JE Day 1
Greetings from sunny California!
Today begins my first of seven days here with Chester. It started early - getting up at 5 am Central Time (that's 3 am PT for those of you keeping track at home) to get on a 6:50 am flight. Apart from some sleeping and reading, I spent some time being thoughtful and preparing myself for my visit. My focus was to be curious about what I would experience, as well as a strong decision to do my best to blend in with the schedule(s) going on here. These folks have been doing this for some time, and while I may make a suggestion here and there, basically I'm going to shut up and do as I'm told/asked. ;-) Believe me - it's good for me.
Marilyn picked me up at SFO and whisked me Healthy Chester Central, aka Chester's apartment. I found a very pleasing building with bright colors, which only continued entering Chester's apartment. Nice main, multi-function room (bedroom, living room, office, kitchen & dining room) as well as 'guest' room, closet and bathroom. It's a pretty comfortable space, and I'm impressed with how well appointed it is.
I greeted Chester with a hug and just held his hand while we talked. We realized it's been four years since we've laid eyes on each other (far too long) and yet, as always, time makes no difference. And while Chester looks different than the last time I saw him, and his speech is a bit halting, I found immediately it made no difference. They are the same eyes, same hand movements, same grace, and same man inside.
I met Chrys who was preparing for some time with the rest of her life while I'm here for the week. She gave me a tour of the most important caregiving duties, knowing that Chester will fill me in on anything I don't remember. Marilyn took off, and I took Chrys to the BART after she walked me through hooking up Chester's intravenous antibiotic. A little bit more complicated than giving a cat subcutaneous fluids, and very doable. Chrys's organization with the written instructions was a great backup.
Chester and I called ahead then went to pick up a boatload of sushi. I love sushi. I eat sushi in Madison, Wisconsin. It's different out here. The song "I'm in Heaven" kept going through my mind-- especially their "Rock 'n Roll" - how amazing! Joe stopped by during dinner for a nice visit. Chester and I handled some schedule change stuff for the week and some other logistics, then had some good time talking. Then the evening routine and bed. He's on the other side of the wall against which I'm leaning now sawing logs. That tree doesn't stand a chance. ;-)
All for now: the alarm is set for 3:30 so I can get up to prepare another antibiotic IV, which happens every 12 hours. More tomorrow.
Today begins my first of seven days here with Chester. It started early - getting up at 5 am Central Time (that's 3 am PT for those of you keeping track at home) to get on a 6:50 am flight. Apart from some sleeping and reading, I spent some time being thoughtful and preparing myself for my visit. My focus was to be curious about what I would experience, as well as a strong decision to do my best to blend in with the schedule(s) going on here. These folks have been doing this for some time, and while I may make a suggestion here and there, basically I'm going to shut up and do as I'm told/asked. ;-) Believe me - it's good for me.
Marilyn picked me up at SFO and whisked me Healthy Chester Central, aka Chester's apartment. I found a very pleasing building with bright colors, which only continued entering Chester's apartment. Nice main, multi-function room (bedroom, living room, office, kitchen & dining room) as well as 'guest' room, closet and bathroom. It's a pretty comfortable space, and I'm impressed with how well appointed it is.
I greeted Chester with a hug and just held his hand while we talked. We realized it's been four years since we've laid eyes on each other (far too long) and yet, as always, time makes no difference. And while Chester looks different than the last time I saw him, and his speech is a bit halting, I found immediately it made no difference. They are the same eyes, same hand movements, same grace, and same man inside.
I met Chrys who was preparing for some time with the rest of her life while I'm here for the week. She gave me a tour of the most important caregiving duties, knowing that Chester will fill me in on anything I don't remember. Marilyn took off, and I took Chrys to the BART after she walked me through hooking up Chester's intravenous antibiotic. A little bit more complicated than giving a cat subcutaneous fluids, and very doable. Chrys's organization with the written instructions was a great backup.
Chester and I called ahead then went to pick up a boatload of sushi. I love sushi. I eat sushi in Madison, Wisconsin. It's different out here. The song "I'm in Heaven" kept going through my mind-- especially their "Rock 'n Roll" - how amazing! Joe stopped by during dinner for a nice visit. Chester and I handled some schedule change stuff for the week and some other logistics, then had some good time talking. Then the evening routine and bed. He's on the other side of the wall against which I'm leaning now sawing logs. That tree doesn't stand a chance. ;-)
All for now: the alarm is set for 3:30 so I can get up to prepare another antibiotic IV, which happens every 12 hours. More tomorrow.
posted by Jay Edgar at 10:33 PM
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