It’s Been A Minute

It’s been a minute since I last shared a Just Typikel, no? Gotta say, I’m a little nervous.

Writing this post reminds me of when I was the announcer at my kids’ swim club’s home meets back in the day.  I always froze seconds before I had to make the first call of the season. Every time. As the sleepy, shivering swimmers pulled on their caps, doffed their Crocs and cosy parkas, and dove into the water for warm up laps, paralytic thoughts such as, “Why the hell did I sign up for this?” “What if I’ve lost my voice?” and “What if I can’t remember how to do this?” closed my throat. With my heart pounding, I’d stab at the ‘on’ button and whisper, “test, test, test.” Nearby coaches and parents would always turn and grin, enfusing me with confidence.

Okay, so please help me out. Grab a coffee and pull up a chair. Let’s do this.

It’s Been A Minute

So what the hell kept me from Just TypiKel? Many things, which I’ll get into over the next few weeks. However, let’s begin with the most momentous. Our Francine celebrated her 100th in September.

Yes, there was cake. Cake for days.

I must say, I’m grateful for the great rapport she has with the staff at her care home. Appreciative of her need for being involved, they always ensure she regularly participates in the many activities on offer.

There’s no question her observation skills and competitiveness are still firing. Determined to “just watch,” we sat in on a ladder ball game this week. As it progressed, she began to study the techniques of the better players. “Ah, he’s holding the balls in one hand, and look, see how the rope slackens? …” Before I knew it, Francine was in the thick of it.

Visual folks will zero in on the lonely chap in the red hat. No worries – he’s plunked there to avoid being beaned by the row of participants.

Yes, our gal won. (She goes by Frankie here. Francine is the family nickname)

Saturday morning Bingo is always a popular option. Of course, Francine insists on playing two cards. “I’m bored with one, Kel. Bored silly.” She can’t understand why I always play with just one …

Full Disclosure

I should mention a unique positive of having a centenarian parent. You tend to view folks in their 70’s and 80’s as being quite young. It’s natural. After all, my mother was exploring Canada’s north and scrambling up Russian Icebreaker rope ladders at 88. Much to the surprise of the US Customs agents, she was also skipping off to Hawaii at 95.

However, in all honesty, 100-year-old Francine is not as she was. New York Times crosswords and six star sudokus have been replaced with large print word searches. She no longer paints, sketches or draws. There is permanent confusion regarding her great grandchildren and sometimes even the grands. The Covid reality hasn’t helped, of course. While she thankfully has managed to avoid getting ill, the mandatory quarantining has left her anxious about stepping out. Restaurant visits and family outings are nonexistent. As she admits, her world has shrunk to her room, the facility and visits to her eye doctor.

Yes, our Francine is a vastly different Francine. Between you and me, I think I’m already grieving.

“I expect all of this will make it easier when the time comes …” I smugly informed my sister in January.

Silly Kelly.

Everything changed when I ran into a friend on a dog walk last week. She shared that her mother had died just four days earlier. It was a peaceful passing and everyone who mattered was present. We hugged and her eyes filled as she shared a chilling reality.

“Mom had been battling dementia for years and I thought I’d be okay when she passed. But no. I’m broken. There’s nothing that can prepare you for this. Nothing.”

Of course.

You’d think I’d know better. After all, I’ve experienced the loss of dear friends and even my husband. Yet, all these years later, I still need these wake up calls. When a loved one passes, you’re never prepared. Never.

Going Forward

Enough about me and our dear Francine. While it’s been a minute, I’ll be back sooner than soon – I need to update you on the book. Big news there! Meanwhile, I have been hanging out a lot on Instagram. Come on over and say hi. You can find me there at https://www.instagram.com/kellylmckenzie/ 

Thank you for hanging with me here, guys. I truly appreciate it. I’m curious about you. What’s happening in your life? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.

Okay, enough. Go hug your loved ones. I’m off to do the same.