A mixed bag this week with its inevitable highs and lows.
Accidently catching the tail end of the local Memorial Day parade waving to pedestrians with a backdrop of Joe's giggles.
Hearing the crushing news of Papa Larry's passing. But in celebrating a life watched my 10-year old grandson handle his duties with aplomb, heart and humor.
Humbled by an inspiring interview with a lady who was not afraid to show a real passion for creating workplace inclusion in a large corporation.
A disappointing appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who basically said get over it-pain is inevitable. Upon asking me to identify my former career the Doc said in your work you were a problem solver-subtly indicating there is no solution for my malady. Explains why many worker's comp cases don't get resolved.
I have dealt with many physicians in the course of my work and the arrogance of surgeons is somewhat expected but irritating. I realize it takes a supreme amount of confidence to slice into living tissue and make it whole again, but the bedside manner is sorely lacking. Apparently if one does not enter the office on a gurney or hobbling with a cane (some were actually) it's not a chance to cut. When mentioning balance issues, it was suggested I take up yoga. The leg going numb is apparently not an issue - walk it off-lol. Made me think of the old Cher song "Preach a little Gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good"
The workers' comp aspect of injuries sometimes led to comp court and comp lawyers. A group that specialize in procrastination and accusations of terrible working conditions and super human demands placed by the employer. Sigh. The game is played by meeting in the back room and working it out. Silly me. I wanted injured employees to come back to work - not give them a few grand and dispose of them. I sometimes had to fight both sides (their lawyers and mine) to preserve the dignity of working. Often the injured individual was convinced by their counsel (who got a third) that they should take the money and run. Taking the easier and winnable route instead of what is right always bugged me. Blame it on my upbringing but fairness and respect for the person seemed more important. Windmill tilting my speciality.
After talking with a friend (younger) who was lamenting that she had graduation parties on tap for the next three weekends, I was thinking we're at the age where we aren't burdened with grads and grooms as our friends are older too. Until the OH pointed out "yeah, we get to go to funerals" touche!
Amazing the laughter that rings out at wakes. All your friends and relatives present, surrounded by flowers and the smell of coffee; the guest of honor front and center, though strangely quiet. Always a drama king or queen in the family to add to the show. Though her father pointed out to our only child that she would have both roles as chief mourner and drama queen when it is our turn. Of course we roared with laughter at her expression. The OH is quiet but known for his "bon mots" as Dad would say.
But our own Joseph celebrated and mourned in his own way over the loss of his beloved Papa. All the grandkids sported ball caps from Larry's collection that they proudly wore during visitation. Then on the day of the funeral Joe stationed himself at the front door and greeted everyone who came in welcoming them to Larry's funeral. Such poise and confidence or coping mechanism, Like his Dad and Nana, I think he might be more comfortable actively engaged when life throws mud pies.
So what does one do after the circus has left town? The jugglers have put away their clubs; the dancing horses are back in their stable and the music has stopped...forever. Now the loneliness begins. They're never coming through that door again; one side of the bed remains serene and empty; no mindless chatter and going "what?" How does one stop the memories and with them the tears and regret of never again. If I had only known there was a minute left and all that was talked about was what's for dinner... The mundane rises up and crashes down.,,
But a young black bear has shown up in the neighborhood over the last several days, walked by the house... and the deceased's nickname since high school was, yeah, bear...💔
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