Ok, maybe our care-giving network isn't so big, but J and I have secured a reliable, caring network of friends who always help when it matters most, so today, I dedicate this post to them.
My husband and I are about to leave for a four (or five) day trip to see my maternal aunt and family in Maryland. We decided to take only one trip this summer because we wanted to invest in a few projects around the house. That left us with a choice; visit family that we love but see only once or twice a year, or head to the shore.
family picture from last year's visit (May 2010)
We chose family. See, visiting family brings quite a few perks with it. Not only do I adore my aunt, uncle, and cousins, but they pamper us when we visit. My aunt makes nice family dinners every evening, ensures that we have quiet, comfortable privacy in a guest room, and is all around accommodating. She'd make a great B&B host!
Annapolis (May 2010)
They also live relatively close to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, which means there are myriad possibilities for tourism and entertainment. Last year, we visited the Naval Academy and surrounding shops in Annapolis as well as the National Zoo. Though neither of us was thrilled with riding the metro, we really enjoyed ourselves. This year, we plan to go to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Library of Congress, and the National Aquarium and Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
Lisa and Sarah - Bridesmaids in my wedding (October 2009)
So while J and I are on a much deserved holiday, our friends have agreed to pitch in and help us. Not only are our good friends Mike and Lisa (you might remember them from this post) watching our largest dog Fenris for us, but Lisa has agreed to be a contact for mom in case she needs anything while we're gone. My good friend Sarah, whose wedding is in just two weeks, has also agreed to serve as a contact. Mom and Dad can manage without us for a few days, but it's comforting for both them and us to know they can reach out to someone nearby when they need to.
I'm fortunate to have such good friends, and I only hope I can show them just how much I appreciate all they are and all they do. They've embraced my family as part of our friendship, and that is a gift beyond measure.
Even though my husband is not the most social of people -he'd rather read a book than go out- he has many friends, some of whom he's known since high school. When my husband and I started dating seriously, I was fortunate enough to meet some of these people, and I now call many of them my friends, too.
One of his friends is nicknamed Meatball. I always forget how funny this nickname is to others until I use it, and someone giggles. I know his real name, but Meatball is how I was introduced to him, and it's what I'll call him.
Lately, Meatball has stopped by our place just to chat, or to refer us to folks who can trim trees or provide other house related services. He's been in the contracting and maintenance business for a very long time, so in addition to being a great friend, he's a great resource.
Yesterday afternoon I was sitting at my laptop doing some work and reading some of my favorite online papers and blogs when I hear a timid knock on my office door. I thought this was odd, as my door is usually open to family. When I opened it, I saw dad peeking in.
Me: What's up, dad?
Dad: Your friend is here?
Me: What friend? (trying to imagine who'd be stopping by at that time of day)
Dad: You know, that short guy. Me: Huh?
Dad: Spaghetti!
Me: ...(quizzical look)
Dad: Whatever you call him! Spaghetti?
Me: Oh! Meatball! Ok, thanks dad.
Dad: Yeah, Meatball. Whatever.
Considering my previous post about M and L, and this one about "Spaghetti," I'm going to have to stop letting dad answer the door. On second thought, it does make for some rather amusing posts, so maybe I'll just sit back, watch my dad try to figure us all out, and giggle at my friends' bewildered looks.
My father is nearly deaf. In my introductory post I mentioned that he recently got a hearing aid. Even though it helps a little, dad still has a difficult time hearing. I always make sure he is looking at me when I speak. Sometimes, he'll even mute the television so he can hear me (but that's a post for another day).
I took a nap this evening because I haven't been feeling well. While I was sleeping, our friends stopped by. Unfortunately, I missed their visit. Upon waking, I went to the kitchen to eat and check on mom (she had been to the doctor today and I wasn't able to go with her). While sitting at the table discussing the doctor's orders, dad entered to tell me my friends were here. The conversation went like this:
Dad: Some of your friends were here knocking at the door. Me: Did you answer it? (Sometimes he won't) Dad: Well, I went out, but they were already walking away. Me: Ok. Yeah, they did text me (checking my phone). Thanks. Dad: They said maybe you were sleeping and they were calling you on the phone. Me: It was M and L. Dad: The one guy looked like that guy you hang out with. Me: Yeah, it was M and L. Dad: No, it didn't look like M. Me: But it was M. His wife texted saying they were here. Dad: But it didn't look like him. I don't think it was M. Me: Yes it was. Look! They sent me a message! Dad: Well, it didn't look like him. Me: He cut his hair and shaved, dad. It was M. Dad: It still didn't look like him. Mom: Jack (that's my dad's name), it was M and L! Dad: Well, it didn't look like him, and I don't think it was him. Me: (rolling my eyes) Ok! I'm going back to bed.
