Too funny ( or sad?) not to share.
Thought this was too funny not to share. Or sad. Depends on how you look at it.. 
My FIL has been in a nursing home for 6 months now. He is bed ridden, and they have to use a Hoyer Lift to get him out of bed and into his wheel chair. He has a catheter and is on Oxygen 24/7/ . John's Step Mom has 2 bad hips, walks with a cane, has a sharp tongue and is not afraid to use it. This is all background for the story. A few weeks ago, John and I decided we were going to take Dad for a ride, someway, somehow. Finally located a local company that rents wheelchair assesable vans. Great. Sign us up. Last Saturday was the day. We talked John's older brother and his friend into joining us. His brother has a bad heart, so he is not in the best health himself. No matter-- we were taking Dad on a ride, and we were going to have a good day. We are to meet at the faciltiy at 9:00. John and I pick up the van, get all the particulars on working the lift, and head that way. We park, go in, and there they are, waiting for us. It was 9:04. They wondered if we were still coming. Yes- just running 4 minutes late. We start to load. Jimmy, Eric and Marge in the back bench seat. They each had to ride the lift to get in. I won't even get into that scenerio. FIL was next. Lifted, buckled, he's all set. John and I are in the front. Buckled up and we are off. Oh! Wait! We need a spare bottle of Oxygen. No worries. Back in I go and fetch the oxygen. Ok-- NOW we are ready. It's 10:15 at this point. We drive and we drive. A beautiful fall day. We go down country roads that bring back memories to FIL and he has a brightness about him that we haven't seen for months. Lots of good chatter. Laughing and talking. Heartwarming. John's brother has to go to the bathroom. He took a lasix (sp) right before we left, and he is floating. Ok-- we decide to go by our house, let everyone relieve themselves, and carry on. Got to the house. Had the lift issues again. Played with Max for a while , everyone did what they needed to do-- and we were on our way again. Drive, Drive, talk, talk. Nice. It is getting on around 1:30 by this time. Next question. Is anyone hungry? YEP! What to do? Well, it seems MIL and FIL have already discussed this, and they want to go to Long John Silvers. Are we going in? Getting it to go, and eat at the facilities dining room? No-- let's go through the drive through, and pull into a park and eat in the van. O-K...... Here is where the wheels fall off of the handicap buggy, so to speak. Drive through conversation went something like this: "What does everyone want?" "I'll take a rootbeer. I know that much" "They don't have rootbeer" "Are you sure?" "I'm looking right at the menu" "Ok- give me a coke" "We want one coke" "Make that a diet coke" "Sorry- one diet coke" "Everyone else?" 10 minutes later, drinks are ordered and we have a line behind us. On to entrees. "Nothing fried" ( we are at Long John Silvers remember) "Their cole slaw gives me gas" "Can I get a baked potato here" "Can I change my order" "Tell them no butter on my vegetables" "Tell them to make sure the hush puppies aren't burnt. They are good at burning things here" "I can't decide between the Grilled Talapia and the Shrimp" Above are just a few comments heard as we tried to order. I looked at John, and I thought his head was going to pop off. On to the pickup window. The gal there looked just like John. At this point MIL popped up and said this was their treat. Everyone objected, but they wanted to pay, and it made them feel good about themselves. So sweet. MIL sent a $20 bill up through the crowd. There were 6 of us. No worries. John looked at me and I whispered "Just pay the difference". On to the park. I won't bore you ( if you aren't already) with the "who got what" conversation. However, it does bare mentioning that we had to GO BACK and get vinegar and cocktail sauce. ( right here is where I would put a dead tired emoticon if we had it) Back to the nursing home. Unload. Back to the room. Get all settled in. Hugs, I love you, Kisses. Van back in one piece. Home. Rest. Relax. Fun was had by all. They want to do it again to see the Christmas lights.  |
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| OMG, I am laughing.
For better or worse, that is real life. 
Sounds a lot like a family I know.....
....enjoy the Christmas lights!!!! |
Christmas gift solved?!  |
LOL! What a riot. That's hilarious not sad. Life humbles us.  |
| Yep that funny not sad.
They make comedy skits out of that kind of scenario. It could have been worse. My Aunty took my Gran out for a day trip from the nursing home two weeks ago. They stopped at a mall for lunch. No one is sure what happened but they think Gran might have had some lunch go down the wrong way. She coughed and spluttered and everyone paniced, especially Gran.  Ambulance was called.
Long story short Gran panicked herself into a mild heart attack and spent the next week in hospital. It turned into quite a long day trip I guess.. On a different note, what a great idea you guys had. I bet your FIL is still thinking all about his "day out". |
| My in-laws visited his mother at her assisted living center in another state over the Thanksgiving holidays. They took her out to lunch. When they stopped at a store for something, with my husband's great-grandmother deciding to wait in the car. Minutes later, she decided to get out of the car and fell, breaking her hip.
According to the family, it was all my f-i-l's fault. The worst part, she developed pneumonia and died on Christmas Day. It was years before my f-i-l's sisters would speak to him. |
| Mulligan raced into my room to see why I was cackling so hard! "10 minutes later and the drinks are ordered"!!!! Ahahahaha lol
Good thing they had it all planned out! hooooo hooooo hahahaha |
| My jaw would be numb from clenched teeth, but look at the joy you all had!.......OK, they had. Next time.......and yes do Christmas lights......is plan ahead. Plan your route with a drive by before. You know your pitfalls, plan on bathroom breaks, bring the hot cocoa (yes, they make sugar free) or spiced tea for lactose intolerant. Christmas cookies and other more substantial snacks. Restaurant would be difficult but doable. JUST DON'T DO A BUFFET!
