Ingratitude Giving 2022
Yeah, this one blew.
In our continuing series of “Lasts”, we organized our “Last Thanksgiving With Tutu”.
Brother Gregg, making a strong case for sainthood, drove Tina over Wednesday, staying at Holly’s house in Marysville.
This was the first time we’d seen Tina since the Big MLK Weekend Blow Up. And what we’d heard in the following 10 months hadn’t made us any more sanguine about the prospect of hanging out with her. During our Xmas/MLK visits, Tina exhibited petulant behavior: continuing to argue that she was perfectly able to live on her own and wasn’t a danger to herself or others. (Spoilers: Tina was back then and is more so now.)
So, Wendi and I planned out what to do if things got especially unpleasant. It never came to that. Wendi stayed very busy in the kitchen, most of us watched the football game and I took my mother in law on a tour of the estate. That’s when it started being apparent. Just about all the trees I pointed out came from the Ranch. This was especially true of our two spitzenburg apple trees. Literally every time these two trees came up in the past….forever, Tina would mention that this variety was Thomas Jefferson’s favorite type of apple.
And when I pointed them out to Tina? Nothing. A little later, as she and I looked the family photos, she asked me who it was next to Wendi at high school graduation. Granted, THAT young man next to her daughter was a bit thinner and and whole lot less gray but…..
The other event of note was that Xander announced that he and Ruth were engaged. Janet, Wendi, and I were already in the know so we did our crying on the inside.
Holly, fulfilling her role as Aunt Who Just Comes Right Out and Says It, “So when’s THIS going to happen?” Bless her heart.
Xander, showing his usual forethought, replied, “Oh, in a year or two.”
And the Angels wept……
I guess I should be thankful for numerous things. Gregg for bringing Tina over. Holly for providing lodging. Janet for entertaining Ruth. And, of course, Wendi for planning, cooking, and presenting such a fabulous feast.
Coda.
Almost 24 hours after saying goodbye to our guests, I could be found holding onto the upstairs toilet. Holding on but alternating between which end was pointing at the bowl. (Sadly, DoorDash does not delivery bidets.)
This experience reminded me of the infamous “Christmas of the Bucket” but this time, I was the only family member laid low by whatever it was. (According to Mr. Nasal Swab, it’s not COVID, so that’s nice.)
Well past midnight, I had run out of projectile materials and so fell asleep. Dr. Wendi has ordered me to take at least one day of recovery and so I type this from upstairs: having enjoyed 1/2 a sandwich and a small cup of soup.
On the bright side: I’m down 4 pounds since yesterday! Small blessings.
So, that’s where I’m at: emotionally, physically, and…locationally(?). I’m about halfway through my latest Netflix bing (Alice in Borderland) and I’ve got some ukulele practice to get in.
ONE of these holidays, somebody’s gonna insist I play my rocking version of Twinkle, Twinkle…..