First Day Back for Dr. Beegle and Me!

I haven't seen Dr. Beegle in several months as I am waiting for a lung transplant and if I am in Albany or en route and I receive the phone call, what to do? We noticed the helicopter hovering over Albany Med. as we made our way down the street. We could always take the helicopter or redirect Angel Flight to fly into Albany. I had my main supplies with me today, inhaler black bag and my big green bag of meds. I asked mom if I should pack clothes in case I needed to stay at the Albany Inn, but she said we would be at the Albany Outta Here. She was right.

I called yesterday, and the doctor on call said there was no pulmonary doctor, who could see me as it was a holiday. So, there was no sense in going yesterday, so he suggested I call this morning early to see if they could squeeze me in . There is no squeezing me in as I am pretty substantial.

Someone had cancelled and there was a 10 o'clock open and I was told to get my cute little derriere in the car and make tracks to Albany. Well, we are two hours away and there is roadwork between here and there. So, we bustled around, threw our must have items into the car and we were off. We didn't make it right there at 10, but soon after.

We used the free valet parking as my breathing wasn't up to par. That was why I was going there. I was S.O.B as the doctor charted my problem. I know what you are thinking, but I was and am short of breath. Why? Well, it seems I am retaining fluids. About 4 lbs. worth and probably more. Oh, the weight of water. So, he upped my lasix drugs and said I would be making frequent visits to the facilities. Oh yeah, all I need and want in life-several trips to the bathroom. I know it could be worse.

I am to call Dr. Beegle tomorrow morning and check in. I shall be his hospital wake up call. I know that he will thrilled to hear my voice at that hour of the morning. Luckily, as we were "running" (can't do that anymore) out the door, I remembered the gifts I had purchased for him and his lovely family.

I presented these gifts to him as he expressed his sentiment that I should not have gone to the trouble. What trouble, I thought? I am trouble to him all the time as my disease never stays consistent enough to have down time of any kind. He was very gracious in accepting the gifts. He and his girls are still planning on meeting me in Norwich for a meal at La Maison Blanche, where the food is delicious and the desserts are outrageously good. You can't go wrong at this restaurant. The personnel there are so kind and sweet. It is such a treat to go there.

So, Dr. Beegle's first day back and who does he have to see, but little ole me. He changed my meds. to get rid of the excess water and proclaimed, "No salt for you." Well, he knows his p's and q's and I best be listening and minding mine. So, I will be eating fresh vegetables and fruit. Tis the season for this type of food. I wish it would last longer.

Like me, Dr. Beegle is moving from his family home, the family homestead to a new house because the family is getting older and bigger. He said they had so much to move that they were overwhelmed. Well, he needed to call in my mom because she is one that likes to clear the clutter-she would have said, "Dr. Beegle, do you think you need this? If not , get rid of it pronto." The poor man wouldn't know what to do with her. When he wasn't looking, she would be organizing his "stuff" and dispensing things she didn't think he would want or need. So much for mom saving his precious family heirlooms. She has a knack of saying, "who wants to dust that?" She never expects an answer as she knows how the situation can be.

So, a new home for Dr. Beegle and myself. Best wishes to the Beegles in their new home. I know they will have fond memories of their new home that is just down the street from his family homestead where they lived. He is a bit like me, he moved everything and then some-stuff he couldn't resist keeping. I can't say as I blame him. These items are links to the past-his family's past. So, poor Dr. Beegle is trying to play catch up since he was away on vacation and house moving- a major undertaking. Well, I, for one, can understand all of the above.

So, how many footprints are in that family home of Beegles over the years? How many times has the screen door slammed? If only those footprints, screen doors and walls could talk, what would they say about the former occupants? Well, the Beegles will be making new footprints in a new home and best of all, they will all be together in a house that fits them.

Congratulations, Dr. Beegle and family. We can't wait to see you in Norwich to celebrate. Cheers!!

May your family leave memorable footprints and memories behind for the next generation to find and enjoy.