Thursday

It’s been a long and difficult day. For Harry, last night was sleepless, so he is in rough shape. I trust he will sleep tonight. He is in Carolyn’s capable and compassionate care for the second night. I came home for rest before a big day tomorrow.

The X ray has been taken at Surrey Place. The Ortho group understands that Harry must get out of Surrey Place. We HOPE the bone is in good shape, and we really hope we get news of that before 10 AM, when the wheelchair van picks Harry up. But in any event, he’s getting out of there.

The house is ready. I am sure there will be things I’ve forgotten, but Roscoe has approved the bed, which is the most important thing!

Roscoe prepares the bed for Harry

We are so overwhelmed. Our dear, kind, generous, beloved Bert Condie has died. I worked for the Condies for ten years, and feel the world is a bit less sweet without Bert. I was very lucky to see him just a few months ago. And, of course, circumstances will prevent us from paying our respects, but Bert is close by in our thoughts, and will always be in our hearts. He was a wonderful horseman, and loved to regale me with stories of his early horse showing. And he always had good horses. He was a bachelor when I first knew him, but he finally found his perfect partner in Karen. Our hearts are broken for Karen and their daughter, Missey. Sad times.

Here, though, with Jane’s help, we readied the house and installed a ramp for the wheelchair. We had to get to it today, because, cold as it was (very), it will be brutally worse tomorrow.

John delivered medical equipment and the ramp works!

Stockings was very sick this morning, when I went into the tack room. Dying sick. I called Marilyn, and she came by, picked him up, and took him to the clinic. The “nine lives” aphorism made me hope maybe there was something to be done, and he could bounce back, but bloodwork gave the bad news, and Marilyn put him to sleep. His kidneys had failed. I continue to be astounded by the kindness of so many friends. Marilyn, first of all, who was sympathetic and competent. Not many vets offer chauffeur service! Jane, of course, who sees me through every tragedy with kind stoicism. Then, Cherie, who talked to me as I drove, sobbing, down Highway N to the medical supply store. I had several breakdowns throughout the day, but finally got back to the “third circle of Hell” to find Harry with his sense of humor bruised but unbowed. We can get through this next 12 hours and on to better days, as long as that sense of humor remains.

Stockings came into our life just two years ago…

Meanwhile, our friend Pat is shocked that we are not pleased with Surrey Place! Life is funny that way. Perception. Pat is a great optimist and finds the best in every situation. We are not as resilient. But Pat is also in a private room in a different wing.

Our glamorous friend, Pat is having a better experience at Surrey Place than we are!

Thanks to everyone for all their offers of help. Better news ahead, I trust…

2 thoughts on “Thursday”

  1. I’m so sorry about Stockings. And such a loss at this particular time. A rough week for you and Harry. I hope times improve when he gets home. I’m up that way 4-5 times a week and I’m glad to bring something up or come over to help. Please let me know.
    Hang in there.

  2. Oh dear what a day! I so sad to hear about your troubles, sending virtual hugs. Grateful to hear about all of your good help, we all should be so lucky to have a dear friend like Jane. Happy to hear that Harry’s sense of humor is not broken and that you will both be at home soon. Looks like a good spot to heal. Rest well.

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