I Had Done A Dr. Who

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN THE GROUP TO ACCESS ITS GALLERY, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF WHICH CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE BY SCROLLING DOWN AND CHECKING BOX AT BOTTOM RIGHT. FURTHER ENLARGEMENT CAN BE OBTAINED WITH A CLICK OR TWO
Mum has been in Southampton General Hospital for the last few days, having rather deteriorated since her birthday. She has responded well to treatment but will need an advanced care plan before she can return home. Jackie drove Elizabeth and me over for a visit. Our mother certainly looked much better for her stay, but remains frail. A very pleasant doctor called Rebecca discussed all this with us, indicating that Mum would not be sent home without proper care being in place. Elizabeth and I will visit again tomorrow to discuss this with the team.

Even gaining access to the hospital was an advanced obstacle course. There are three car parks in the grounds; two were full; allegedly there were spaces in the third, multi-story facility. We joined a queue for this. Having withdrawn a timed ticket from the machine, one vehicle at a time was allowed to pass the barrier. When it became our turn, the machine informed us that this park was now full. We then had to wait until someone somewhere had departed. Thinking that Sod’s law would determine that if I began to change my camera lens we would start moving, I began the process. We started moving.

We found ourselves in a packed ground floor level. Having wriggled past other vehicles we made it into daylight. Then began the trek along streets, across crossings, past numerous buildings and into the building, more like a shopping mall,  where our mother would be found in Ward 5 on the sixth floor. As I stood in the cramped lift, I prayed that the crush of my fellow passengers would manage to keep me upright,
Fortunately Elizabeth knew exactly where to find ward G5, and a chirpy looking parent who already had Rob and Helen in attendance.
Having delightedly devoured a slice of fruit cake Elizabeth had brought, Mum was ready for a rest when we left.
A little confusion arose when we departed the lift. Jackie and Elizabeth disembarked at level C.  I didn’t manage to make my escape and continued on down to B. I left the lift and asked a staff member where the stairs were. She pointed out the lift, which was behind me. Well, it would be. I’d just got out of it. I said “I’m not going in another one of those”. She directed me to the stairs.
Meanwhile, my two ladies waited on level C for the lift to return. They stood with a welcoming smile as the elevator opened. Out stepped a beautiful young woman. They thought I had done a Dr. Who.
Jackie then drove us on to West End to collect clothing and spectacles for Mum for tomorrow.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s sublime sausage casserole, creamy mashed potato, butternut squash, carrot batons, and firm Brussels sprouts. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden while Elizabeth and I finished the Morador.
 

0 comments

  3. Sorry to hear about your mom, and the stress of parking and visiting the hospital. Your Dr. Who comment was amusing and clever. I’m sure you all appreciated Jackie’s cooking once you got back home.

    Reply

  8. Your experience in the car park read like science fiction. Come to think of it, it is science fiction for the folks who inhabited the planet in 18th Century and earlier beyond. The ‘Dr Who’ part is hilarious.

    Reply

  10. Been there, done that, Derrick, and I don’t mean the Dr Who trick, but caring for an elderly parent and making decisions and arrangements for home care. Speedy recovery and best luck for your mother! Will keep her in my prayers.

    Reply

  14. Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum. 🙁 I send healing thoughts, best wishes, prayers, and hugs to her. I hope she is able to go home soon.
    I, also, pray for you, Jackie, and Elizabeth. It can be difficult for the family when a loved one, especially a beloved mum, is hurting.
    You doing a Dr. Who made me snort-laugh! 😀
    (((HUGS)))

    Reply

  18. I was excited to read recently that your mum could continue to be independent. I hope her spirits are not too dashed that she will need more help now.
    She sure has a lot of love about her–

    Reply

  19. Quite the obstacle course … but it sounds as if your Mum is going to be well supported. Hopefully tomorrow’s visit will be a lot easier and less surprising!

    Reply

  22. Mum in hospital is tough, as is negotiating those parking lots. I have experienced both and I sympathize heartily. I love your mum from her pictures and your posts of her. Do hope she is comfortable and calm.

    Reply

  23. I hope your mum gets to enjoy her home for a good while. Mine just passed at age 98 in Sydney AU. My sister was there with her. She had a rich and colorful life.

    Reply

Leave a Reply