07-18-23 SSI time
I will remember to place all the info here, I promise. I am so tired. I cannot keep my eyes open, but suffice to say I have had a lovely day
Updated on 07-30-23:
It as warm in the morning and I had lots to pack up. The site is nearly torn down already. It is quite amazing. I took the time to pack everything, keeping in mind that I would be crossing the border the next day. Once everything was done and I’d had a shower, I made my rounds to say goodbye. The bulk of people were gone already but I had a good hug with Cresslynn and Jean.
The first stop down island was a slight detour but so worth it to stop, first at my friends shop which is a combination bakery, locksmith and book shop in Lake Cowichan. They have done such a great job with it, it is truly a testament to their personalities and skills. I did also pop over to their extremely charming house for a tour and a quick visit with Jenny as Erin was at the shop. I hope to return for a longer visit and potential stay over.
It was a little bit of a rush to the Crofton Terminal but I made the ferry easily. It was nice to walk around and smell the ocean. It was strange to not recognize a single person, even crew on the boat.
While the boat was approaching Vesuvius, I received a text from Mark that he would meet me at Moby’s. It was so good to see him, and we had a good sit at the bar for a couple bevies. I did see my friend René there as well and got a big hug. I admit that I was very disappointed that Mary Lynn didn’t come down as well. I miss her.
Before even heading to my brothers place, I stopped to visit Donna. She is my step-mother, my Dad’s widow and she has been in Long Term care for a long time now. I send her letters or cards occasionally but this would be my first visit and I did not know what to expect, whether she would even know me and want to visit. She did recognize me, we chatted and then went for a walk. A guy was leaving out a back gate and held it for us so off we went on a good long walk. She was very careful with her placement of feet, keeping to mostly even ground, told me she couldn’t hold on to anything as she could balance better on her own. We looked at plants, she was able to pet and play with two dogs out for a walk with their owners and she stood and stared at the ocean in the distance for some time. All the while, she asked me questions, spouted poetry and song, and seemed very in the moment. I think that it helped that Ashlée had been there the day before. At one point she asked if I had a man in my life. When I said no, that I was happy alone, her response was 100% Donna; Well, Marnée, it’s about time. She mentioned that she had gaps in her brain and I asked her how she knew. I think she knows when words look odd, she asked me twice how old I was and how old she was. She also asked after my Mom and was happy to hear that we are all in Cranbrook together now. I finally guided her back towards the front doors of the hospital where we met a stunned nurse coming back from dinner. She looked very uncomfortable that we were outside and asked how we got the code to get out. It was then that I realized that Sandy, Donna’s representative had made it so Donna wasn’t to go out. This breaks my heart. I shared with the nurses all about our walk and communication. It was hard to say good-bye to Mrs B (the name I have always called her) but we did get a lovely selfie together. I don’t believe she belongs there, in a ward with 3 others. She could be in assisted living or be in her home with a live in helper. I don’t know how Sandy got POA along the way but she won’t communicate to us the reason for her choices in Donna’s care. I do know that if that is my last memory of time spent with Mrs.B, I will always remember the day I inadvertently kidnapped her.
I made it up to Kym and Greg’s and dropped off my stuff just in time for us all to head down to Moby’s for good food and Trivia night. I did get a big hug from Billy Jack. He was a dear friend when I lived there. Our table tied for second for the trivia game and I got to keep the mug and put both our gift card from winning and mine from Christmas against the bill. It was a nice visit but I am definitely peopled out, especially after my visit earlier. Greg and Kym were blown away when I told them how it went. Apparently they haven’t even been able to take her out for dinner, one of her greatest pleasures. I fell into bed exhausted and happy to have spent time with my bro and family
triumphgal 