Indiana Beaderstadt's - Year in Review - 2024
Rich Beaderstadt
Indiana Beaderstadt’s – Year in Review - 2024
No doubt about it, Denise is again the star for this letter. Before April we had enough for a full letter, but if you had been following us on FaceBook, we will spare you a repeat of all the posts and just hit the highlights.
While having a routine colonoscopy in mid-September 2023, an a-fib was found along with an irritable bowel syndrome. She was placed on blood thinners and later had her heart shocked back to normal. After the holidays, things seemed to have stabilized and with no current sporting activities, Rich decided to join Scott for a trip to New Orleans. While Scott displayed his artwork at a huge convention, Rich toured the town including visiting a WW II Museum and getting to taste what the city had to offer including Bourbon Street and po’boys. Kinda fun to watch rival NFL team fans clash in the casino.
Basketball continued for both Lucas and Jillian, as both were on feeder teams with Eric co-coaching.
On a sub-zero night in February, while most sensible people were snuggled in their beds, the NWI Sox 13u team were at the Sparta Dome in Crown Point winning their first championship softball tournament of the 2024 season at just before 4AM. Yep, you read that right 4am. The 14u tournament began at 6pm the night before and the girls performed very well winning all their games on their way to the trophy. Jillian pitched a 10-0 shutout with no hits, one walk, striking out 5 in four innings. They all brought their bats with scores of 7-3, 13-2, 10-0, and 5-1. Jill also got two homers. Long night on a cold field, but well worth their smiles in the end. The team also played in another dome in Rosemont, even Scott came out for that one and Eric treated us to lunch at Hooters.
Denise was still having problems breathing, so small cans of oxygen were purchased. Rich went alone to the annual Super Bowl game in Schaumburg but left early to get a can of oxygen at the local Walgreens for Denise. Denise was again tested, and the A-Fib had again returned. Shortly after she had an ablation procedure and had oxygen tanks and a portable unit delivered to the home.
While going in for a breath stress test, Denise arrived at the testing facility not able to catch her breath. The technician refused to administer the exam and said she should be taken immediately to the ER. She was admitted to the hospital and after several days of testing, fluid on the lungs was discovered. After draining almost 2 quarts of fluid from around her lungs, Denise was breathing the best she had in a couple of weeks. Breathing treatments were continuing and it looks like she will be their guest for at least another day. Dena and Eric stopped in to see how Denise was doing.
While getting another CAT scan at 3am, more blood work at 4am, Saturday was a fairly uneventful day. Rich watched over 6 movies including three Men in Black. He did get yelled at for bringing in such a large Dunkin Donuts coffee for Denise. So, we will be going for smalls from now on. Late afternoon Denise was complaining about aches in her neck and shoulders. One very nice nurse gave her heating pads and as much pain medication as she was allowed. Still flushing fluids and all was well when Rich left around 7pm.
Eric and the family drove down to Indy to watch the local high school play in the state championship. Taking second place out of the entire state is not too shabby. All the starters were seniors, so there could be a opening for Jillian next September.
The next night, Denise had a fever of 102 by 9pm. It spiked to 103, but by morning she got it back down to 98. No Dunkin Donuts for her. Complaining now of chest pains. Nurses and doctors running in and out of the room, too many to count. Late afternoon, Rich left to go watch Lucas play basketball. Still has his no-win streak intact.
More nights of spiking temps, but back to normal by morning. Got a visit from the Infection Doctor one morning. And Denise now has the one thing that you try to avoid at all costs, a urinary tract infection. No pain yet, but still on a Cather. Continuing antibiotics. Physical therapy came and got her out of bed for the first time since we arrived. Eating better but sleeping a lot. Heart, lungs, kidneys, test all negative. Still on oxygen and up to level 5. (we came in at 2) Need to work on building up ability to take deeper breaths.
Next drama: Another hospital worker came in to ask if she would be agreeable to going to a rehab facility if she met the criteria. The average time is 10 days. Denise was very reluctant, probably based on her experience last time in Illinois. So, yet another hurtle to overcome. Rich didn’t think he could take care of her at home.
