Just What I Needed

Jen and I arrived in Poppy’s little town late morning yesterday. First we stopped at the assisted living facility he recently broke up with (the quality of care had taken a drastic nosedive after they changed directors). No, we weren't there to spit on the staff, tempting as that was. We wanted to see what sort of packing we’d need to do later on. Then we motored over to his rehab joint. Why's Vati in rehab? He's recovering from heinous neglect suffered at the hands of a director who's clearly WAY more interested in investor's bottom line versus the care of fragile, elderly human beings.

I had a mondo hod of nervousness with a side of fear rockin’ ma tête.  How would he be? I knew he’d been raging over all the big, fast changes, not being in control of his own damn life, being sick and all that. Rage – it’s how Poppy and I express, amongst other things, fear and insecurity. Ya know – anger gives us the wispy illusion of being in the driver’s seat.

Also, the last time I’d visited, when he was still at the BAD place, he had no energy at all. Of course not. A giant infection was rampaging through his system thanks to the incompetent “care” he was getting. Now on the mend, would he have a bit of vim? Would there be a shred of vitality in da house?

What was I walking into?! *worry, worry, fuss*

Well, HUZZAH and HOORAY! No raging AND he had a LOT more energy. More, in fact, than he’s had in months and months! He’s NOT keen on the rehab place (mostly, I think, because he doesn’t have his own room OR all his stuff) BUT he knows it’s temporary. Not only was he not angrily kvetching about all and sundry, we were joking and goofing like old times. Jesus we had big fun!

PLUS, he was mega supportive – thoughtful, helpful and understanding about my own assorted adversities and afflictions. I was able to lean on him – he was Daddy once more.

Christ almighty, this was a good visit!

On top of all that, I caught the end of a gorgeous autumn show. There were electric yellows, on-fire stop light reds and blazing oranges. Jen and I took a different route back to the airport. We drove through rolling thickly forested hills, past wide meadows and farms with cows and horses meandering about – all were lit up with glowing fall colors. Spectacular!

Our usual path, which I’ve whinged about before, is lined with big box, christian-in-name-only, Republican indoctrination churches. These are located, invariably, just a few yards away from the LIVE NUDE DANCERS clubs (as opposed to dead ones? Wouldn’t nude zombie dancers be kinda fun? You could maybe run bets as to which pieces would fall off first during the more allegro tunes.) adult video emporiums (I guess this is where all the old VHS players have gone to spend their twilight years) and other assorted het-males only porn enterprises.

Yup, we’ve sworn off that route for good. Fuck that ugly, seamy underbelly shit with a rusty spork!
The Cars – Just What I Needed