Maggie is working on chapter 3 of "It's a wrap!" and hopes to have it ready to post sometime soon.
Lots of good stuff to look forward to :)
Josh felt a bit off when he woke up Sunday morning. He
couldn’t really pinpoint what was wrong, but he figured it was not sleeping too
well in the too-soft-for-his-liking hotel bed and a few drinks too many the
previous evening. He checked the time; 8:30 am. Janine was still fast
asleep on the opposite side of the bed. Josh realized he wouldn’t get
more sleep and decided to get on with his morning routine.
A couple of minutes later Josh had deflated his the
cuff in his tracheostomy tube, detached the ventilator and capped his trache.
He turned off the ventilator and walked over to his suitcase that was sitting
on a bench next to the bathroom door. He pulled out a clean pair of boxers and
headed into the bathroom.
Josh turned on the water in the shower so it could
heat up as he put a trach shield around his neck to prevent his tracheostomy
from getting wet. After checking the water temperature he stepped into the
shower and for a couple minutes he just stood there an enjoyed the
feeling of the hot water flowing down his body. Then he washed his hair
and body and stepped out of the shower.
The shower left him refreshed and he felt much better
than when he woke up. After he'd removed the trach shield he towel dried
his hair and body he put on the boxers he’d brought with him into the bathroom
and went on with the trach care routine he did every morning. It included
suctioning his trach, changing the inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube and
trach tie and cleaning the skin under the neck plate and around the stoma
in his throat. When he finished he grabbed two 4x4 inch gauze
squares with a slit in the middle and placed them under the neck plate of
the tracheostomy tube. The first one with the slit pointing downwards and the
second with the slit pointing upward. He adjusted them so they were straight
and finished his routine by adjusting the trach tie around his neck so it was
comfortable.
When Josh stepped back into the bedroom Janine was
awake, but still in bed, leaning against the headboard and reading something on
her phone.
«Good morning,» he greeted her.
«Morning, handsome. You’re up early on a Sunday.»
«This bed is a bit too soft for me. I woke up about an
hour ago and figured I might as well get up and do my morning routine..»
«When are we meeting Shawn and Nicole?»
«At noon in the lobby. The restaurant they want to
take us to is about half an hour’s walk from here.»
«I guesss we can just get a light breakfast then,
since we’re going to eat in just three hours or so.»
Josh agreed and grabbed the room service menu from the
desk. He ended up ordering pancakes and a fruit platter for them. That would be
sufficient to tide them over ‘til lunch a few hours later.
….
“I understand why you like this place,” Josh commented
as they settled in by a table by the wall to ceiling windows that had a great
view of the beach. “The view is
spectacular.”
“It is. And it’s even better in the summer when you
can sit on the deck.”
“I can imagine,” Josh commented. He was in his wheelchair and he knew that and
the vent would probably cause some awkwardness. He had hoped the restaurant had
somewhere he could leave the wheelchair while they were eating, but the only
possibility was to leave it outside and Josh wasn’t comfortable with that and
staying in it was the only option. As a waitress approached the table he braced
himself. Just as he’d predicted Josh noticed she stiffened when she caught sigh
of him. “Great…” he muttered.
“Hi, I’m Shannon and I’m your waitress today,” she
introduced herself as she passed menus to everyone but Josh. She completely ignored
him and carried on with taking everyone’s drink order. Josh’s annoyance was
growing rapidly and he was about to say something when Shawn spoke.
“I think you forgot something,” he said coolly as she
was about to walk away from the table. The waitress looked at him with stunned
look on her face, but didn’t answer. “My buddy is still waiting for a menu and
he hasn’t ordered his drink yet either.”
“Uh…um…I’m…uh…sorry. I just thought…that…erm…”
“That because I’m in a wheelchair and need a
ventilator to help me breath I’m not going to have something to eat or drink?
And it’s okay to just act like I’m not here?” Josh queried. His tone was harsh,
it was clear that he wasn’t happy with the situation.
“I..I’m sorry, s…sir,” she stuttered meekly. “I’ll get
you a menu right away. What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have a beer, please,” Josh said. Shannon hurried
away, her face bright red. She was clearly embarrassed by the situation.
“That’ll teach her,” Shawn said. “I’ll give her to the
end of the meal to redeem herself, but I’m tempted to complain to the manager.
Behavior like that is unacceptable. She acted like you weren’t even here.”
“Unfortunately that’s not unchartered territory for
me, especially when I’m in my wheelchair. That’s one of the reasons I don’t
like using it. I guess the combination of bulky electric wheelchair and a
ventilator automatically makes people assume I’m totally crippled and brain
damaged too.”
“You shouldn’t put up with that shit. Why didn’t you
say something?”
“I would’ve said something, but you beat me to it.”
“I just couldn’t help myself. She really pissed me
off,” Shawn said.
“I try not to get too riled up about stuff like that.
