Sos much for taking the week off: Left my cell at home this morning, had to call W's work phone for the # to MIL's (lost without my phone, as so many of us are now), as the only number I had handy was on one of her business cards I found in my wallet. She called the shop around 11, saying she had just gotten to work because she was spending some time with S (She has a flexible schedule). Got the number, called MIL's, found out S is still pretty sick. Offered to bring some stuff for him, including a humidifier from the house, if it was okay with her. She said OK, I said I would check with W to make sure it was all right. Went home for lunch, got my phone, few minutes later W calls. I did not answer, she left VM saying she had gotten in touch with the IRS (Finally!) about our outstanding tax bill (of which I owe roughly 20%, at most). Gave it a few minutes, called her back, thanked her regarding the tax thing, brought up the visit with S based on the assumption that she would be working pretty late due to her arrival time. She said no problem, wished her a great afternoon, ended call. Talked to MIL around 4, got a list of things S needed, offered to bring dinner. All good. Got home, showered, shaved, printed some pictures of S from the weekend, headed to the store, filled the list, got some take-out, got to MIL's about a half hour after originally planned (though I called to keep her updated), but still more than an hour bfore W could be reasonably expected. Start bringing stuff in, MIL mentions that S is upstairs. With W. Long story short (Too Late!), I hung out for about 10-15 minutes. Got to see S, poor guy was really not feeling well. I brought all kinds of stuff to cheer him up, including a Spongebob balloon, nothing seemed to work until we put in one of his favorite movie that I had brought. That turned the trick, and I'm glad of it. MIL and SFIL kept asking me to stay for dinner, I begged off on the grounds that I had people waiting for me. Finally W got into the action and told me it was okay for me to stay and eat (like I was looking for her permision). I again said no, had people waiting, and finally allowed that my brother was in town (All true, but he wouldn't have reallycared if I hadn't made it out to see him, I just really had no desire to be there). Kept everything light, SFIL followed me out to the truck and wouldn't let me leave (friendly, though, lest you get the wrong impression). Turns out one of the people he works with was on my security team in my former role as a facility manager and remembers me quite well. As I remember it, she was kind of cute. Maybe I should get SFIL to put us back in touch? Good night call went smooth, W called right back and asked if the humidifier I had brought was "new" and asked how to use it. As I recall, she actually bought it, and primarily because it would be easier to use. I calmly instructed her on it's use and signed off.
Observations: W looks like total hell. Even more weight gained, obvious depression, bitterness, etc... Mental confusion and paranoia prevalent in every contact with her today. Judging by the amount of stess she has been under for the last 2+ years, I would guess her hippocampus strongly resembles a block of swiss cheese at this point. In short, she is miserable, confused, and extremely dangerous.
I did go to see my bro, had a pretty good time. Getting in a little late, but I'll manage.
Other odds and ends: -My partner at work has been sidelined on doctors orders, probably going to end up in heart surgery. This is kind of killing me, cause the guy has been a real rock for me during this crisis. But, if anyone can make it, it would be him (cranky old goat). -MIL's mother just had a 5 hour surgery on her back. Very religious woman, I got her a card with a very religious slant (NOT my usual style). I'm sure W sees it as trying too hard, but she can go to hell. I'm finally learning to speak to those I care about in their language, not mine. -During the goodnight call, I told W about a jazz concert a local radio station is hosting on Friday. I have previously taken S to 2 of these, and he loves it. Coincedentally, every time I have taken him, she has been out of town with OM. I fear that my mentioning it to her was taken as a suggestion that we should all go together. Little does she know that this time, I will be the one out of town. Now, if I can just keep myself from going to see OM (Kidding!). -Superman's a pansy, or did I already mention that?
