Success

Well, the cardiac catheterization went well today. They started about 8 a.m. and he didn't reappear until almost 2:00, but it wasn't because anything went wrong. They were just keeping an eye on him. He did have some bleeding from the site when he stood up to use the little boy's room, but his (excellent) nurse quickly got it under control. He was in a lot of pain when he got back to the room--not from the incision, though. From his chest. He couldn't have more morphine yet, but the nurse gave him dilaudid. He soon fell asleep, snoring loudly, but then he'd wake up and crack a joke and promptly fall right back to sleep. At least he's in good spirits! I don't know how much of that is chemically induced! but, hey ... we'll take it! No, but seriously, his joking around is a good sign. He only stops goofing off with people when he is REALLY ill. During past "events," I've felt myself relax when he started joking again because I knew then that he was on the mend.

I've been having some good times with Ruth! I'm actually REALLY surprised. I think ... she actually likes me! I mentioned that to Jason today, and he said (and I paraphrase), "Duh." No, what he said was, "You are your own harshest critic." I guess maybe, after all the "work" I've done with Dr. Warren, that I am finally able to recognize love and admiration?? I don't know. This feels SO different from past times with her that I'm tempted to think she has changed. But chances are ... I'm the one who has changed.

She just about blew me out of the water yesterday. She told me that she has to keep working until November, when her full retirement kicks in, but then she wants to move back here to be near her son and her grandkids and to help out with them. I could have cried! But, being a dignified woman (Hah!), I didn't. I just said, "That would be really great!"

If she does move back here, though, I'm going to have to learn to enjoy conversations about lavender and cooking and lavender and decorating and lavender and ... did I mention lavender?? I like to have conversations about books, about politics, about sticky issues of faith and religion, things like that. Ruth would really rather not talk about politics or the news. While I have no doubt that her faith is completely genuine, she doesn't seem to wrestle around with tough issues. It just ... is. And we're not interested in the same kinds of books. And as far as cooking goes, if I could somehow avoid having to do it ever again, I'd be a happy camper. She does it for FUN! And the whole lavender obsession ... I mean, I like the stuff. I do. But this woman is completely head over heels in love with the stuff!! She grows several varieties, reads about it, cooks with it, visits lavender festivals, talks about it, talks about it, and ... talks about it. But, you know? I realized this week that she really loves her son and her grandkids (and maybe even me?!?), and ultimately that's all that really matters. And who knows? If she moves this way, maybe she'll teach me to make her scrumptious lavender cake. . .