Mrs. Dunkin #16

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

16

“Ladies, do you want to eat your supper in here?” 

“That would be fine but I’m not really hungry” Annie said as the aide left. 

“Annie, try to eat something.  They mark down how much you eat.” 

“They do; for what?”

“I don’t know they just do.  They always want to know something.”

“Here are your trays” and the aide shimmied Clara up to the table. 

“Let’s see what we have.  Mmmm, tuna salad on lettuce.  This is one of my favorites.” 

“I like it too.  Perhaps I can eat a little something.  I have a feeling I’m going to gain some weight being here” and we laughed. 

“So Clara, you didn’t like being a stay at home mom?” 

“It’s not that I didn’t like it.  When my kids got older, I would have liked to work even if it was only part time but Harold said no.”

“What did you do with your time then?”  

“I did a lot of volunteering at school and then when I had more time at the hospital.  I loved it.”

“Well then, you might not have worked for money but what you did was very important.  Without volunteers many things would never get done.  You should be proud of that.”

Clara brightened up and said, “Thanks, I never looked at it that way.”

We sat quietly eating when I suddenly felt something rubbing on my legs.    

“Clara, I think I might be delusional.” 

“Why” she asked. 

“I think I see a cat”.

She burst into laughter.  “You’re not crazy.  That’s Maggie.  Hasn’t she come to visit you yet?”

“No.”

“She lives here.  My understanding of how she got here was she was a resident’s cat and when that person passed on; the nursing home people just let her stay.  She’s very good with the residents and knows just who to go by when they are having a bad day.  You must not have needed her yet.”

“She is a beautiful cat” as she reached down and petted her.  “Hi Maggie, it’s nice to meet you” and Maggie purred at Annie’s touch.  “I’ve still got a whole lot of stuff to learn about this place.  I’m happy I met you Clara.”

“Me too” Clara said.  “I think I’m going to go see how Helen is doing.”

“Night Clara, maybe I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Annie.”

I put my nightclothes on and grabbed my knitting and sat on the rocker.  I turned the TV on.  Not that I really wanted to watch anything, it was more for the noise. 

Maggie looked quite comfortable sleeping on my bed.  I knitted for a couple of hours and was thirsty.  I put on my bathrobe and decided to go down to the visitor’s room to see if I could get something to drink. 

The lights were already dimmed as I made my way down the hall. 

“Annie, can I help you” Sheila asked.

“I was looking for something to drink besides water.”

“Would you like some juice or milk?”

“Juice would be great.  What are you still doing here?”

“This is one of my long days.  I’ll be going home soon.  I’ll get you the juice from the fridge.”

I walked into the day-room and sat on the recliner.   There was really no activity happening except for the low sounds of TV’s in the residents rooms. 

“Here you are, Annie.  How are you getting along so far?”

“Okay, I suppose.  It sure is different from being at home.”

“Better or worse?”

“A little of both I suppose.  I think I might miss the freedom I had but I think I’m going to like having people around all the time and there seems like a lot of things to do here to keep myself busy.”

“That’s a great way to look at it.  If there is something you would like to do that we don’t have maybe you can join the ladies club here.  They have meetings once a month with the administration and discuss what’s happening.  The administrator feels that the residents are the best ones to meet with to see what’s going on that’s right and wrong here. He’s always looking for suggestions too. ”

“I think I would enjoy something like that.  Who would I see about that?”

“I’ll leave a note for the receptionist and she can pass it onto the club and they’ll contact you.”

“That would be great, dear.  I’m going to take the juice back to my room.  I’ll probably go to bed early.  It will be a big day tomorrow with my children coming.  Good night.”

“Have a good night’s sleep, Annie.”

 

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Mrs. Dunkin #15

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

15

Waking up again I was a little hungry.  I saw the tray was gone, so I grabbed the chocolate cake and ate it.  It was yummy.

I went into the chest and pulled out my knitting.  Why yes, I knit.  I was never a very good knitter and I haven’t done it for years but I have knitted a few Afghans in my time.  I still had some yarn left and thought I could use it here.  I remember doing a whole lot of thinking once I would get it started and didn’t have to concentrate on it too much. 

As I got a few rows done, Clara started wheeling herself in my room. 

“Hi there”, she said. 

“Hi Clara.” 

“I hope I’m not bothering you but I thought we could chat some more.” 

“That would be lovely. I could use some company. Can I ask you a question?  Do you ever feel that you’re trapped in this place because of the locked doors?”

“I did at first but I got used to it.  I’ve never tried to get out that’s why they’ve never put an alarm on me.” 

