Last night we had a belated birthday girls get together. Six of us gathered in a café in town that opens a few nights a week and caught up, drank and ate. I’ve never been one to have a circle of friends, so most of these women didn’t know each other. I sat in the middle and directed proceedings, like a verbal traffic warden.
One, who didn’t know anyone apart from me, was quiet but livened up with the (very good) red wine. I don’t know her well so it was good to see her relax and enjoy my other friends.
One swept in late, stressed out by her day. The car had failed its MOT, needed new tyres, but most of all she is extremely worried about her husband. She wouldn’t go into details in front of the others, but she is wound up like a spring, and not being a drinker, didn’t have the relaxing benefits of wine to calm her down.
Another is terrified because she’s having her hip recoated (rather than replaced) next week. She went along to the hospital for an assessment and the doctor said, “I warn you, this is going to hurt like hell.” NOT what poor Deb wanted to hear. So since then she’s been in a terrible state.
We did what we could to calm her fears. Talked her through it all, promised to be there for her when she needs us. And as the wine went down and the food and the company, she too relaxed a bit. Those fears were still there but had shrunk to a rather more manageable size.
It was a lovely evening, being surrounded by friends, having a good natter and helping each other. Laughing and sharing. What good friends are all about. And despite not sleeping much, today I am filled with that warm glow that comes from good mates.
So when Himself admitted that his lungs have been painful for the last two weeks, I didn’t shout and scream as I usually do, but said, “darling. You have pulmonary fibrosis. You have dodgy lungs. You can’t afford to take risks.”
I then rang the doctor’s surgery while we walked the dog on the beach. I waited until another friend joined us, and did it then. That way Himself couldn’t wriggle out of it.
It had to be done. If I hear, “it’s all right Pop. I’m monitoring the situation,” again I really will scream.
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19 comments:
Oh, sigh of envy! The only thing that I miss about living here is the wonderful group of 'girls' I met when we had our babies together. We've been through everything together and I do miss being able to pour out my grumbles in a 'safe' situation.
Well done for getting Himself to GP. Hope all is sorted soon.
Chris - sorry you don't have that. It keeps me sane! There's nothing like good women friends is there? My mother (80) still has Girls Lunches once a month!
I feel bad for your friend that has to have her hip recoated, what ever that means, never heard that term, but sounds terrible!
I send Himself good wishes on his lungs.
Now I have to get caught up with your posts I missed!
little wing - good to see you back again and hope you had a good break. yes, the hip recoating doesnt sound good does it?
I suppose a hip replacement is preferable to having your hip recoated if my dad's is anything to go by. It's great that you have such good friends.
Hope himself's lungs feel better soon.
I miss a girlie night out too, you always have so much fun. I hope Himself is feeling better today.
Glad to hear that you had such a fun evening and that the wine made for good laughter. I can't drink it myself, but I do appreciate its relaxation qualities.
I'm appalled at what the doctor said. Surely he could have told her a little less dramatically?
I hope Himself feels better soon and well done you for making the call. Men have a tendency to put things off, don't they?
Ak - no it's supposed to be the other way round, that's why she's having it recoated - the recovery time is quicker. But if it doesnt work she has to have the whole hip replaced.
ellee - thanks yes he's feeling better today. In fact the doc said his lungs are better than they were, so all that cornet playing is doing something!
Sweet Irene - sorry you can't drink wine. It does have very medicinal purposes at times!
MissU - yes I was horrified, particularly as she's been utterly terrified ever since - who wouldn't be?
Well after hearing what the doctor told your friend and how my Dad, at 83, has recovered from his hip replacement, I'd go for the hip replacement every time! Three weeks after his operation he walked 600yds to get the tram to go and play bridge at his favourite haunt!
Sounds like you had a super time with ya maties.... its maties that keep us sane lol
And how insensitive your friends doctor was....... he needs and thump to his temple lol....
Well done to making HIM go see his GP..... bloody men lol
x
I'm sorry to hear that Mr FP is having problems with his lungs. I really do hope that the Dr's appointment went okay (and well done you for getting him to go). Best wishes, RT x
I have this image in my head of the doctor going in with a paint brush to recoat....
Ak - that's very encouraging. I've heard some horror stories about hips...
Marmite - v insensitive of the doc but it was a woman that's what got me! You'd think she had more sense.
RT - thanks, it was a false alarm lungs are OK but I was worried.
little wing - yes so have I!!
We chaps are experts at burying our heads in the sand! Hope himself's feeling better soon....
G - well yes we know that! Hope you're not doing that though...!
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