Originally posted on MyT
MARCH 14TH, 2009 21:59
Boating grows up
Last week’s journey East was unplanned.
My mother was ill and in hospital. Everyone said she needed surgery but they weren’t sure she was fit for a general anaesthetic. No one was able to say what an alternative solution might be. Medical staff said she would be made comfortable, but under questioning, comfortable seemed more of an aspiration than a plan. So I scooped up the Cat and made for das Boot. It was great to have it there, my floating home from home, a familiar, welcoming refuge.
Up to now, staying on the boat has been a bit of an adventure, a lark, some fun. But this time it was different, and marked my boat’s coming of age. I bought das Boot so that I would have a base to stay when visiting my mother. Accommodation for planned visits can be arranged, but in an emergency the last thing I want to be doing is ringing round B&Bs for availabilty and feline friendliness. I didn’t know how long I’d be staying and it didn’t matter. As well as the things I took with me, I already had a cupboard of staple items, as well as DVDs and a radio.
On my previous visits there has been hardly anyone around. I have become used to the privacy and seclusion. So it was quite strange to find a throng of people there at the weekend, drawn by the sunshine and the promise of spring. Nice though. After spending time with my mother I liked coming back to this little community. It will take a little getting used to. I need to relearn the reason for curtains and bathroom doors, especially first thing in the morning. Hopefully my neighbour will have recovered from his blushes by the next time I see him.
Mother came through her op with flying colours. She’s home again now, none the worse for her experience. The funeral I had been steeling myself for this week hasn’t happened. Like the poem about the aging cat, I hope my mother will enjoy at least one more summer’s warmth on her old bones, and when her time comes, it will be at home, peacefully in her bed, and not in the alien surroundings of an operating theatre.
Isobel (and Cat)'s Blog 
Were you using your curtains last week?
🙂 yes
Ah, your last sentence is what I live with now for my mother. She is 86 and very frail, but still charging along in her own way.
I do remember ages ago, Isobel, warning you about boats, but I have to say I was wrong.
Das Boot has been a haven, and I think you made the right decision. A wonderfully soothing base in a situation fraught with difficulties.
Pleased your mother made it through, and yes, wouldn’t it be a fitting end if she was in familiar surroundings?
I hope this is how it happens, but if not, you have done your best.
Your mother is an amazing person, but she does have a very caring daughter. xx
Thanks for the good news Isobel.
I see this is a repost for you Isobel but it was interesting to hear how you and Cat enjoyed your getaway on the boat while combining time spent with your Mom a couple of years ago. Now you and NotCat are enjoying it under a different set of circumstances I guess but what a lovely spot it is to enjoy each other’s company.
Pam
Thanks.
For me, rereading these posts is quite therapeutic. I couldn’t actually remember exactly when Mother went into hospital for this op, and I had completely forgotten how relieved i was to have the boat to stay on. And of course having Cat with me was also a comfort, as having Not Cat there last week made it more fun and interesting too.
Operation? The promise of spring? Serves me right for skipping your intro.
Buying das Boot has proved to be a shrewd, gutsy and brilliant move! I look forward to the posts and photos of your time there. Glad to hear that you have found a use for the doors and curtains.
🙂