“That will be me too Clara. I am not much of a rule breaker.  When I was in school and the other girls would smoke in the washroom, I wouldn’t.  If there wasn’t a crosswalk, I would walk further until I found one.  The speed limit, let’s just say I was that woman you were cursing at that was in front of you.  I could go on and on but I’m sure you get the picture.  Why did I do that?  I think it’s because I had it drummed in my head.  You see my parents were very strict.  Not to speak ill of the dead, but my mother was very domineering and a force to be reckoned with.  I was always told to be a good girl and follow the rules.  All she had to do was give me “the look” and I bent to her will.”

“A lot of us were raised that way, Annie.  That’s just the way it was back then.  Can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure, I won’t tell anyone.”

“I’ve watched when they’ve done the code for the door.  They don’t seem to change it because it’s been the same one since I first came.  I always have visions of busting out of here.  I wouldn’t go out of the building but sometimes I’d like to go out into the courtyard without having a shadow with me” and she laughed. 

“Clara, now that I’m here we might just do that sometime. If there’s ever a time to break the rules now would be it.   Do you have any other family besides your children?”   

“You mean child.”

“Yeah, right.” 

“I have a sister but she lives out of town.  I talk to her about once a week.  She’s a few years older than me.  And you?”

“No not really.  I was an only child as was my husband.”

“Did you work outside the home” Clara asked.

“Yes, I was a high school English teacher.  I worked before I had my kids and then I went back when my kids went to school full time.  I retired when my father came to live with us.  When he died, Hank and I were going to start traveling and then he died.  We thought we had more time to do things but it wasn’t to be.”

“You were one lucky woman, Annie.  I was a stay at home mom my whole life.  My husband never wanted me to work.  I was dumb enough to listen to him.”

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Mrs. Dunkin #14

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

 14

I saw Clara at my door with an aide “Are you ready to go Annie?” 

“Yes, ready and willing.  You lead the way.”  We walked past the day-room to the two big doors.  The aide punched in some numbers and then pushed the doors open.  The elevators were right there and we went up to the second floor to a big room.  There were many tables and chairs.  People were coming in and filling up the tables pretty quickly.  We each got two cards and token markers.  “Clara, I haven’t played bingo since my children were young.  I loved it then.” 

“I’m sure you’ll love it now too.  If you win, you’ll win candy or a trinket whatever you pick.”

“How fun” I said laughing.    

When all the tables were filled, we started.  I won’t bore you with the details but let’s just say I had a very good day at the bingo table.  I won four candy bars.  I think that was pretty good for my first time.  I’ll probably save them for the grand-kids. 

When the aide came to pick us up Clara told her to take me on a little tour.  I followed her pushing Clara in the wheelchair.  Most of the place looked like where I was living.  Each wing had its own day-room and visiting room.  I found out the whole place only has about 200 residents.  The reason I picked it was because it was a smaller place.  I didn’t want to feel like I would get lost and I certainly wouldn’t have to worry about that here.  I was shown where the social workers, activities people, and other personnel worked.  It was a circular building and in the center was a beautiful courtyard.  The mums were still blooming and I bet it looks gorgeous in the summer with all the fall flowers. 

When we started going back to the room, I noticed a Mrs. Maria Baker outside one of the doors.  “Clara, would you mind if I stop in this room?  This is my daughter’s friend’s mother.” 

“Sure go ahead we’ll wait for you.” 

I walked in.  “Hi Maria.” 

“Yes that’s me” she said with a slurred speech. 

“I don’t know if you remember me I’m Annie Dunkin.  My daughter, Julie, and your daughter were good friends.” 

“Yes, I remember.  In fact, Sally just left and mentioned that you were here.  It’s nice to see you again.”

“It has been a long time.  How are you doing?”

“All things considered, okay I guess.  I’m in a wheelchair all the time now and I still have slurred speech but luckily, I’m still getting therapy and I’m hoping to improve.  At least I can use both arms now.”

“Then it’s all good.” 

“How are you doing?  Sally says you have Alzheimer’s.  I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Me too but I’m trying to adjust to that fact.  I’m taking some medicine that’s supposed to help slow it down.” 

“I hope it works for you, Annie.” 

“It was nice seeing you Maria but I’ve got to go.  Perhaps you can get one of the aides to bring you to my room and we can chat some more.” 

“Okay, it was nice that you stopped by Annie.” 

“Bye.”

“That was short.” 

“I didn’t want to keep everyone waiting.”  We headed to our wing and they were already starting to serve lunch. 

