Flowers

Just a quick note,

I hadn’t really planned to check in until we have some update on the medical side.  But many folks have been asking if we’ve arrived safely, if the apartment is okay, how we’re getting set up, what’s it like here, and so on.

So – the short answer: Yes. 

We’ve arrived here in Rochester, we’re getting organised in our apartment hotel, The Berkman, directly across from St. Mary’s Hospital where the surgery is scheduled to take place on July 16th.

What’s it like?

This experience reminds me of many years ago when we lived in the ‘Married Students Apartments’ at University of Waterloo. An upgrade here, with an open concept and a full kitchen, but the vibe feels reminiscent. As we struggled with the entry to our unit, a gray-haired man stepped out from across the hall.  Loaded with his recycling, he said, “Oh, you must have just arrived. We’ve been here two months and my wife’s back surgery has been a miracle. We’re from southern California, and the best advice I have is—-” He recommended the grocery store nearby.

We’ve been UBER-ing around, provisioning the ship, and thinking of all the things we neglected to bring with us – an apron, some placemats, scissors, serviettes, family photos, the program from David’s service. Today, I managed to purchase flowers for David as we have continued to do all these months, and the new bouquet sits on our little kitchen island in a plastic cool-aid container, just like the ones we had back in the day. 

The surprise at this apartment hotel is that it has a little balcony, just big enough for two, and we overlook the entrance to St. Mary’s Campus Hospital. Photos below show our temporary abode. 

Everything looks green and spacious, daffodils robust all around. And yet, the sound of helicopters coming and going remind us of the serious nature of the surrounding scene. 

Tomorrow will be an early start. We’ll catch the 6:00 AM shuttle over to the main clinic building to check in.

To be continued.

Thanks so much for all the interest, and care, and love,

Joan-Dianne