Friday, December 19, 2008

A tradition missed

Jerry again (please don't abandon this blog):
Lucie has been moved out of ICU into a semi-private room. When I visited her last night, she was resting comfortably. Because she won't be able to eat through normal channels for a while, they inserted an IV tube into a vein into which nutrients were to be started today. When I asked the nurse how in the world they expected to get prime rib through such a skinny tube, she looked at me as if I maybe wasn't in the right ward.

Friends have provided indispensable support to us during this last ordeal and through the year. Thanks to the Shepardsons, I have eaten well during the last three nights. As I was filling out our annual Christmas letters yesterday, I had another reminder of our dependence on friends. For the past several years, Lucie and I have joined two other couples over brunch to write our Christmas cards. Having a set date spurs everyone into action and is a lot more fun than doing it by ourselves.

When we had finished up the cards and filled ourselves with goodies, we finished up the cardfest with another tradition. We opened the phone book and picked a name at random and sent this lucky person a card, with a short personal note.

A typical note might go something like this: "Dear Gomer, here we are once again in the season of joy. Well, Lawsy Mae is pregnant again, still no man in sight, and Luke got kicked out of reform school again. Oh, and the cow died last week, but we are fine and look forward to coming to visit you in July. There's only eight of us this year, so you won't have to find so many extra beds. Til then, ..."

We put the "til then" sort at the bottom, as if we had run out of space, so we wouldn't have to sign it. Alas, we discontinued this prank when the whole country got antsy about pathogens and other weird stuff being sent through the mails, not wanting the FBI coming to call.

Because of our latest emergency, Lucie and I missed this year's cardfest. Hope to do it next year.

6 comments:

Russ Germer said...

Glad that Lucie's doing OK and getting some nutrients even if it isn't prime rib (which I like a lot). The card to the lucky person out of a phone book was a riot. I chuckled. I wish you both well.

Arctic-mermaid said...

Out of ICU. Excellent. Big hugs and let her know we're all rooting for her to be home very soon!

A-muse said...

Lucie sounded good on the phone today. Her usual melodious voice---you are right, Jerry, she is upbeat. I liked that story about the cardfest. You and your friends are a bit odd. Well, except for me of course. Keep on the blog, you are doing great. I am hooked on a new message every couple of days. Luv 'ya

Severine said...

What a great tradition! Sorry you had to miss it this year. We're sending our love to you and Lucie.

Mean Mama said...

Glad to hear Lucie is recovering from this unexpected setback. Please tell her Mean Mama wishes her the best--and sends hugs.

HAB said...

So glad to hear Lucie is recovering. We are sure thinking about you two....and by the way, that card story was a hoot. Sending all positive thoughts your way. Much love!