“Clara, I think I’m going to head to my room for a while.  I’m still stuffed from breakfast.  I’ll see you later.”

“I’ll see you later, Annie”.  I headed off to my room.   

I took my shoes off when I got to the room and sat on the rocker and covered myself with the quilt and dozed off.  When I got up, my lunch was sitting on the table.  I got up and looked at it.  I still wasn’t hungry but I took the piece of chocolate cake and put it on the dresser and covered up the rest.  I turned the TV on and before I knew it, I was dozing again.


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Down in the dumps

I've been ill with a bad cold for about a week and a half.  I'm finally starting to feel a little better. 

Besides I've been down in the dumps.  I think this cold, warm, snow, rain, dreary weather has just gotten to me.  My house is a wreck, heh.

Finally, the other day Mom is done with antibiotics.  She is cleared to get a roommate.  So, we'll see when that happens.  She seems to be starting to get back to normal.

Some of the blogs I've been reading are getting me down as well.  So much heartache; divorces, deaths, sickness.  It makes me just want to curl up and hide away.

Hopefully, now that my cold is almost gone I can start putting things into perspective.

Have a good weekend.  

Mrs. Dunkin #13

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

 13

Our trays were put in front of us.  We had pancakes, sausage, and cheerios; also, the usual liquids that I had at every meal so far.  “Boy, they don’t scrimp on the food or drinks do they” I said.

Clara answered “No, they sure don’t.  You would think by my weight I eat everything but I usually don’t.   I take what I can’t finish back to my room for later or give it to someone else.”

“Good idea.  Can I ask how you like it here?” 

“I like it okay.  There are plenty of things to do.  They have bingo, exercises, art and all kinds of other things if you’re willing to do them.   They have entertainment come in which I really like a lot.  They also have outings you can sign up for.

“Sounds like it’s up to the person to make of this place what they want.” 

“Yes, that’s exactly how I would put it.  While I can, I’m going to do everything before it’s too late.  If you know what I mean.”  I knew exactly what she meant.  I decided right then and there I would too. 

“Hey girlies.”  I turned around and smiled at Fred. 

“Don’t encourage him” Clara said. 

“I don’t want to be rude.” 

“The longer you’re here you will learn.  There are some people you just have to ignore.  He calls everyone girlie, even men” and she laughed. 

“What’s his story?”

“He’s a nice enough guy but if you get to talking to him you’ll never get away.  He was here when I got here.  He told me he’s got children but I’ve never seen them.  His wife is long gone.  He can get around pretty well but he’s always trying to get out of here and go back home to see her.” 

“I saw this morning that he tried to get out.” 

“Yeah, he does it like clockwork every morning.  I don’t know why only in the morning but that’s what he does.” 

“Around 10:00, they are going to be playing bingo would you like to play?” 

“Sure, it sounds fun.” 

“Hey Sheila” Clara yelled “mark me and Annie down for bingo this morning.”

“Will do” Sheila said. 

“They will come and get us around 9:00.  We get to get off this floor, thank goodness.  We’ll have something new to see.”

“Where is it going to be?”

“It’s on the second floor.  When they are going have something where a lot of people will attend it’s usually up there.”   

We were finished eating and I told Clara I was going to freshen up.  When I went back to my room, the phone was ringing. 

“Hello?”

“Mom where were you?  I’ve been calling for the last half hour.” 

“I was at breakfast Julie.  Is something wrong?” 

“No, not really.  I got concerned when I couldn’t get a hold of you.” 

“That’s exactly why I’m here Julie, so you don’t have to be worried about me anymore.  If you call and I’m not here that means I’m out of my room doing something.  In fact, I just came back to freshen up and then I’m going to be playing bingo.” 

“That’s nice Mom.  I wanted to tell you that Jerry’s going to be there in the morning tomorrow and I’m coming in the evening if that’s okay.”

“That’s fine; whatever you two decide is good with me.  I’m not going anywhere.I really have to go now, they will be coming to get me and I don’t want to keep Clara waiting.” 

“Who is Clara?”  “She’s the woman who lives next door to me.  She’s very nice and is showing me the ropes.” 

“Okay mom, have a good time at bingo.  Oh one more thing, Jill wanted me to ask you if you got whatever she needed taken care of. Whatever that means.”

“Tell her, yes I did and it’s waiting for her.”

“See you tomorrow mom.  Love you.”

“Me too dear.”  