After a three-week hospital stay, she was sent to a rehab facility where she spent the next four weeks. Not without drama as she passed out one day during therapy. Quick acting and observant therapists saved her from going down. Rich figured out a route from his driveway to the rehab facility with no busy roads and the bike miles started piling up.
Lucas had his final pinewood derby with a car he made by himself. (Grandpa still ran the power saw) A few months later, he was crossing over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Dena was retiring as Cubmaster. Scott went with Rich to the Blue and Gold luncheon to witness the ceremony. Lucas had a wonderful display highlighting all his activities during Cub Scouts. While it was great to reminisce, he was anxious to join his new Boy Scout troop and started working on his advancements.
Jill finished her basketball career at Kahler by being the Conference Champions. She also went on to be the volleyball champions later in the year.
Spring finally arrived to find Jillian back on the softball field and Lucas also pitching baseball. Both were in travelling teams attending lots of tournaments making it difficult to choose which to go see. Lots of great games and slowly Denise went out to see more of them.
Jillian continued track events of disc throwing and shot put, taking first place in both events at every meet save one. The one girl was much better coached and threw the disc with finesse. Jill just used raw power and was only 3 feet from the school record. No interest in pursuing track in high school.
However, the high school varsity coach has taken an interest in the team that Eric and another coach had put together. In a few weekend tournaments Eric and Jeff would coach the girls and they won. The varsity coach doesn’t care about winning, but wants to see how the girls react to specific plays and situations. Hasn’t won yet.
Now that softball is in full play, Jill is the best pitcher on the team and starts all the important games. And she brings her bat, having the one of the highest batting averages and hitting over six homers of the season. The trouble is finding a catcher that can keep up with her. She also was asked to play up on older teams and hold her own. She has become quite the athlete.
Not to be outdone, Lucas also finds himself in a starting pitcher role. But he is limited to the number of pitches he can throw in a weekend. His team won more games one weekend than the last two seasons. Doesn’t have the power yet like big sister, but that will come. This makes it tough on parents and grandparents that now must pick and choose which travel games to attend. Had to rely on video streaming and GameChanger to catch all the action.
Rich no longer had a wife, but a patient to care for. We finally got Denise out for a game one Saturday and got the most steps in a single day but said her back hurt too much to come back on Sunday. She has only gone to the health club once since getting back from rehab. Having to take her to therapy two or three times a week limits Rich’s chances to do any long-distance bike rides.
Rich finally had to shame Denise into getting a medical alert device, much like his mother wore and used a couple of times. Something about it makes her feel like an “old lady”, which let’s face it, she now is. Especially since today is her birthday. No real plans to celebrate, as motivation to do anything is tough to come by. It was a struggle last week to get her to go get a much-needed haircut. If it wasn’t for physical therapy twice a week, she wouldn’t be going out of the house at all. Rich is using any excuse at all to get out, except bike rides in Schaumburg, because if she did fall, he just didn’t want to be that far away. At least, not yet.
During the last tournament for the 13u Sox, the manager announced that he would be joining another team. Jill found herself again without a team, but not for long. She was asked to play up and joined the 16u team for Fall Ball. She also got to play on the 18u team and 14u if she was available. While also continuing to play basketball, the high school coach came in to run some more of the feeder team games. By the start of the basketball season, Jillian, who was now a freshman at Lake Central high school, was asked to join the varsity team. This meant that she could not be in the final softball tournament. Tough choices again had to be made.
Not to be outdone, Lucas joined the cross-county running team at middle school. At first, his heart was not in it, but by the end of the season, he had shaved four minutes off his time. During one of the events, he lost his shoe but kept on running. Jill had to go back to find the missing sneaker. If he continues his pace, he should be more competitive next season.
Jillian has been invited to play with the high school varsity squad one weekend, and both of her parents want to go. That means Grandpa gets to take Lucas to his baseball tournament and he gets to sleepover until they return from the softball tournament in Tennessee. Jill chooses basketball over softball at least until brackets.