It’s annoying, but if I’m going to get all worked up every time some member of
the public treats me in a patronizing manner I’d probably be pissed off most of
the time. That would be a waste of energy and that’s something I don’t have too
much of to begin with, so...” Josh shrugged.
Shannon remained stiff and insecure throughout the
meal, both Nicole and Janine tried to loosen the men up a bit, it was clear
that their cold attitudes toward her didn’t help her relax. It did help that the food was great and they
all enjoyed it, but Josh was relieved when it was time to pay the bill and get
out of there.
“If we ever go back there I’ll definitely come by car
so I don’t need the wheelchair and I’ll leave the vent in the car,” Josh said
as they started to make their way back toward the hotel.
“You can do that?” Nicole blurted out.
Josh knew she was asking about the ventilator, but he
couldn’t resist messing with her. “What? Drive? Uh, yeah. Got my license when I
was 16.”
That earned him a light punch in the upper arm. “I’m
not asking about driving, Josh,” she said in a slightly irritated tone.
“I know, I’m just messing with you,” Josh replied, a
teasing grin gracing his features. “And to answer your question; yes I can
breathe unaided. It just takes a lot of energy and I get tired and develop a
headache pretty fast. I prefer to have the vent helping me. I sometimes leave
it in the car when we go out to eat though, so I can actually enjoy the flavor
and scent of the food. When I’m on the vent I have virtually no sense of taste
or smell.”
“Really?”
“Yup. I didn’t really taste the food we just had or my
breakfast for that matter.”
“I had no idea.”
“It’s because the air is pushed directly into my
trachea without passing though my nose and mouth when I’m on the ventilator.
But being able to breathe without struggling is more important to me than tasting
every meal I eat.”
“Makes sense,” Nicole said, nodding. “I’m really sorry
about that ignorant waitress. We’ve always had good food and service there.”
“It’s not your fault and it’s not the first time I
experience prejudiced people,” Josh assured her. “Anyway, are you heading home
when we get back to the hotel?”
“Yeah, we’ve got to pick the kids up from my parents
by five in the afternoon,” Shawn confirmed. “What about you?”
“We’re heading home too. We checked out of our room
and packed the car before we met up with you. We’d like to get home before it
gets too late, since we both have work tomorrow.”
“Us too,” Shawn said. “And it’s a busy week for the
kids. I’m glad we got a break this weekend, some adult time is always a good
way of recharging our batteries.”
“We don’t have kids to get away from, but it has been
nice to just get away from our daily routine and see something different,”
Janine said.
“Yeah, exactly,” Shawn agreed as they reached the
hotel. “A change of the scenery is definitely a good thing.”
When they reached the parking lot they bid each other
goodbye and agreed to get together again soon. They had already exchanged
contact information had discovered that they only lived about an hour apart.
…
They hadn’t been on the road for long when Josh
couldn’t hold the anger and humiliation he felt about the incident with the
waitress anymore. He tried to stop the
tears that welled up in his eyes from flowing down his cheeks. Janine noticed it when he sniffled a bit.
“Josh? What’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer, but the tears kept flowing. After a
few minutes a rest stop appeared on the side of the interstate and Josh pulled into
it and parked. He put the van in park and leaned back in the seat, wiping his
tears away with the back of his hands.
“I’ve experienced plenty of awkward shit because of my
ventilator and the wheelchair, but that waitress acting like I wasn’t even
there? That was the pits. I’ve never felt that fucking humiliated.” His voice
cracked with emotion.
“It was completely fucked up and although she did
improve throughout the meal I still think we should’ve complained. I’m
surprised you didn’t get more upset than you did at the restaurant.”
“I didn’t want to cause a scene and get everyone’s
attention. Shawn told her off pretty well and I added my say to that. I hope she at least thinks about what we both
said.”
“I actually think we should send an email to the
manager too. As a manager I’d want to
know about incidents like that.”
“Would you fire her if she was on your staff?” Josh
asked. His eyes were still red rimmed and somewhat puffy, but he’d managed to
compose himself a little.
“Not if she was an overall good employee. I’d probably
give her a written warning and let her know it was completely unacceptable
behavior.”
Josh nodded. “Makes sense. When we get back home you
can help me write that email.”
“I’ll be happy to,” Janine assured him. She leaned
across the center console and placed a kiss on Josh’s lips. When she pulled
back a slight smile appeared on his face. He also looked a little embarrassed.
“I’m sorry for falling apart like that,” he said
sheepishly.
“Hey! Don’t do that. You have nothing to apologize
for. You’re human and I think you have every right to be upset about being
treated like that.” Janine gave his upper arm a firm squeeze.
“Thanks, babe. Well, I guess we should get back on the
road. I’m ready to get home.”
“Me too,” Janine said distractedly. She was reading a
text on her phone. “Looks like I have to work tonight. Two of my waiters have
called in sick, apparently they’ve both caught some sort of stomach bug.”
