Medical Road Trip

My mother had one of her quarterly doctor visits this morning and had asked me to take her. From experience I've learned that these trips average around three hours. And today was no exception.

My plan was to arrive at work early, then pick her up later in the morning, and return after lunch. But when I set my book bag down on my desk, I noticed my glasses were missing. I knew I had clipped them to one of the pockets, but they were now gone I re-traced my path through the building and out to my car to no avail. I then came back in, scanning heaven and earth for a glimpse of them. Again, no luck.

Once I got back to my desk, I was in a tizzy. I sent out an e-mail to any and all asking for help. Then I figured out I'd better return home and retrieve my spare set. By now I was fearful, I'd be late in collecting momsy. BUT as I pulled out of my parking place, I spotted the glasses on the pavement under a red truck. Somehow when I pulled the bag out of the back seat and flung it over my shoulder, the glasses slipped out and skidded down the asphalt.

I picked up mom and off we went to the doctor. Who happens to have an office in a building that is part of a hospital complex. Once upon a time, there was a single hospital structure. But over the years, wings, towers and annexes have been added in all directions. So parking has become a significant problem.

As we approached, I noticed a hugh yellow and white construction crane at the south end of the complex. Which told me they were creating another addition. Which meant even more congestion. We pulled in, circled under the building, but there was not a space to be had. I then had to backtrack and drive to an upper level. An area that wall to wall vehicles. I literally had to let my mother out in the middle of the traffic.

Next, I had to backtrack again, hoping I'd be able to park on the south side of the complex. But, I quickly discovered that was no longer possible because of the construction. So into the parking garage I went. Up one level, then another, and another. At last, I found a spot near on the ramp to the roof.

After all this, I had to find the elevator, go to the ground level, and criss cross back to the medical tower. Once there, I tried to remember where momsy might be. She mentioned she went to one floor for her blood work, then to another floor to visit the doctor. By now, of course, I was having trouble remembering my name. Finally, I found the doctor's office, and was ready to take a nap.

After mother's visit, I went through the entire process in reverse, and at looong last, we were headed for home. We made one side trip so she could see a new shopping center, but within another ten minutes I pulled into her drive.

Big institutions always intrigue me. The hustle and bustle of the people. The intricacies of the lay out. The flow of traffic. So even though the trip was confusing, I found it rewarding. By the way, momsy is doing fine. The doctor said everything was fine, and he made a minor modification in her medicine.

All's well that ends well!

PAX!