Most of the girls from the feeder team made the high school team as junior varsity. Some of them traveled to Indy to be ranked as incoming freshman. Jill came out as one of the top 26% in the state. All of the early morning practices and hard work after school paid off, as Jillian was asked to be on Varsity team as a freshman. And she claimed a starting role as well. So exciting to have her being introduced at home games. And while her stat sheet shows 6’ 1”, she is almost eye to eye with Rich. (yeah, Rich shrunk a little by getting a vertebrate replaced several years ago) As of this writing, the team is 9-4, with a five game winning streak and number 1 in the conference. Jill continues to lead the team in rebounds both offensive and defensive. Between Christmas and New Years, they travel to Peoria for three days of games. They would like to get back to the championship, being 2nd in state like last year.
Eric is now one of the coaches for Lucas’s basketball team. The boys are improving and starting to win games. You will often find Dena running the clock and Jill on the stats. Jill will also draw up plays and defenses for the boys to follow. Basketball is top in this state and has certainly taken over in our family.
While trying to get healthy, Denise now has developed back pain which has been diagnosed as arthritis in the spine. She is currently in the middle of treatment working up to cauterizing the nerves next year.
Just before the end of the year, Denise and Rich were treated to a wonderful night in a downtown luxury hotel by Marianne, Rich’s former employee and now his current supervisor for Melaleuca. Not since their honeymoon (and probably not even then) have they experienced such luxurious accommodations. While we had a full day planned the weather was against them. Deciding it was too cold and windy (it is December in Chicago, after all) they drove around and got to see some of the bigger store window displays. Marshall Fields (where the one true Santa was) is now, of course, Macy. Sears Tower is now some guy named Willis. But, still some great childhood memories of Christmas downtown. Rich recalls taking the “L” train with his mother and brothers, meeting his great aunt who worked downtown and having lunch in the Walnut room, before giving Santa his wish list. Always got more than he asked for (probably because he was such a good kid, LOL).
Even though both Denise and Rich had always lived in and around Chicago, they finally got to visit the Christkindl market for the first time. Pulled into a no standing, no stopping lane and while Denise guarded the car, Rich got to stroll around the various outdoor temporary shops. Felt like he was back in Germany again with all the shopkeepers speaking a heavy accents. Could have spent more time there, but Denise was getting anxious about getting a ticket.
On the way to the hotel, passed by Berghoff’s, a famous old German restaurant. It was estimated about 3 blocks, (two softball fields) and asked Denise if she thought she could make it. So, after checking in and being overwhelmed at the size of the room, bathtub, separate walk-in shower, and robes they decided to again venture out. Her “walker with wheels” proved once again very beneficial as she was able to sit and rest halfway to the restaurant.
Once there, they had a great, authentic, German meal including Bavarian pretzel, wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, black forest cake, and, of course, German brewed beer as it was also a brewery. Only took her three rest stops to make it back to the hotel, and they got good at timing the traffic lights.
When we got back to the room (and got over the echo), got out the wine, but discovered that no one had packed a corkscrew. Rich settled into the huge sofa and started to watch the wide screen TV (bigger than our home screen) while Denise climbed into bed. After a great German breakfast in the executive suite (with a better view) we contacted the valet to ransom our car.
Not to be outdone, while doing his normal exercise routine which included squats, Rich, between the seventh and eighth rep, popped his left knee. Not being able to go up and down stairs, he asked Eric and Lucas’ assistance to bring up the Christmas decorations from the basement. That must have sparked something in Lucas to decorate his own house. There is hope for the kid yet. While watching an episode of The Great Light Fight, Lucas saw bubbling lights and asked if he could get some. While cleaning out the basement, Rich came across a set of 7 that Denise had when she was a kid, that were her mother’s. Only one light was burned out, not bad for being over 65 years old. She hopes Lucas will enjoy them as much as she did. Passing down traditions has begun. Rich and Lucas now trade FaceTime pictures of what they add outside weekly. While some people have Advent calendars, Rich in keeping with his own Advent tradition of adding one piece outside per day and has only a couple of days left to finish. It snowed just enough to cover all the electric wires running across the front lawn, a Christmas miracle. (see attached)
Rich again posted a personal best of almost 3,750 miles (see below) of biking this year and miles in every month, including a bike trip to Wisconsin Dells and monthly rides with the Schaumburg Bike Club. Might sneak in a few more miles before the end of the year.
