July 30, 2007
A last-minute trip
The above photo is from the last time I've seen my grandmother -- Christmas Eve, 2006. She's the one on the far right in the silky blouse -- the other two women are her sisters, my great-aunts. My grandmother is actually looking pretty happy in the photo, which has been rare in the times I've seen her recently. She hasn't been doing too well, not for a long time. And then having your house and possessions all destroyed in a flood can depress even the healthiest of us. Lately her health has declined even more -- she rarely leaves her bed, much less the house. It's been very difficult for my grandfather and also for my parents, who live nearby.
Yesterday I called my mom to talk about my flying to the New Orleans area for a quick weekend trip, probably around Labor Day to avoid having to take time off from work. After hearing about my grandparents, I ended up booking the trip for this upcoming weekend, time off be damned. I hope things aren't as bad as they sound. And it won't all be sad or worrisome -- I'll get to see some other family, including a niece and nephew, and maybe eat out somewhere nice -- many NOLA restaurants have bounced back wonderfully in the past two years.
A few years ago (pre-K), when we grandkids would get annoyed and frustrated by my grandparents, my mom would tell us, "This might be the last time you get to see them ... bear that in mind." She hasn't said it lately -- it got tiresome from repetitive use, but then it got a little too real. I hope this isn't the last time I'll see them.