This past weekend was supposed to be a special time for me.
My niece's high school graduation in Bend.
I had been looking forward to it since I came north. The graduation ceremony was on Saturday evening. Big party at my brother's place Sunday afternoon. Enough barbecue to feed multitudes. Cardiologists on call.
But it did not happen.
The ceremony and party did. I simply was not there. Instead, I was home in bed.
A head cold settled in last week -- taking up residence right behind my left eye. Uninvited. A squatter.
Because of my Coumadin restrictions, I could not evict it with my usual chemical warfare of massive Nyquil doses and old-fashioned sleep. Without my reinforcements, the cold settled in bit by bit. The ensuing headache convinced me that it had brought along its own sofa and armoire.
By Friday night it was obvious I was not going anywhere. I sounded like a cross between Chill Wills and Bill Clinton.
While my family was celebrating in Bend, I was in bed or on the couch in Salem.
So, I missed the Cotton social event of the season. But missing the socializing was not the biggest disappointment. Not being able to celebrate my favorite niece was.
She is quite a pistol. Kicked off the school bus her first week at grade school for telling the bus driver how to drive. With a brilliant technological mind. And the personality of a Lauren Bacall. Not to mention (even though I just did) being the best Hollandaise sous-chef this side of Normandy.
Kaitlyn. Congratulations on your graduation.
Sorry I was not there. But, I will see you soon.