Eric was spreading the “rumor” that his father received a DUI that required community service in the form of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. For several weeks he could be found outside a local food store and Lucas and Eric came out on the last day. Taking an idea from another bell ringer, Rich took his two outdoor speakers and had the music of Eyna, Charlie Brown, John Denver, and the Mannheim Steamroller playing as people strolled by. Anything for full kettles. Did you know they now take credit cards? Best job in the world to be able to say
Merry Christmas and God Bless Your Day!
Have a Happy New year as well!
Rich Beaderstadt
Indiana Beaderstadt’s – Year in Review - 2025
Buckle up, buck-a-roes, this is going to be a long one. 47 pages of journaling cut down to 10, which explains why it is so late this year.
We started 2025 right where we left off. You may recall that, with the softball season over, Jill, a freshman at Lake Central High School, was on the varsity basketball team as a starting center. Between Christmas and New Year's, Jill’s team had a tournament in Peoria. Denise was still having back issues, which prevented her from attending. So, rather than getting a motel, grandpa had to make the first of many trips, back and forth, alone. Trucked out to Peoria, saw Jill and her team easily take care of their opponent. Got home, slept, and took Denise to the doctor. She came out better this time than last.
Jill, meanwhile, scored 10 points and probably got a double-double, but no one counted rebounds. This is exactly why grandpa needs to attend each and every game, both for Jill and Lucas. Got up early to make it back to Peoria in time for a morning game. The team didn’t seem as sharp as they usually are. Rumors were that maybe the girls spent too much time partying the night before. After all, this was the first time they had an overnighter as a team. So, with the championship game on the line, they would need to dig deep as the competition would increase. They did and took home a nice piece of hardware. A sweep would have been nice, but ending a seven-game winning streak was a wakeup call that the girls needed, that ‘no game can be taken for granted’. Even though they won, the team lost positions in state rankings. Not sure how that works.
Lucas and his basketball team won their second game of the season, but played back-to-back games and lost to a much tougher team. Thoughts were they could have won, but they just ran out of steam. Grandpa got yelled at by Coach Eric for telling him that he needs to work on endurance, so once again, grandpa is in the dog house.
Jill’s team was 6-0 in conference play and 12-3 overall. Valpo was also 6-0 in conference play with the winner to be crowned champ. We now know what home court advantage means, as they lost a physical, well-fought game.
Back again at the doctor’s office where Denise gets her first laser treatment. Procedure took about 2 hours and Denise had to have three nurses help get her in the car as her leg was still numb. Had to use her belt and walker to get her out of the car. Then another 90 minutes to go up two stairs and into the house.
Kinda bummed about the Super Bowl this year. Since 1985, we had the first Super Bowl party, bought a huge projection TV to watch the Bears win. Ever since, we have always gotten together with friends to enjoy the game, even threw Covid. But this will be the first time that no one is willing to come out. Somehow, we all just got old. So sad.
Denise seems to be getting better, but progress is extremely slow. She goes in to get evaluated next week and then the second treatment is scheduled for later in the month.
While Jillian had an outstanding game in their first playoff game on Friday, they ran into a buzz saw on Saturday night. Their opponent was one of the few teams that beat them earlier in the season. End of the first quarter had LC up 11-3 in a very physical start. They still had the lead by four at the half. But then the coach got greedy and pulled Jill in favor of all three-point shooters. And while they got the needed shots off, nothing going in. Tied at the start of the fourth quarter, still no Jill. Once they were behind by six, Jill got back in, but too late. They lost by four with Jill scoring their last bucket. So, the dream of getting back to the state championship was crushed. Long game, so Denise was put back into the car and grandpa went back to thank the team for a great season. When the girls came out, Jill led the pack and started crying as she went to her mother’s arms. Guess she is not yet the badass she wants to be. Other girls came out crying as well. One could understand the seniors, but this is Jill’s first season at this level. As she calmed down and was hugging other girls and teachers, grandpa walked up and offered a hug, but got a fist pump instead. Time to go.