Bless you for such a kind jesture. |
| Great story! In the end you and John did a really nice thing there. I know how tough it can get when you are trying to do something without it getting a little out of hand. My Mom is 92 and the "old" memories are the things that make her smile the most. She still gets around fairly well and really loves being able to spend time with her family.
Now as far as Christmas goes, there is always a chance of a massive power failure.  |
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They are lucky to have such a loving family!! |
You and John sound like a couple we older ones would all love to have in our family God bless you for your kindness  |
| Lori, you sure have a way with words and stories!! I can picture everything so vividly from your description.
There's a special place in heaven reserved for you and John! I'm sure your FIL enjoyed his day out immensely. |
| I found it a sweet story about family who cares about family - and treating it as a "no big deal" makes it even sweeter. I love kind stories like this on how we treat one another. If I were retired I'd spend my days like this. Kudos to you for making your fil's day a good one. |
| That was both funny and heart-warming. How wonderful you are for doing all that.
Next time plan everything meticulously... and everyone will look forward to seeing the Christmas lights- including you! |
| Yes-- we visited yesterday... They are all excited about the next "trip".
I agree with all of you that have said to "plan-plan'plan" and be prepared with snacks and drinks. I think an ADULT beverage may find it's way into my cup. Wouldn't want to miss out on the Christmas "spirit" |
Abuckie wrote: I think an ADULT beverage may find it's way into my cup. Wouldn't want to miss out on the Christmas "spirit"
Good idea.  |
| as the story started I was expecting a hoyer lift incident or something of that nature. Drive through Much better! You 2 are saints for putting this together.
Next time KFC or a picnic basket. Dont be giving them as many options....LOL thanks for the laugh! |
| sorry --double post--broken finger! |
| OMG - Are we related?
Its a very funny story becaus ealmost all of us have been there. The rest of you - be prepared 
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kerry wrote: OMG - Are we related?
Its a very funny story becaus ealmost all of us have been there. The rest of you - be prepared LOL-- YES-- be prepared |
Abuckie wrote: Yes-- we visited yesterday... They are all excited about the next "trip".
I agree with all of you that have said to "plan-plan'plan" and be prepared with snacks and drinks. I think an ADULT beverage may find it's way into my cup. Wouldn't want to miss out on the Christmas "spirit" We should call you "Saint Lori" My goodness, the things you put up with...... Thanks for sharing, though. I know when I see a new post from you I will be sure to laugh. |
| I think this is a wonderful story, one that your dad is not soon to forget ( and that you will be able to look back years from now and realize just how special this day was for all involved ). This was your maiden voyage, Christmas should be smoother. What about a sitdown dinner at a restaurant before looking at the lights that way everyone could order from the menu, and potty before setting out to see the lights? Or maybe a fix ahead meal that you could have waiting at home and spend some time there just visiting before setting out???
I'll bet dad was the envy of the home for days....what a great thing you guys did..........Kathy |
Chauncey wrote: I think this is a wonderful story, one that your dad is not soon to forget ( and that you will be able to look back years from now and realize just how special this day was for all involved ). This was your maiden voyage, Christmas should be smoother. What about a sitdown dinner at a restaurant before looking at the lights that way everyone could order from the menu, and potty before setting out to see the lights? Or maybe a fix ahead meal that you could have waiting at home and spend some time there just visiting before setting out???
I'll bet dad was the envy of the home for days....what a great thing you guys did..........Kathy Yep-- we already have a "party" planned. Last year, when FIL was still at home, John made a ramp to get him into our house. We are going to pick them all up again the Saturday before Christmas, come back here to our house, eat, and then go look at the lights. We will pack cookies, coffee and other treats for our little jaunt. As far as Saint Lori goes-- umm, I don't think so.... you should hear what I say / think about the rest of John's family that won't come and see his Dad. NO Saint here  |
| I thought of your story a few days ago and used it to cheer my sister. She has been the care giver for her husband and my mother until her passing last week.
The night before Mom's funeral Sis was in the dumps, so I jumped on the forum and proceeded to read your story to her. I knew she had been through a few of those outings and would dearly enjoy knowing she was not alone. All I can say is thanks for sharing, you made my sister very happy. I haven't heard her laugh that hard in a long while. |
Sheepdogma wrote: I thought of your story a few days ago and used it to cheer my sister. She has been the care giver for her husband and my mother until her passing last week.
The night before Mom's funeral Sis was in the dumps, so I jumped on the forum and proceeded to read your story to her. I knew she had been through a few of those outings and would dearly enjoy knowing she was not alone. All I can say is thanks for sharing, you made my sister very happy. I haven't heard her laugh that hard in a long while. I'm very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing
I'm glad your sister saw the humor in the story. As loved ones age, the only thing we can do is try to laugh when we can, and make life as pleasant for them as possible. Not always easy, and it may be a different life than we once knew, but the memories continue none the less.
Hugs to you and your family. |
| That's a great story! You have to find it funny, otherwise you'll go crazy! Good luck with Christmas! |
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