Life After Windbird, Day 28: Justin, Jo, Ziggy, and Coco Arrive
Date: Friday, September 9, 2016
Weather: Hazy Morning, Beautiful Afternoon; High 88 degrees F
Location: At Home in The Studio #8, Falmouth, MA
The definite highlight of today was the late evening arrival of Justin, Jo, Ziggy, and Coco. Their flight was delayed by an hour, but they still arrived here around 6:30 pm. Heather and boys were here and the fabulous five grandchildren were just so excited to see each other again. There were squeals of delight and lots of laughter, and we just let them run wild for a bit when they first arrived. Unfortunately Mark was not able to fully enjoy the reunion. This has been a very tough day for him. Two days ago if you had told me that Mark’s condition would deteriorate this much in 48 hours I wouldn’t have believed you. But it has and for the first time in my life, I’m not really sure what steps to take next. Thankfully I will have help from Justin and Heather at this very difficult time. And maybe this decline is temporary, possibly caused by yesterday’s infusion. We’ll just have to see how things are tomorrow. But most definitely I will be calling his oncologist to get advice, as well as calling the visiting nurse that comes once a week. I have always been a take charge person, but I’m finding it more difficult to do this with Mark. But I am so glad he had this last week with Patsy and Joe and I’m hoping against hope that he can rally to enjoy the visit with JJZ&C. The travel chair arrived today from Amazon and the foot rests for the full-fledged wheel chair arrived. I’m so hopeful Mark will enjoy some walks down to the beach to enjoy this glorious weather and salt air. But if things continue like today, he would not have the strength to endure it.
Despite Mark’s condition, we managed to have a good day. After Mark had eaten his second breakfast and was settled into the recliner for a long afternoon nap, Patsy, Joe, and I decided to drive to Woods Hole as we soon after they arrived, but this time we planned to stop along the way to get some photos. When we went the first time, it was overcast and rainy, but this afternoon was beautiful. We stopped at a place called Trunk River to get ocean photos and then we drove on down the road to the Nobska Light. This is a very picturesque lighthouse that has been a working light since the 1800’s. From there we drove to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI’s) Exhibit Center. Patsy and Joe really seemed to enjoy the exhibits and learning about Alvin, WHOI’s underwater research vessel. Patsy was more nervous about leaving Mark than I was, so we ended our tour and headed home. When everyone arrived, we had a great dinner together here at our apartment. Heather grilled the Pacific king salmon and it was delicious. We also had local corn-on-the-cob and Ziggy ate and ate and ate. He loves it so much but they can’t get good corn in Puerto Rico. Justin promised him we’ll have corn-on-the-cob every night this week, so we have that part of the evening meals planned well in advance!
Tomorrow morning either Heather or Justin will come here to be with Mark while I take Patsy and Joe to the airport for their flight back to Nashville. We have had a wonderful visit with them. Of course, it is ending too soon, but no matter how long they stayed, I would feel the same way. Sure wish they lived closer.