“Oh, no. That sucks,” Josh said as he started the car
again. They didn’t have plans together in the evening, but he’d hoped they
might have dinner before they ended their weekend together.
“Yeah, but it’s part of my job. Fortunately it doesn’t
happen very often.”
They spent the rest of the drive back home in
silence. Josh dropped Janine off at her
house and then he headed to his house. He pulled into his garage at around five
in the afternoon and he was exhausted. It had been a long day that had drained
him both physically and emotionally.
…
Tusday morning Josh’s respiratory therapist and a guy
from the medial supply store came over to deliver his two new ventilators. After almost eight years of ventilator
dependence Josh was actually excited about getting his new ones. Maybe not
quite like a kid getting a new toy, but it was a good thing. After a couple of hours of going through the
functions and getting the settings on both vents right Josh bid them goodbye.
He looked at the ventilator next to him as he closed
the door. It was definitely a bit more imposing than the portable one disguised
by a black wheelie bag; the ventilator, an LTV 1150, was perched on a 3’ tall
pole with a base with five wheels. On the bottom an oxygen bottle was strapped in
place. On the other side the humidifier was attached to the pole, about halfway
between the base and the ventilator. An IV pole suspended a bag of sterile
water for the humidifier about 2’ above the ventilator. After only an hour on
it Josh felt an improvement in his airway; the humidified air definitely made
his throat feel less scratchy. He grabbed the handle on the back of the ventilator
and pushed it into his office.
…
Janine ended up working a lot that week; the stomach
flu seemed to spread like wildfire among her team and she had to borrow staff
from neighboring branches of Chef Luigi’s to cover for the ones that were sick.
It worked pretty well, but they required more supervision than her own staff
and she had pulled double shifts every day.
She missed Josh; she hadn’t seen him since he’d dropped her off at home
Sunday afternoon. They had only talked
on the phone a few times.
Now it was Thursday afternoon and for the first time
that week Janine had the evening off and she was eager to spend time with her
boyfriend. She hoped he hadn’t made plans for the evening already. She grabbed
her iPhone and dialed Josh’s number. She was disappointed when he didn’t pick
up the phone, but she hoped he’d call her back soon.
Josh was on the phone with his boss when Janine called
and as soon as he’d ended that call he dialed her number. She picked up almost
instantly.
“Hey, Josh! How are you?”
“I’m good. How ‘bout you?”
“Tried, but good. It’s been a long week with three 12
hour workdays so far.”
“Ugh…,” Josh groaned. “Sorry to hear that, babe. Are
things looking better? Or is your staff still puking their guts out?”
“I really hope things will get back to normal by
Monday. I actually have a full staff on tonight, so I’m about to leave work
now. I was hoping you don’t have plans, so we could do something together. I’ve
missed you this week.”
“Damn! My buddy Phil called earlier and asked if I
wanted to go bowling with him and a couple of other buddies and since you said
you’d most likely be working I said yes.”
“Oh…” Janine didn’t manage to disguise that she was
disappointed, but at the same time she realized it wasn’t fair to expect Josh
to just sit at home and not make plans in case she called.
“I can call him and cancel,” Josh offered.
“No, don’t. I know it’s short notice and I don’t want
you to cancel your plans on my behalf. I’m sure we can do something over the
weekend.”
“Are you sure?” He queried.
“Yeah, it’s fine, babe. I’m really tired from working
so much all week, so a quiet night at home in front of the TV doesn’t sound all
that bad either. Have fun with your buddies and we’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”
“You think you’ll have tomorrow off?”
“Looks like it. If no one calls in sick tomorrow
morning I’m good.”
“Well, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for that. I’m
yours tomorrow evening.”
“Awesome! I’m looking forward seeing you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Josh said warmly.
“Well, enjoy your night out with your buddies and I’ll
call you around lunchtime tomorrow and we can make plans, okay?”
Josh agreed and they chatted a few more minutes before
they ended the call.
…
Although Josh felt a little guilty that he’d made
plans and couldn’t go spend time with Janine that evening he was looking
forward to spending time with his buddies. It had been a long time since the
last time he’d taken part in a group activity. He realized it would be the
first time a few of his buddies would see him with his ventilator in tow, but
he was less worried now than he’d been right after he first started using it
full time. He checked the time; it was
time to get ready.
Half an hour later Josh checked his appearance in the
full-length mirror in by his door; he was dressed in a pair of brown jeans and
a denim shirt with the top buttons undone. He’d attached the ventilator tubes
to his torso with two neoprene straps before he put the shirt on, so they were
mostly disguised. The tracheostomy tube in his throat, the upper part of the
ventilator tubes and the TrachAid supporting them were visible. Satisfied with
his appearance he put on his brown leather jacket, stuffed his phone and wallet
into his pocket before he donned the backpack with his portable ventilator and
headed to his car. Tonight was going to be a good one.
To be continued.
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