At the end of our last week in Florida, we had a decision to make. Should we drive home or fly home? Our dear son and some of our church friends volunteered to come to Florida and drive us home, or, if we decided to fly, would drive our empty car home. What a blessing such thoughtfulness was to us. Ruth felt well enough to drive, so we opted to do so, stopping overnight in Palm Coast to visit friends.
After our two-day visit, we started quite well, but later in the day Ruth began complaining of weakness, so I made a decision to stop at the nearest hospital which happened to be in Lumberton, North Carolina. I am glad that I did.
When the hospital prognosis was alarming, I called our son. He and his family left immediately for Lumberton, arriving the next day. Words cannot express how relieved I felt when they arrived. Meanwhile, our church had been alerted and a dear fellow elder and his wife came to Lumberton, traveling by public transportation, and were there with us during that night.
That long night ended with dear wife's demise early the next morning and with it, the shattered dreams of a long retirement with the woman I loved. With saddened hearts we left Lumberton with my fellow elder driving my car.
Arriving home late that afternoon, I was met by our pastor and several church members, desiring to assist me.
More, later.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A SAD, SAD DAY
That day was March 1, 1984, when my dear wife, Ruth, went to be with the Lord. It was a day of tremendous shock to me and my family. Although she had a history of high blood pressure, and was under the care of a doctor, the seriousness of her condition was not made known to me at that time. If I had known the facts, our retirement lives might have been somewhat different.
When I did retire from the corporate world, I anticipated many years of togetherness to enjoy our home, our growing family, and opportunities to travel. We did travel to Florida during the winter months and that was pleasant to both of us. Do you know what northerners do when they travel "thataway?" In the morning, after breakfast, they sit around the motel pool talking about the winter up north, then it is time for a light lunch, followed by a nap. Later in the day, they travel to the restaurant that offers the best "early bird apecial" meal. Back to the motel for some T.V. watching and off to bed, exhausted.
Near the end of our second week, dear wife had a relapse of sorts, but after a trip to the emergency room, all appeared to be O.K. We did move to a first floor apartment, which pleased her immensely.
More, later.
When I did retire from the corporate world, I anticipated many years of togetherness to enjoy our home, our growing family, and opportunities to travel. We did travel to Florida during the winter months and that was pleasant to both of us. Do you know what northerners do when they travel "thataway?" In the morning, after breakfast, they sit around the motel pool talking about the winter up north, then it is time for a light lunch, followed by a nap. Later in the day, they travel to the restaurant that offers the best "early bird apecial" meal. Back to the motel for some T.V. watching and off to bed, exhausted.
Near the end of our second week, dear wife had a relapse of sorts, but after a trip to the emergency room, all appeared to be O.K. We did move to a first floor apartment, which pleased her immensely.
More, later.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
ACS (PART II)
The company with whom I had contacted made a unique product for hospitals. It was a bed sheet made of cotton to replace polyester sheets made at that time. The cotton sheets were less expensive to buy, to launder, were longer lasting and more patient- friendly. The company's catalog said all of these things, but evidently the federal hospitals were not reading it.
I spent the better part of four years introducing these cotton products to federal and private hospitals on the east coast. Veterans Administration hospitals were my primary target, followed by military hospitals. This satisfying relationship came to an end when the firm decided to accept a buyout from a Canadian corporation, and I declined to become a part of the package. This was really the end of ACS as a viable working company.
One ACS call that I made during those years is etched in my memory. That day, I made arrangements to take dear daughter-in-law and two granddaughters with me to the Virginia peninsula. They were going to visit friends while I made some calls. On the way to their destination I stopped at a V.A. hospital and took granddaughter #1 with me to make the call. When we met the purchasing agent I introduced her as my assistant and he shook hands with her. In my briefcase I had some crayons and a coloring book, so granddaughter sat at one corner of the desk, coloring, while the agent and I talked business. I'll bet you that he talked about us for years!
More, later.
I spent the better part of four years introducing these cotton products to federal and private hospitals on the east coast. Veterans Administration hospitals were my primary target, followed by military hospitals. This satisfying relationship came to an end when the firm decided to accept a buyout from a Canadian corporation, and I declined to become a part of the package. This was really the end of ACS as a viable working company.
One ACS call that I made during those years is etched in my memory. That day, I made arrangements to take dear daughter-in-law and two granddaughters with me to the Virginia peninsula. They were going to visit friends while I made some calls. On the way to their destination I stopped at a V.A. hospital and took granddaughter #1 with me to make the call. When we met the purchasing agent I introduced her as my assistant and he shook hands with her. In my briefcase I had some crayons and a coloring book, so granddaughter sat at one corner of the desk, coloring, while the agent and I talked business. I'll bet you that he talked about us for years!
More, later.
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