When plans go awry

“Life’s what happens to us while we’re making other plans”; “Man proposes, God disposes”; “Murphy’s law strikes”. Take your pick.

Our visit to the US, started out just fine. We spent a wonderful few days with granddaughter, Tabitha and her boyfriend in Columbus, Ohio, where they took good care  of us and  we got to experience how they live (very well, indeed).

The wedding of our first grandchild, Mike, was all a wedding should be, perfect weather, an enchanting venue, touching ceremony, great dinner. The bride, Victoria did an amazing job of including members of all families; whether divorced, blended or any other combination, seating them so that no one sat at a table where they didn’t know some people.

Seeing the first grandchild get married is such a special gift. I’m mindful that so many people are not given this gift. As I watched the ceremony and the day progressed, memories of Mike growing up, all his little habits, his teenage struggles flashed by. I was now looking at a full-fledged adult, embarking on this new phase of his life.

Back to Chicago and cold, miserable weather and to our lives being turned upside down. 
Dick’s legs and feet swelled up like balloons, not good. When the swelling did not come down, off to the hospital we went. Blood clots, heart disease, lung disease, gout were the suspected villains. After the typical million-dollar workup, the swelling eased and he was sent home with no definitive diagnosis but no heart disease, no blood clots, no lung problems identified. Two days later, the swelling returned, so we went back to the hospital for more tests. In the  end, it was determined that gout was the culprit.
 
After being away for 10 years navigating the American health care system was a nightmare but we managed to get through it. So much for an enjoyable vacation, though not all was negative. I did manage to see West Side Story at our beloved Lyric Opera House and we did get together with  family for a relaxed meal. 

We also found new friends in the building where we were staying. They helped us in many ways and to thank them, I invited them for a typical West Indian meal - beef curry,  with rice and peas and fried plantains, all enjoyed by them. 

Dick’s swelling was now gone, so we could resume the plans we had to see friends, hang out with family, go to our beautiful Millenium Park for an outdoor concert and as many other activities as we had energy for. A 2 month vacation was compressed into 1 month but we’re grateful that  good health has been restored.