Mother’s eye specialist called to say their office had forgotten to tell us that she must be “cleared” for surgery by having a full physical, EKG, chest x-ray, blood work, etc. with results faxed to him ASAP in order to go ahead with plans for her corneal transplant next Tuesday morning. Now this wouldn’t be a problem except that I’m in New Mexico, won’t fly back home ‘till Monday night and she can’t manage this sort of thing without me. To say I was upset is a mild understatement. Can’t just put her in a cab ~ she doesn’t have a chance of navigating Smith Tower in the Med Center. The retirement center’s shuttle won’t be making another trip to the Med Center ‘till next week sometime. So….. I often say what wonderful friends I’m blessed with… One of my oldest friends actually took off work this afternoon, drove down to meet her in the Med Center (I did get a cab arranged long distance with the center’s help), and stayed with her throughout the doctor’s visit, all the lab work at Diagnostic, the x-rays, the EKG, walked the results back over to the doctor, then drove Mother all the way home in 5 pm traffic. She went in and took a 40 minute tour of the center with my mother “the tour guide”, made sure Mother had dinner before leaving and checking in again with me long distance. She’s an amazing friend for this only child. I spoke to Mother several times early this morning and her little voice was cracking and she was filled with fear about doing this without me. She was convinced my friend wouldn’t get there on time or that she’d get lost or….. Tonight she’s convinced my friend is a SAINT, loves her dearly, and is filled with wonder that anyone could have such a wonderful friend. Blip: She once again forgot her walker and “tumbled a little” when she got out of the cab at the Med Center. Biting my fingernails by this time. But the doctor checked her out fully for any damage from the “tumble” and found none; she and Mother agree “she’s fine.” Mother is home and tucked in soundly sleeping after a trying day but I’m still sitting her quivering at being so far away when this happened. I do believe God works through people and today he worked a little overtime; I am indeed so blessed.