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Mrs. Dunkin #12

This is an ongoing story I've decided to write and put on my blog every Monday.   Please excuse the errors, I'm only doing limited editing.  Constructive criticism welcome.  I wish I had a cute button on the side where the story could go but I don't know how to make a button.  Even if I did I wouldn't know how to link up the story LOL.   So if you miss a chapter, you'll have to look at my sidebar for it.  The first chapter was written on October 23, 2011 so that should at least be some help, ha.

12

When Sheila left, I felt faint and I sat on one of the recliners.  Suddenly I felt like I was trapped like a rat. I felt like I was in a prison.   I couldn’t leave without someone going with me?    

“How ya' doing girlie?” and I looked to see the escape artist right in front of me. 

“I’m doing fine.  I wish I was a girl” and I chuckled. 

“You’re a girlie to me.  I’m 92 years old.” 

“I guess your right then.  I’m only 70.” 

“You come here often?” he said.

“No, this is my first time.” 

“Well, I hope to see you around more” and he left. 

There was a table set up with puzzle pieces on it.  I went and looked at it.   There were also games and a tall bookshelf with many types of books.  It seemed like they had a nice variety. I’ll have to take one back to my room to read.     

I looked out the window again and saw many cars going down the road. I imagined people were out doing their grocery shopping and taking their kids places.

I hoped Jerry had talked to Sue about letting Josh have my car.  It would be an ideal situation for me and them.  Perhaps I will find out tomorrow when Jerry comes. 

I took my coffee over by the computer and got on my email address and I could connect to it.  All of the email I had was mostly spam and jokes.  I deleted it all.  I decided I would email Stella.  She was probably worried to death about me. 

Hi Stella,

Who knew I would have Internet here?   I’m ready for visitors after Sunday.  Anytime you want to come would be fine.  Don’t worry about me, I am really doing fine. 

Don’t email me because I don’t know when I’ll be back on the computer. 

Love,                                                                               Annie

I hit send and off the email went.  She’ll be happy to hear from me. 

I could hear noises behind me and I looked into the day-room and could see people going to the tables.  It was filling up pretty fast. 

I took my coffee and went out to the table where Clara was sitting. 

“Hi” I said.

“Hi, I’m glad you decided to join me.” 

“Is your roommate coming out?”  “No, she can’t.  She’s bedridden now.  We had a really rough night.  Something was wrong but she seems fine now.” 

“It’s so generous of you to take care of her.”  


“Before she got so ill, we were really close.  I promised her to be there if she needed me and I’m keeping my promise.”

“Does she have any family?” 

“No, she had a husband but he died and no children.  Her sister put her here and then she died.  She kind of became my family this last year.”

“Oh that is so heartbreaking.  Does she know you?”

“I think she does.  When no one can calm her down, she seems to respond to me.  I sing to her and sometimes I even read books to her.  When I’m in the room with her, I talk to her all the time but for the last few months she hasn’t talked back.  That doesn’t deter me though, I know she hears me.” 

“I’m sure she does” I reassured her.

“That’s such a lovely necklace you have on.”

“It was my mother’s.  My father bought it for her.  It’s one of my most treasured pieces.”

“Be careful with it.  You see that woman over at the next table?” She whispered.  “She’s a thief.  I’ve had several things missing that they found in her room.”

“Thanks for warning me.  I’ll keep an eye out for her.”


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Saturday Centus #89

THE PROMPT THIS WEEK IS A CONTINUATION OF YOUR STORY USING: Hanging off a cliff!
WORD COUNT - Not to exceed 50 words total.
STYLE OF WRITING - Any
ADDITIONAL PICTURES IF DESIRED

To see other centus' go here

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/01/saturday-centus-hanging-off-cliff.html

Is it just me or did last week's centus say we were going to have 100 additional words. for the second part?  I already had it written and had to edit it so much, I hope it makes sense lol.    

Part 1

Dot watched the ball drop from Times Square on TV and then her phone started ringing like it had done for the past 45 years.

“Hello, Sister.”

“Hi Dot, Happy New Year.” 

“Happy New Year.” 

“Talk to you later.  Good night.”

“Good Night.”

Next year might be different, Dot thought.  Would I even be here?   She knew she should have told someone that she went for the biopsy but she just couldn’t. Not yet.   

She was nervous about the results and felt like she was hanging off a cliff.  

The phone started to ring. 

“Dot, this is Dr. Jones.  I’m sorry….”

Part 2

to be calling so late.  I had emergency surgery and saw your test results were in. I didn’t want you to have to worry longer than necessary.  The tumor was benign. Happy New Year, Dot.”

“Thank you so much for calling, doctor.  You have a happy New Year too.  Bye.”