Visit From My Son

Twenty Days Post Surgery - Monday

My son and his family have come to visit. They arrived on Saturday afternoon. We have eight people living in a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house at the moment. It’s actually working out very well. The three girls set up their bedroom in Randy’s den, Joshua and Maisie are sleeping in the guest bedroom and Garner has claimed the reclining leather sofa as his own.

So much happening. Everybody wanted to see them, so we initially decided to get together after having our pictures taken on Sunday afternoon, but Randy’s mom had a terrible bout with something in her colon and wound up in the hospital Saturday night. Change of plans – meet at Darla’s house on Monday for finger foods and conversation.

Darla took beautiful pictures of the family (minus Randy’s mom, but plus Randy’s dad) at the Casas Adobes Plaza on Sunday morning as planned. It was the first time since we lived in Boise that we were all together and I had to have a picture of the event. Oh my goodness how we’ve all grown. Amy spent the day with us, but has to work the rest of the week.

Today, Randy took the new Jeep out to do some 4-wheeling with Joshua, Garner, and Josie while I went shopping with Maisie, Sadie, and Marika. Phone call from Darla and the plans changed yet again. Mom got out of the hospital and wanted to see everyone, so we all met at Darla’s house for munchies and conversation. Mom looked tired, but I gave out first and went home about 7. It was Sadie’s birthday, so we celebrated with a cake. Yummy.

Unfortunately, the surgical center bill came in the mailbox today. Oh my holy God! Really! I arrived at the surgical center at 8:00, surgery was at 10:00, and I left there at 2:00. I don’t remember how I got my clothes on. I do remember a trick with applesauce about swallowing pills (awesome trick, by the way) and drinking some water. I was pushed out to my car, still kind of in na-na land and home we went. For the privilege of using the facility, they charged my insurance company $17,326.00. My insurance company paid them $3,297.74. I paid them, upon arrival, $311.40. And now they are saying I still owe them $787.66. I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago and was in the hospital for 3 days with nursing care and drugs and the whole smear and I only had to pay $750.00 out of pocket. My doctor talked me into this surgery center by saying it had a lower infection rate (hell, you don’t stay there long enough to get a germ of any kind) and that it was cheaper. I will never go this route again! Word to the wise, ask a lot of questions before you decide to use a surgical center.

So, I was tired because of the day of shopping and stressed because of the bill. Needless to say, I was a little bitchy to everyone. I am, however, so grateful to be able to spend time with my family and I need to express that more often. Deep breathing might help.

Joshua is getting his mother/son tattoo on Wednesday and they are leaving on Thursday afternoon. Randy goes back to work tomorrow morning. I will get my tattoo to match Joshua’s after all my surgeries, so it will probably be much later in the year.

It’s been a stressful, wonderful time so far. There will be more stress and more wonderfulness and I will remember how important it is to enjoy my grandchildren while they are young. After they leave, I will be tired and a little cranky with a smile on my face and love in my heart.