I Take A Break

This post is being written in Bargara about 250 km north of Tewantin where we live.  Helen persuaded me to take two nights away from worrying about Margaret so I got on the web and booked the cheapest Motel in Bargara for Thursday and Friday nights.

Bargara is a nice if somewhat old fashioned, seaside town 15 km from Bundaberg.  The Motel is straight out of the 1950's except for satellite TV.  I have a large bedroom and small kitchen plus an even smaller bathroom.  It is very clean and as I said cheap.  It is also only 100 M from the local hotel which serves meals and about 150 M from the beach.  I hope to spend tomorrow just walking and resting up.

The main problem is that it doesn't feel right.  Over the last twenty years of my working life I spent many nights in similar motel rooms not to say really expensive ones as well.   Coupled with my cycling and camping holidays I have spent many, many nights away on my own so what is different?  I think it is that I realise that Margaret will not be at home when I return.  Now don't get me wrong were weren't your "lovey , dovey couple" but we were always there.  After Helen goes home next week I shall be on my own for the first time in nearly 52 years.

Enough of the maudlin stuff.


On Wednesday morning I visited Margaret to find her in a furious mood about Helen.  Apparently she had stayed out all night instead of staying with Margaret.  I assured her that Helen had been with me but Margaret didn't believe me.  I stayed for a couple of hours and assured Margaret that Helen would be in later as she was getting the results of blood tests and even more prescriptions.  I left just before lunch as this appears to be best as she tends not to eat while we are there.  The carers told me that her GP did visit and described Margaret as being in a bad way.  She can't go out as she must keep her feet up as much as possible.  Apart from that Margaret appears to be settling in very well.

Helen spent several hours with Margaret in the afternoon and told me that Margaret had had breathing difficulties in the afternoon and has been put on oxygen for a couple of hours.  Of course Helen had to answer for her overnight behaviour and Margaret just would not believe that she was at home with me because she should have been at home with her!!

This morning we both visited and took Louis in as well.   We managed to take her for a brief walk in her wheelchair and also sat outside for a little while.  I told her that I would not be coming in on Friday and she accepted that I was getting away from Helen who was still in trouble.  Helen has arranged to have lunch with Margaret tomorrow while I am away.  Margaret is now very confused and her legs haven't improved.  Helen can contact me on my mobile if there is an emergency.

I left home at 12.30 pm and drove straight here and arrived just before 4.00 pm after a long but trouble free drive.  I have had dinner at the local pub and will have an early night.  I have just spoken to Helen and she and Louis are OK.