There’s an old saying: If you want to hear God laugh… tell her your plans.

The last time I wrote I was heading out to a family wedding. My sister Elizabeth’s son was getting married in St. Louis, MO. Happily, I found a direct flight – only 2 hours and 15 minutes – sadly, the morning of my flight there was a fatal car accident a few blocks from the airport. Traffic was tied-up in every direction for 5 1/2 hours, making the national news. Needless to say, I missed my flight and scrambled to find one later that day. Rather than arriving in St. Louis at noon, I didn’t get there until 8:30 p.m. It made for a long day.

My sisters picked me up and we headed to our hotel room which had two queen beds, a huge sofa and (just) one bathroom… for the four of us! I am used to my privacy and quiet… but, it was a blast, a pajama party! Crowded and chaotic, with suitcases, hanging bags, make-up bags, a box of wine, snacks and shoes everywhere.

We got very little sleep because we stayed up late each night looking through a large box of old photos, some from the 1930’s, and talking about everything under the sun. Breakfast was included with our suite and the hotel served up the best buffet I’ve ever had. We started each morning lingering over breakfast and coffee. Lots of coffee.

The rehearsal dinner was held in a beautifully treed park, outside under a pavilion. A lovely autumn setting, scrumptious food that was all home-made by both families. I almost froze to death, (I cannot handle the cold anymore) but what a memorable meal and get together.

The wedding the next evening was an elegant, intimate affair (50 guests) in a lovely hundred year old hall surrounded by stately old trees. Rachael, my stunning new niece-in-law, and Ryan did a spectacular job of planning their own wedding AND making everything happen, and it all came off without a hitch!
And, did I mention the food? I was not your normal catered menu, it was closer to Thanksgiving dinner, but with amazing smoked meats rather than turkey. Delicious! The bride’s Mother, Jennifer, even made the stunning wedding cake! No detail was overlooked, including a hand-written personal note to every guest. A completely unexpected and touching surprise. Everyone danced until the very last song, and I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take photos! Although I do have the selfie I took wearing my Mom’s necklace, which I had repaired just for the wedding. Welcome to our family of strong, amazing women, Rachael!

The return trip to Austin was not much easier than my flight to St. Louis. My sisters had to drop me off early, then my flight was delayed 90 minutes, so I again spent hours sitting and strolling around.
I haven’t flown since before the pandemic… and was shocked that food, beverage and snack prices, while always more expensive than elsewhere, had tripled. I paid $23.00 for a small, bland, pre-packaged Chicken Caesar salad and bottle of water. My lesson: don’t go to the airport hungry… I think I’d rather not go to the airport anymore at all.

Last Monday was my birthday, and I turned 72. Unbelievable, where has the time gone?
The restaurant where I wanted to have my birthday dinner was closed Sunday and Monday, so we planned on dining there on Wednesday.

That did not go according to plan at all.

On Tuesday afternoon I was in the kitchen, just about to truss a plump chicken to go in the oven, when I felt like I was having another stroke: my left hand sudden went heavy and numb, then I had cold tingling up my left arm, down the left side of my face, then my left thigh. To avoid falling, I slid down to the floor and called out for help. My sweetie called 911 and relayed what I was experiencing to the dispatcher…
EMS and the fire department were on our doorstep within a few minutes, and took over. Whatever they pay these men, give them a raise! My symptoms subsided, but my blood pressure was dangerously high. So, I got to ride to the ER in an ambulance. Had I been in my 50’s, five hunky firemen hovering over me would have been exciting. Now, in my 70’s, I just felt safe knowing I’d get the care I needed quickly.

I spent 24 hours in the emergency room because all the hospital beds were full. Even the ER was overflowing with people on gurneys in the halls. The poor nurses were harried, but kind and caring. The population where I live has increased 40% in the last few years – Georgetown is the fastest growing city in Texas! With only two hospitals within 30 minutes, we clearly need more of them. And more nurses. Give them a raise, too, our lives depend on them!

Fortunately, after all the testing, it was not a stroke, but a TIA (transient ischemic attack) which is a “mini-stroke” which resolves itself and leaves no residual effects, deficits. With all of my preventive medications, exercise and (sadly restrictive) healthful diet, why did this happen again?

My next few weeks are going to be busy – I feel like a socialite making the rounds – meeting a new cardiologist, a new new neurologist, and a new hematology oncologist. At least I met my new primary care physician a couple of months ago. All of them are women, all working to figure out this challenge and get me healthy again.
Right now I am afraid to go anywhere or do anything alone, worried the “other shoe will drop.” I know this will pass with time.

And unfortunately, all of this necessitated cancelling our long-awaited vacation in Cancun on Dec. 9th. The beautiful turquoise water. The spectacular pool. Relaxing with dear friends. And five days of delicious food that I don’t have to cook! Dammit, dammit, dammit!!

So, please, if you take HBP or heart meds, stay on top of them. Take your blood pressure regularly at home and keep track. Wear compression hose – you wouldn’t believe the difference they make in your energy level and blood pressure. I love mine, but, I’ve always loved the “hug” of wearing tights. Drink enough water. Eat even cleaner. Drink less alcohol. Exercise like your life depends on it. It does. Keep your medical conditions and medications on a health app in your phone, and on a piece of paper, easily accessible.

I do all of the above. I was able to hand medical records and a list of meds to both EMS and the hospital so they had everything they needed in case I couldn’t have spoken for myself. I’ll find my way through this with a little help from my doctors… and from my friends.

Thank you for reading,
XO Donna