Sunday saw Lucas in the consolation bracket which also meant win or go home. Found out Eric had taken Jillian to Michigan, but haven’t yet found out why. With one coach down, the team surprisingly put in one of its best efforts and won a very close game. And while Lucas had the most rebounds all season, the team got blown out in the second game. So, no invite to watch the Super Bowl. Worst game ever. Not because of the teams or the score, but no one to enjoy it with. Even my brothers bailed on me, just Denise, and she only tolerates football.
Had to get up early for church service back in Schaumburg. We are now officially “Christers,” only showing up live for Christmas and Easter. But it was great seeing the church full for a change. Although we watch via FaceBook each week, attendance has been down quite a bit.
One Spring morning, Jillian boarded a bus that would take her, her mother, and her basketball team to South Carolina for a three-day tournament and evaluation. Teams and college coaches from all over the nation would be there. One of the other moms had a camera, so the games could be streamed. Jillian received a ranking of 32 overall in the state of Indiana and number 2 for her position as center. Team did ok, split their four games. Lots of team bonding. From her high school, Jill also got voted “Rookie of the Year” and a patch to go on her new school jacket along with earning her letter. Found out she is also carrying a 4.5 grade point average. Not bad for a freshman.
Spring time brought track meets, basketball, and baseball for Lucas. Following Jill, he now was being asked to pitch and catch and play the field. Jill joined a travel basketball team which met near Indy. Lots of conflicts, so needed to choose which grandkid to go and see, lots of travel.
Lucas, that spunky little guy, decided to try new events during the last week of track. Giving up shot put because he just couldn't measure up to big sister, despite her coaching him on the field, he tried long jumping. And he gave up running the 400, in favor of a relay race. Still came in last, but at least he didn’t drop the baton like his teammate did. Give him all the credit in the world for trying something new.
Still chauffeuring the wife to doctor and therapy appointments almost daily. Grandpa did get a decent bike ride in, with his first ride to the Indiana Dunes for the season, definitely cooler by the lake.
Was in Schaumburg Tuesday night for a bike ride and a church meeting. Found out that a very dear friend died of cancer. He was only 65. Tough when they are younger than you. Back to Schaumburg on Friday for the memorial service and Saturday for the funeral.
Another big weekend for the grandkids. Jillian had her fifteenth birthday while in Texas, playing in a big basketball tournament. She got to meet some of the coaches from Duke as well as several colleges. Had many interesting conversations, but nothing official, of course. She is getting recognized. The team did very well, coming away with 3-1 record and 11-3 lifetime in these types of competitions. Lucas’s team had a few heartbreaking baseball loses and he played basketball right after. Big sporting weekend coming up and Jill will return to softball in June.
Well, here we are, (yet again) in the hospital waiting room while the wife is having (yet again) another procedure for her back. Rich thinks that this doctor has found a cash cow as this was supposed to be only three treatments and we are going on almost a year now. Don’t see any improvement and thinks she is sadly getting worse.
Jillian had a round robin basketball tournament with her high school team. Parents both wanted to go, so grandpa got Lucas for the weekend.
We then traveled back to Crown Point, in time to see Jillian play softball. Great to see her swinging a bat once again. Her team won setting her up for bracket play on Sunday. So back again to watch Jillian play. We arrived just as she was coming in as a relief pitcher. First time since October, but she never missed a beat. Jill gave them three good innings with no runs and no walks. Too bad that the team couldn’t overcome a one run deficit.
