My Unexpected Disappearance in New Immigrant

More apologies. My intention was to write here daily but… on Thursday I had chest pains (brief and not severe) twice so there was no living with
Tom until getting checked. Of course many of you probably know that the mere hint of heart problems are given top priority in America so I went from the ER to the hospital for an overnight stay until I “passed” a stress test in the morning. Everything checked out okay with my heart but they found my potassium was low and pumped me full of that and a
chest x-ray showed I have a chronic lung condition (news to me).
Although I was dismissed I have to have a blood test today and see my
regular doctor (in Wisconsin) on Tuesday with suggestions for a CAT scan of my lungs and a pulmonary function test.

Yesterday we had made plans to visit Tom’s 93 year old aunt and two
cousins and we did that. Despite her age and fragility after four strokes,
Aunt Margaret’s mind is still sharp and laughter comes easily. At
this point every moment with her is extremely precious.

Our neighbor and friend who helps us with stuff (like pick up the
mail or newspapers) when we have to be away, fell Thursday and broke
her shoulder. She’s alone and younger than we are but has to wait
A WEEK before having a shoulder replacement so the swelling can
go down. So we are helping her a little too.

Our poor nephew continues to be mentally disturbed and got drunk
on Friday evening, breaking fourteen years of sobriety. We all fear
for his life if he adds alcohol to his already unwell body.

His wife and daughters have visited the nursing home and are sharing more about him. Great-niece Violet is heading to Colorado, will live with her Aunt Jen, will get a job and return to the University of CO again next Fall. We all fear for Dave’s life.

Anyway, long story short. My apologies for dropping in and having your support and kindness then disappearing!

I will be back as soon as I can. I feel fine but am very busy getting
things in order to leave for the river tomorrow.

I hope everything is well with all of you. I’m thinking of you!!

(Arbi, no word from my friend. That surprises me. Thank you for your kind offer.)