Granny was restless confined to her hospital bed. The nurse promised that they would get her up to walk today. She longed to recover and leave the hospital. All she wanted was to go home, but was told she could not go home alone.
What was she to do? Betty wants her to recuperate at her house. Could she survive a few weeks with her sister? Patrick offered for her to come stay with them, but she knew that would upset Betty.
If only she awoke that morning feeling well and her life went on as expected without interruption. She knew only too well that you take the cards that life deals to you. Truthfully this was incidental compared to other events she had faced…
Her decision would not exist if her daughter or husband were still with her. She could imagine herself staying at the old flat with Marianne...or perhaps Marianne and Timothy would care for her at her home and leave Patrick to fend for himself at home.
Now the flat was gone and Patrick's wife had a new baby. As much as they were her family, it was very different than her own daughter caring for her.
Betty has come every afternoon since her operation. She did not doubt that her sister cares for her. Likewise even with his busy schedule Patrick has managed to stop by as well.
When evening visiting hours started she expected that he would arrive. She was looking out for him when her niece, Judy, walked through the door with flowers.
"Hello Auntie. How are you?"
"Judy dear, I am managing...pain is better. I even walked a bit today."
"Well that's good news! Mum's been talking about you staying with her."
"Has she. I have also had an offer from Patrick."
"Oh yes she told me."
"I am just not sure."
"It seems to me, it might be hard on both of them...What with Mum getting on in years and Shelagh with the baby."
"I hate to be a burden."
"Why don't you stay with us?" Judy asked.
"You?" she said shocked, but then changed the subject, pointed across the room and said, "Watch this. He never stops being a doctor."
She had seen Patrick arrive and as expected went straight to the nurse rather than to her. They watch him speak to her before turning and walking over to her bed.
"Hello Judy. How's our patient?"
"You know perfectly well how I am Patrick Turner...You just spoke to the nurse."
He laughed and said, "Yes, still ornery. I hear you had a little walk."
"Patrick, how is the baby?" Judy asked.
"Perfect," he answered with a proud smile and asked, "Where's David tonight?"
"He is at home making sure the homework gets done."
"There is always homework at home...homework and nappies."
"Patrick," Granny said, "Judy has offered for me to stay with her. You were serious?"
"Oh yes. My own are almost grown I have plenty of time and we can make room for you. You will not need to go up any stairs."
"You decided what is best," Patrick said to Granny.
"If she is at my house, you can visit and my Mum can visit," Judy added.
"I'll think about it."
They visited a bit, until the nurse interrupted.
"Dr. Turner, you have a phone call."
"Duty calls. I'll be by tomorrow."
They watched him go to the desk, speak briefly in the phone and dash off.
"I like him. I always have. I just don't understand my Mum."
"She is very opinionated."
"Don't I know it."
"Will she be angry with you if she finds out you offered to take me in?"
"Oh probably, but I've learned to speak my mind."
"Good for you. You are a good niece, thank you."
"I think Patrick and I have a lot in common. We both want to be there for you...I'm not your daughter, but he is still your son-in-law."
"Don't tell the nurses. They think he's my son."
Granny went on to tell Judy all about it. They laughed until visiting hours were over and she left.
Granny was alone again. She thought about Judy's offer. Yes that may just work. No she wasn't her daughter, but she and Marianne were always inseparable, so she was the next best thing...