Missing

Everyone knows the saying, "You don't appreciate something until it's gone." In Sun City Center, it couldn't be more apropos. Power outages are commonplace here. Usually, they only last a few seconds but last week the power was out for several hours. No t.v., no Internet, no phone (thank goodness for cell phones), no opening the refrigerator, no microwave or electric cook top, no lights, no nothing!! We so rely on everything always being there that we miss it when it's gone.

Yesterday I heard a loud gurgling coming from the guest toilet. Never a good sound. Nothing further happened until today when all three toilets wouldn't flush. Then we discovered our shower and a tub had backed up. The county water engineer determined there is a clog in the buried pipe coming in from the street. Unfortunately, he couldn't find the flush-out valve which is also buried. So, we will wait two hours or so until another technician comes to find it and blow it out. I'm thirsty and want water, or perhaps a cocktail. We all know what goes in, must come out so I'm hesitant to fill up on fluids. Can't cook dinner without water. I'm sticky and sandy from playing golf earlier and really want to take a shower. Can't really go to a restaurant looking like I do. We can't leave anyway until the pipe is fixed. Sure do miss the water.

Still can't visit mom as that nasty stomach virus is still going around so they won't let us in. It's been three days since either Sis or I have gone over to see her and we both say it feels odd to not be there or to see her. Fortunately, we can telephone her but that isn't very satisfactory as she can't hear well. Mom is sad and missing us. There are days, I must admit, when I don't really feel like giving up my spare time to go to the Alzheimer's unit and deal with all that goes on there. The electricity and water problems are a gentle reminder to me of what is really important. While I have always appreciated my mother, I'm not sure I realized just how much I will miss her one day.