Even though it was Lucas’s birthday, no celebration as everyone was too tired and just wanted to sleep. Grandpa bought a used bike from a member of the bike club and had it tuned up for Lucas’s birthday. Lucas played in a last minute game which his team again easily won. He has now played every position and done very well at them all.
Denise now needs a walker in the house to get around, so furniture needed to be moved. Sunday night as she was getting ready for bed, she missed the toilet and sat down. There was no way Rich could lift her, so placed a call to 911. Two big, strong firemen showed up in a pumper fire truck with all the lights blazing, so the neighbors all came out. They were able to drag her out of the bathroom to the bedroom, and all three of us lifted her onto the bed.
Monday got a notice that Jill would be playing basketball for the high school. Went to see her play two games in a summer tournament, which will continue for several weeks. First time to see her shoot and make three pointers. Games were split, with Jill getting a lot of playing time. New girls are replacing the graduating seniors. Jill is stepping up to be a leader, calling plays and instructing the new girls, most of whom were former teammates. Good to see the old team back together again. One of Jill’s best friends transferred to another school. Sorry to see her go.
One Sunday morning, Denise awoke with a sharp pain in the bottom of her right foot. She was not able to put any weight on it. So, we made a trip to the ER. X-rays and blood work did not reveal any results. Got morphine on site and a prescription for other drugs. Spent the day quietly watching the kids on streaming media.
Saw the podiatrist on Tuesday and examined her foot, and began to cut away the callous, which started to bleed. There was an infection underneath that was too sensitive to remove, even with a local. He advised us to go back to the ER and get admitted. He would perform surgery on Thursday. Denise was admitted, and the rest was cleaned out and packed. Denise was placed on antibiotics and other drugs and spent the weekend in the hospital. Awaiting the next plan for either rehab or therapy.
Basketball summer league for Jill continues on both Monday and Thursday nights. Saw 8 softball games and 3 baseball games over the weekend. Tough kids play hard.
Jill was invited to a basketball tournament in Toledo, Ohio, for college coaches and to be ranked. She played softball today, but her team lost both games, so I don’t expect them to get too far in the brackets without her bat.
Managed to put in a couple of days on an In-house Mission Trip. Spent most of the time outside cleaning up the cut-down landscape. Lucas played today as well and will wrap up his tournament tomorrow.
So, while watching Jill play basketball this week from a tournament in Ohio via FaceBook, Lucas, Eric, and grandpa went for a four-day baseball tournament in Kokomo, Indiana. Jill played five days, getting six wins and one loss. She will continue with her family to South Carolina for another tournament.
Overall, Lucas played 7 games, losing two, including the championship. But getting the second-place ring again in the season-ending tournament. So, proud of these kids, but thank goodness there are only two.
While driving home from Kokomo, Rich was able to find a house cleaner (via Eric), so the house got deep cleaned. Next, handicap rails were installed in two bathrooms, and the garage rail was fixed.
After several weeks, Denise was finally discharged from rehab and said our goodbyes to the staff. They should have a model car to practice getting in and out of, as the wife struggled with that part. Got her home and glad we secured the handrail as she was very dependent on that, and immediately went for her chair, iPad, and TV.
Lucas is off to Boy Scout camp in Upper Michigan, so hopefully a little cooler than we got. Jill will soon be traveling to three college campuses that have expressed interest in her basketball abilities. Going to be an interesting couple of years.
No such thing as a “regular life” anymore. To be fair, Denise is making progress. Doesn’t use the walker to go to the bathroom anymore. Starting to wash dishes and make meals and did a load of laundry today. Bandage on her foot keeps falling off, but she can’t walk around barefoot. Has almost every day starting tomorrow booked with either a podiatrist, doctor visit, physical therapy, or back doctor scheduled up until Rich leaves for a bike trip in Tennessee. So it will be a while before we get back to normal.
While parents went to Ball State to hear about Jill’s future in basketball and academics, grandpa got to take Lucas to a private lesson for baseball. He has drastically improved since last year and will be asked to step up again to a more competitive team. It was great fun to watch him train. He got to spend a day with a professional baseball team, watch a game from a skybox, run on the field, and have a great time with his former team.
