So I have to prepare a story about courage for a story slam. This may or may not be it.
I think my Mom is one of the most courageous people I know. She had 5 kids all under the age of 10, and was pregnant with her 6th when my Army helicopter Dad died in a crash. Along with my Nana, she raised six pretty terrific kids (I can say that, I’m the middle child).The problem arises when she mixes her courage with a bit of the crazy.
As you may know, she is a big help to me in my caregiving duties. She is a nurse and was
often called upon to help me with nonagenarians. She is in charge of all the meds for my brother-in-law. So this lady has got it together.
She gives great advice, except to herself. A few years ago, my mom and my brother Chip, decided to take a trip to Canada. My Mom has had a cabin there since 1972. It’s very rustic. The cabin is nestled next to a little lake. Years ago, my Mom and stepfather, and any other rustic thinking person, would go there all summer long for fishing, wildlife, nature, no electricity, no running water. The kind of place I would not set foot in.
For the past 5 years or so, my Mom goes only occasionally. She still manages to find people who actually want to go there, but the boat dock is rotted, the trail to the lake is overgrown with weeds, she no longer has a garden the size of the Louvre, and so it’s just a short trip for a few days with those escaping technology or their spouses.
This time Mom and Chip went to check out the new floor that my brothers and brother-in-law had installed. They drove 8 hours from home. They were there approximately 45 minutes, when my Mom tripped on the lip created by the new floor and promptly broke her arm. See, she knew she broke it because she’s a nurse. That and the crack that sounded the minute she hit the floor.
My mother insisted that my brother get back in the car and drive her home 8 hours with that throbbing arm and nasty seat belt, so that she could go to a hospital near home. Now as the one who was probably going to be her temporary caregiver, that was great for me. As someone who tests the limits of courage and common sense. this 83 year old grandmother should have had some sense knocked into her before she hit the floor.
Courage or Crazy…………you be the judge. In any case………..
By the way…that picture IS the actual cabin. I made my Mom email it to me….THAT is the next story!
“You just have to Laugh………..”
Cathy Sikorski ©2014
My mom is the same blend of courage, strong-will, and humor. We are so lucky to have people like this to show us how to age fearlessly.
I know…what’s so interesting is they don’t know it!
The cabin looks like a charming cottage to me. If I have the courage and mobility to stay in a place like that in my 80s, I will be one happy camper. I will remember to watch my step. My hat’s off to your mom.
Thanks, she’s a pretty amazing lady….I’m hoping for good genes!
Wow, what an amazing lady. Great story.
She sure is……
I see the cabinet picture, looks nice…
Now for your Mom, she’s both Courage’s and Crazy smiles!!!
I’m looking forward to your next story on the cabin. From looking at the picture of the cabin. With a little water, a ground septic and power utility. Whoaoooooooo look out. That would be a great second summer home!!!
Love your writings Cathy!! smiles!!!
After more than 40 years, she is selling the cabin, Jerome….since I’m not an outdoorsy type, it’s okay with me but I know some of my family will miss the simplicity!
Cathy Dear,
To your Mom, from one nurse to another… boy do I wish I had done that when I fell and broke 4 bones in NJ. The pain was horrific, but the care received and work done in that hospital (and the surgery), would have made it worth the trip. Would think of it next time!
But as always, you made me laugh!!!
Oh you nurses….so brave all the time……… Thanks for reading and commenting, Beth. Always love to hear your thoughts!
Your mother is one heck of a lady to endure an 8 hour ride with a broken arm! Wow…she deserves a LOT of TLC!
My Mom is one heck of a lady…….I try to give her her due with the TLC…but you know how mothers and daughters can get on each other’s nerve sometimes. I’m trying harder, I promise.
Oh boy! Do I ever!!
Right?
Seems to me that the nut didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to courage
Only you would know that!
MAJOR TEARS
Sent from my iPad
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I don’t see the cabin, I see the Phillies Phanatic! Was he in the cabin?
Sorry you don’t see the cabin….It’s at the top of the post, but sometimes other media won’t show it! But you’ve seen it in person, so there’s that. And yes, she keeps the Phanatic in there on rainy days!