Jewells of Thought

Yesterday I ended up driving my Mom and brother to the podiatrist. Not quite 2 weeks since surgery and I’ve still got a couple more days with it on. Again I found myself sitting right in front of my former workplace. A distant memory came back to me.

The church lady and friend Yvonne came to my mind. On one of my days working I noticed her going into the building next to the Fresenius Center. When I thought she worked at Ivy Tech as a teacher. I had to mention this to Mom and she matter of factly said yeah she changed jobs. Now thinking about that, I wish I had at least yelled Hi to her. I saw her a few times during that time.

There it is again, dialysis always brings me back to Uncle Mike. I would not have gotten into this job if not for watching what he went through and wanting to know more about the inside of the clinic. Then again yesterday I saw my birthday notifications on Facebook and it reminded me that a friend had a birthday on this day that has been a day of mourning just 13 years ago. I remember her sitting in my lap listening to me during Sunday School. Now she’s in college. How the time sure flies.

After a second appointment at Terre Haute, yesterday we ended up eating at Fazoli’s. I was refilling my glass when a couple came in after ordering and they were looking for a seat. The man saw my bandaged arm and asked if was ready to wrestle. I said probably not today. Then I sat down and quickly told my parents and brother what he said. Instantly I said that would have been what Bob would have asked me. I was referring to Yvonne’s husband. When I had my carpal tunnels done he was always joking with me about the sleeves I was wearing. I miss that goodhearted laughter he was and is a good man.

It’s nice to not just think about the Uncle I miss today. All these memories and new moments help grief that will never fully go away to melt a bit thinking at how laughter and dialysis allowed me to experience things I wouldn’t have without my Uncle having been in my life.