A few weeks ago I called Social Security to begin the process of obtaining benefits for the boys and me. I spent nearly an hour on the phone while the representative entered our information into the computer. This, she assured me, would save time when I went to my appointment at the Social Security office in Idaho Falls, which she kindly scheduled for me. All I would have to do is bring the relevant documents (birth, marriage, and death certificates; social security cards, bank information) to be verified. Great, I thought. I'm all for streamlining whenever possible. Fast forward to this Monday. I arrive at my appointment, armed with everything I need, except for a lengthy novel to read while the Social Security agent takes the documents back to his cubicle--you see where this is headed, don't you--to enter the information into the system, again. I inform him this was done already, when I scheduled the appointment. His explanation: "She must have been new. There's nothing in the system." It's days like this that make me proud to live in a bureaucracy, I mean democracy. By the way, the word of the week: redundant.
Yesterday Dr. Hancock was kind enough to meet with me. I had some theories about the things I witnessed with Paul and the process of dying that I wanted to have confirmed, which he did. He also showed me and Darla--she came with me--the last PET/CT scan Paul had. In spite of his being on chemo, the changes that took place in six weeks were incredible. We did everything we could to fight the cancer, but it was obvious from the scan that it was no longer working. Dr. Hancock e-mailed me copies of all the scans Paul had. He uses them when he lectures around southeast Idaho to promote the benefit of using PET scans as part of a cancer treatment regimen.
On a lighter note, we're all doing well. Tyler and Brandi are excited for their baby to arrive. If she's on time, that will be in two weeks. I don't think I own any Grandma clothes. Isn't there a special uniform or something? The boys are busy with school and homework. Hayden finished the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges at a pow wow sponsored by our stake over the past two weeks. He's pretty happy to be done with them. Cameron is practicing for a play at school. He was originally assigned as part of a rap group, but that didn't suit his personality, so he negotiated with his teacher for a change of roles. Now he's a narrator, a much better fit.
On Saturday night Cameron and I were looking up the meaning and origin of first names and surnames on Ancestry.com. After we finished with our family names we decided to look up surnames from our ward. By the time we were done, we were both laughing hysterically. At church the next day I had to avoid making eye contact with Cameron during sacrament meeting so I could keep a straight face when I saw some of the ward members. Don't bother asking, I refuse to disclose names.
We plan on making good use of President's Day weekend by going skiing at Grand Targhee on Saturday and Monday. Anyone care to join us?
Something new?
9 years ago
It does not require a special uniform or mode of dress to be a Grandma. Grandma's come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. The only thing that is required is unconditional love and the ability to hold out your arms and say come to Grandma without chocking on the words. The first time is really hard. It gets easier and easier all the time. Grandchildren bring much joy.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting..only two weeks away for their sweet baby to arrive. We are glad to hear you and the boys are doing well. Thanks for the updates. We love you guys and we love the picture of you and Paul!
ReplyDeleteI agree, there really isn't a "grandma" uniform. However, I believe that becoming a grandma automiatically makes you eligible to say anything you want, meaning stuff can just fly from your mouth, and you can't be held responsible for it but you can take credit for any good that may come from what you say.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the names - Cameron took care of that! It was the first thing we did in Primary class! Worked out to be a great attention getter and led into our lesson on Joseph Smith translating the plates!
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