Oct 30, 2006

Hospital Stays

I've tried. I've taught the children everything I know. (Right now it isn't looking from the outside like they've learned much). My husband isn't a slob either, but when I go away for a few days - no matter the reason - I am certain of one thing: the return will be messy.

I have to admit, my sons and husband had other things on their mind while I was gone this time - not only was I in the hospital, but my father-in-law was in the hospital too. A double whammy. After work, everyone tried to get up to see us both (at two different hospitals - 30 miles apart), work a full day, take care of the animals, find time to eat - there probably wasn't much time for laundry and cleaning.

I sat on the pitty-pot for a few brief moments and then realized what a blessing I had in hand. True, the house did not look like I left it - not even close; but I got a telephone call the morning I was to come home and my husband hurridly told me he was going to clean the house - because there were dishes all over - and then he'd be up to get me.

It seems that my father-in-law had also been released from the hospital. The guys ran up to get Grandpa, tucked him into the house and then found I'd be out soon as well.

My husband was excited when he finally arrived at the hospital, telling me how he had time to do the floors and how everyone pulled together to help him out. Yup: Guy cleaning at its best.

In the end, all that mattered was this: The house was as clean as guy possible - and under the circumstances, they did better than anyone could have; Grandpa was once again safe and at home - even getting out of bed and dressing for my arrival; I was home and feeling a bit better when I realized what had truly happened int he past thrity years. Paul and I have created a family where people mean more than appearances, where the children (despite some minute squabbling, of course), will chip in where ever they are needed, and we have built for ourselves a safe-haven of love to come home to when things do not go quite as expected during our lifely journey.

What more could parents ask for?