at least, he was out of bed.  He looked OK, but he wasn't very responsive.  Today, when I visited, he was about the same--slight temp, added cough, non-responsive (he knew me, but he just "didn't feel like talking"), and was to remain in the hospital AT LEAST one more night.  I'll find out more tomorrow.

During my stay there, of course, I also visited with Mom.  Unfortunately, when tending to Dad, my visits with Mom are cut rather short, but I least I do get to see her, and it provides her with additional stimulation--she is almost always alone, so stimulation of the mental variety is really important in her life.

While in Lockport, as you probably guessed, eating out was a special treat.  I had been trying to take Ty and Rett to a place called Politz that they really like--and so do I; however, their schedule is rather haphazard due to a family illness, so we had to keep on trying--we were successful on Friday, and really enjoyed the meal.  I also had a chance to chat with several friends of old, including a teaching colleague.  That was an added bonus.

On Saturday morning, Randi and I went to Houma to have breakfast at Shoney's, but our plans changed after we found out that Sandie and crew would be in town.  We decided instead (because we were unsure of the time frame at Shoney's) to have breakfast at IHOP--YUMMY.  Yes, Uncle Josh--she got the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n Frooty thing--and at it all.  I wasn't as daring this time--just got a regular bacon/eggs type breakfast which was delicious.

While I was there, Bec and Lane boiled some crabs and invited me there for supper, but it was so hot, I just decided to stay at Jess' house and enjoy the coolness of the a/c.  They did send some of the crabs and the fixin's back with me, though, and we really enjoyed that--just steamed everything to the right temp and it was delicious.  Lane was also doing some BBQ today and sent along some for Sid--I don't eat BBQ, but Lane offered to fix some for me w/out the BBQ sauce.  I declined, but was genuinely pleased.

Jess made a shrimp/okra gumbo and sent some of that home with me, so we'll have that tomorrow.  This is the first gumbo made with our own, home-grown okra--and I just know it will be delicious.

After visiting with Dad today, I headed back here.  I arrived at the Cottage about 2 hours and 5 minutes after leaving the hospital area--a new record for me.  Traffic was very sparse, so I was able to make really good time, and I didn't have to stop for anything once I got on my way.

Sid begins his first full week with his students tomorrow.  He said that the first meeting with the kids was good and he is looking forward to a good year.  The kids at home seemed excited about the start of the year.  I even got to see Ryan and Ashton this trip, and I was thrilled with that.  Of course, I managed to see Cade and Carly, too, but those kids have a calendar that is always full--visiting this one and that one, going to parties, sleep-overs, etc.  Glad I saw them for a little while at least.  Unfortunately, I missed seeing Emma and Jack this time, but I did get to see their Dad for a few minutes on my trip into town.

So, did I have a busy few days--or what?  It was fun, though, and even though I am tired, I always enjoy seeing my family.  I also got to see Rick and Paul for a little while this time, so I actually saw ALL of my siblings on this trip  Yay!

Have a great evening and a wonderful week!  Please keep Dad in your prayers--and Mom, too, of course.

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "You can come out of the furnace of trouble two ways:  if you let it consume you, you come out a cinder; but there is a kind of metal which refuses to be consumed, and comes out a star."

                                                                      --Jean Church

NOTE:  The next time a problem arises, think of it as a call for you to let more light out.  It's only reason for occurring is so that you might shine--and what's so bad about that?  Always let your light shine brightly!