And yet another trip to a doctor’s office. Had physical therapy this morning. However, Denise is now in so much pain, she turned down margaritas because she didn’t think she could sit in the hard chairs. Got some advice to try ice packs instead of heat.
Rich had a bike trip to Gatlinburg. Rode the loop around Cades Cove, took a ghost tour, where they had nine bear sightings. (may have been the same bears as they circled the town.) And, of course, plenty of moonshine.
So, it is now Fall, and grandkids are back in school. Conflicts all over. Like this weekend, when Lucas participates in cross-country running, and Jill picks up a bat again with an 18u softball team in different states.
Jill received an outstanding review of her sophomore basketball invitational training as more colleges now have their eye on her.
After taking the summer to focus on basketball, Jillian picked up her bat and mitt and returned to play on the 18u Sox Fastpitch. (Remember, she is only 15) Not only is she the youngest, she is still the tallest. Starting at first base she provides amazing stretching capabilities using all of her 6–foot–2 inches to make the plays.
Lucas is running again tonight, and since his one episode of hurling at the finish, he has improved every run since then. Maybe he can become competitive next year, although he has some pretty quick sixth graders
Looking at the calendar, the only two days together were this week, so we decided to head up to Door County. Made reservations for our favorite motel in Green Bay and for Peoria for Jill’s tournament on Saturday. As basketball was starting up soon, this would be her last of the softball season.
While driving around Door County got a call from Eric. Seems Lucas has a couple of weekends off and would like to go to the cabin to work on some Boy Scout requirements. Wasn’t planning to go there this trip, but decided to check out the work my brother was having done on a new road. Stopped by to take some pictures and sent them to Rob the next day.
Thursday was Lucas’s final cross-country run, as several schools participated. A baseball teammate actually won for his division, and Lucas shaved 45 seconds off his best time, but just lost to a basketball teammate from another school.
Next morning, Jill got to play a team they had tied earlier in the year. They won, sending them to the championship game, against another team they had tied earlier in the tournament. The other team was gunning for them and threw their entire bullpen at them. That proved too much as they came up short. Jill’s team has two more weekends of tournament play, but without Jill as basketball season has started. This was Jill’s last time playing softball for the season, and depending on how basketball goes, maybe last time in her career.
Tuesday is Denise’s never-ending back procedure. She is starting to get as frustrated at the lack of relief or explanation as to why not, as Rich is. The rest of the week has at least one basketball game per day, meaning we will need to pick and choose which one to attend until Sunday.
Morning after Thanksgiving, loaded up the truck with all the winter storm stuff I could think of. Picked up the artist brother and headed to Green Bay. Dropped off his stuff and went to The Depot, which was a working train station turned sports bar. Had the big screen turned to the Bears game, which we tried not to cheer too loudly, but it was obvious we were not Packer fans.
The reason Rich had picked this hotel is that they have a great breakfast buffet. Even the brother was impressed. Dropped him off, but because of the forecasted weather, the other brother decided not to come up to the cabin. Rich had planned to spend the day with him, but now had nothing to do.
Went back to the convention hall, but the rear parking lot was now full. Even though the brother had a reserved parking space (I guess they think he is kind of a big deal) couldn’t get back in. As Rich walked from the Lambeau Field lot, it started snowing. Kept an eye on the radar, and accumulated snow totals. Tried to suggest that we pack it in, but even if we wanted to leave, they were not allowed to have carts in the aisles.
Finally, the doors opened at 5pm. Luckily, a parking spot just outside the main doors was found. Packed up and left before 5:30p and the travel map suggested a 4-hour trip. But because of the roads that slowly turned into seven hours. Saw a number of spinouts, emergency vehicles, and jack-knifed trucks.
