Spine Tingling Suspense - Part 4. AKA The Bus Debacle.

Who planned a bus strike and why wasn't I told? Or at least that was my first thought when I jumped on the bus to head into the hospital on Friday.

After a pretty late start to the day, caused by me needing to catch up on some work, (by photographing my students' sculptures for Anthony Vue (the artist in residence for my classes this year) to 3D model). I finally managed to head off to the bus station at about 9.00 am. There was no way I was going to count on a lift home after yesterday's long day and late night. I was going to be in control...or so I thought!

As I jumped on the bus, I was floored by the announcement that there was going to be a bus strike today. Note to self - "Pay more attention to the news!" My mind went into whirl How was I going to get home? When was it going to start? When would it end?

Facebook came to my rescue as I sent out a panic call for help. My wonderful friends let me know that the strike would be between 2pm and 6pm. I was still in a bit of a tizzle about the whole affair...even to the point of being concerned that I might miss my stop, when I heard someone coming up the aisle of the bus, saying "Oh hi, Jeanie". It was Nathan, one of the lovely young men from church. He just happened to be getting off at the same stop and very politely listened to my "Old Lady" prattle until we got off at the hospital.

He even stayed with me while I ordered TLOML, the mandatory latte and then also stayed until Anthony arrived to collect the USB with all the photos on, So all in all, God and His children cared for me in my panic as He and they always do.

When I got up to see TLOML, he was in fine form. The latte was greatly appreciated, but did actually end up adding to his troubles for the day. You see, his only concern was his need to get up to "go". When the physio arrived and said he would take him on a little "walk", the man was really relieved. In fact he made a 5 minute detour to the toilet before he even left the room.

When he finally left, he went on his first walk, wearing the height of hospital fashion - white stockings and red socks.

So....to recount, he had his back cut open only the day before. The doctor needed to get a jackhammer to get through his spine (Brendan's words, not mine), and he was doing a pretty good impression of a model on a catwalk already! When he was being asked about his pain, his answer was that things were a bit stiff, but not sore.

He had a nice shower to freshen up, had several walks around the ward and all he needed for pain was a slow release painkiller and panadol for a slight temperature. Mmmmm, not happy about the temperature.

Nevertheless, I needed to head off because of the bus strike. I needed to have a volunteer lead me out to the exit (not getting lost in this hospital again!). When I got on the bus at 1:30pm, there was standing room only, but that was preferable to no bus at all!

Once I was home, it was an evening of trying to fix up the bedroom for TLOML's return home and a quick trip out to see Anthony's exhibition at the art gallery.

Thankfully, Brendan's brother, Shane came to visit him after I left. He also provided TLOML with the mandatory latte. All is looking good except for the ever increasing temperature and a bit of a stiff calf. To find out what that's all about, you'll need to read the next episode.