Unexpected Change in Plans

Cowboy here. Sar is in Chicago. We were barely settled in Crete when a call came in that Sar's foster Dad, Max, had another stroke. This one is more serious than the first. My wife took the first flight out, rushed to the hospital to be with him, Glory and Violet. One side of his body is immobile, speech almost nonexistent but starting to come back a bit. Docs say his recuperation is possible but it will be a slow process.

Those of you who know Sar know that hospitals/medics aren't on any list of the imp's favorites. Max was in intensive care unit until a few days ago. The nurse said she could visit for a few minutes, then had to leave. Glory said nobody knew what Sar said to the nurse but leaving Max alone was not an option; the nurse capitulated. That's my girl.

A group of Sar's childhood friends were called in to monitor Max, chauffeur the ladies home to rest, also to bring in "food a body can eat." Max and his ladies live close to downtown Chicago. Food of many varieties are abundantly available. I know mia bambina has not had much rest. I suspect Sar stays by Max's side to ensure the medics know she's supervising their actions. Glory tells me Sar has checked out rehab facilities, constantly urges Max to talk, often whispers prayers.

Vi says the imp is running out of steam. Alli, a longtime friend, dragged Sar out of the hospital one afternoon, took her to an animal shelter. Immediately, spirits were lifted. Sar played with a number of dogs, taught a few how to sit, probably gave all the shelter workers a great deal of entertainment. The shelter manager offered her a job. That's my girl.

I wrote the above a few days ago. Update: Max's condition has stabilized. It's time he moves to a rehab center or some similar facility. My wife informed me this morning that she is bringing him home - to David's house actually. The ladies love the beach; Max loves the ladies so it's the beach. Sar knew David would not object; Sar's childhood family is our family. Bull can't wait for them to arrive. Glory is the one who taught Sar to cook and bake; the food possibilities stagger the big kid.

If nothing changes, they'll stay at David's or our house through the holidays. Unless Sar is using Vi's laptop, mia bambina isn't on the Internet. I doubt she has excess time or energy for much of that right now. In the meantime, I'm in Crete till mid-November. I'll head to D.C. for official retirement ceremony. I'm hoping Sar will be able to fly in for that. If she can, we'll fly home together. I miss her.

Cowboy