Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Semper Fi Guiltas

So, Pops hasn't exactly been the model of health. A year and change ago he had a stroke. A few weeks later, he was back in th hospital. Too much too soon. Then, last week, he was admitted yet again with the signs of a stroke. A hundred tests run and they couldn't quite pin the cause down.

Today I found out that once again, he's in the hospital. Near they can say is - it might have been caused by a spike in blood pressure because (are you ready for this?) they were in the process of tweaking his BP meds and he decided to enjoy a dinner of ... Bratworst and Bubba Burgers.

I've been a vegetarian for most of my life and can attest to the benefits I've experienced. But I would NEVER proselytise (sp?) to the meat eaters. But that being said: Dad eats Keilbasa and Bubba Burgers. Bologna. Kraft cheese. He might as well be slathering cholesteral on his arteries. I know that older generations don't necessarily realize the food concerns that younger gens do, but...

Above and beyond all of this is my duty as a daughter. I've been rushing home at the indication of a sickness or a hospitalization. I love my Pop and in no way would I ever ever ever want anything to harm him. But... I have an opportunity this weekend to make triple my usual "under the table" income. Holiday weekends are generous for unseen workers.

As one of my fellow workers pointed out: "Not for nothing, but if you could get sick when it wouldn't cost me a fortune, that would be great."

I don't want to be the kind of daughter that leaves her family high and dry. I also don't want to be the kind of daughter that has to keep asking for a loan because I had to skip work...