The further south we went, the heavier the snow came down. Had a choice of coming through Madison or Milwaukee, Siri suggested Milwaukee. In hour four, we stopped for a quick bite and a pit stop. Roads were plowed, but we never passed any, but saw several going the opposite direction. Roads got worse as we left Wisconsin and started the tolls of Illinois. Got past O’Hare and started hitting heavy traffic going downtown. Luckily, we found our exit ramp and made our way on unplowed streets. Got in front of my brother’s house and we decided Rich would keep his stuff until we could next meet up. With a big “Told you so”, and hugs, Rich left to continue home to Indiana. Seven hours of white out driving from Green Bay to home. Only one of three artists made it back that night. Roads got much better as I crossed the Indiana border.
While my street was cleared, the driveway was blocked. Shifting once again to snow mode, the Atlas made it all the way into the garage. Rich needs to write a very nice letter to VW thanking them for their German engineering. Several minutes of “Thank you, Jesus”, and “Praise the Lord”, my white knuckled journey was at an end. My wife was sound asleep as I crept into bed.
Tuesday, she had a doctor’s appointment in which we found out that after two years of treatments, we had reached the end of the doctor’s ability for pain management. We were given a referral for a back surgeon. As of this writing, have not seen him yet.
After a weekend of no basketball, we had a doubleheader with Lucas first. Denise wasn’t up to two games, so Rich represented the grandparents on both sides. Lucas had limited playing time and went up against a baseball teammate. He did well, and it was fun to hear both parents cheer for both boys. Lucas’s team came up short, so onto Jill’s game. Jill’s team was highly favored and playing away. Jill racked up some quick fouls and had some bench time which gave other girls a chance to play. Just hate it when the refs try and even up the game with some ticky-tack fouls, that saw Jill foul out in the fourth quarter. She didn’t seem too upset and got cheered by her coach, teammates, and the crowd. The team won easily.
So, it has been a week of snow, parties, doctors (and disappointments), basketball (more disappointments), and bell ringing.
A pattern is beginning to form. Lucas is fighting for game time, while Jillian is fighting to keep herself on top of all the categories.
Got the wife to schedule a doctor's appointment (12/17), but am willing to take her to the ER if she doesn’t get any better. Current readings are unclassified.
Since Advent, Rich has once again been bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. Came home after the coldest day of the season, and before he could get his coat off, Denise announced she wanted to go to the ER. She had been short of breath and dizzy most of the weekend.
Got to the hospital door to discover a very crowded waiting room. Did some preliminary testing, and yes, she was in fact in a-fib. Later diagnosed as acute congestive heart failure. Placed in an ER room where Rich could at least participate in bible study via Zoom (thanks, Tom). Denise was still in the ER when he left for the night. Finally got a room after 11 pm.
Got back to Denise, to learn she was scheduled for a cardioversion, a procedure to shock her heart back to a normal rhythm, for Wednesday morning. Everything went very well. She is resting comfortably after breakfast and a quick walk to the nurses' station and back. She was released on Thursday.
Grandpa sent a message to Lucas, as there was no way he was going to leave her alone, and he started a weekend tournament. While the team did better and Lucas got some points and rebounds, they still came up short. Since it was a single elimination, the team is done for the season.
Jill, recently got written up as the player of the week in The Times. (See attached) Lucas doesn’t have any official stats yet, only what grandpa collects, but very improved in all sports. Denise’s stats were four falls, three 911 calls, two trips to the ER, and one cardioversion. Still no relief from back pain. Rich checked in with over 3,000 miles (down from last year’s 3,750 due to trips to rehab, doctors, and hospital, due to Denise) but did manage at least one bike ride per month. Trips included Gatlinburg, Starved Rock, Indiana Dunes, and miles with the Schaumburg Bike Club. Also, credited with the best amount earned for the Salvation Army in his career.
While Eric continues to spread the “rumor” that his father received a DUI that required community service in the form of bell ringing, Rich credits his success of having Enya, Charlie Brown, John Denver, and the Mannheim Steamroller playing as people strolled by. Anything for full kettles. Best job in the world to be able to say,
Merry Christmas and God Bless Your Day!
Have a Happy New Year as well!
