Diversion vs Distraction

One of the things that I have learned in life is that when you are going through a difficult time...quite often something else happens to you that serves as a distraction. Many times the distraction [ not your choosing] takes center stage and can be as stressful as /if not even more troubling than the original trauma. Having had experience with this phenomena, you will never hear me say, "What else could happen?"

What prompts this sharing?
It is a beautiful, sunny autumn day in October, and I'm not sure what's going on with my mom's physical and mental health. I'm hoping that the medicines she is taking is the cause of the mental lapses. I have seen her rebound from many situations, and so I choose a diversion [this is my choice]to focus on instead of worrying...and hope for the best.

My 9/28 entry "To coin a phrase" shared the circumstances that led up to Flo's [Mom's] marriage to Ray. Remember that they were 60 + years old . I ended with the promise to share some of their 'funny stories', and so away we go!!

Ray and Flo both retired in the year following their wedding, bought a house in a 'retirement village', and moved to the Jersey Shore. They worked together as a team decorating their home both inside and out. Situated on a cul -de -sac, Ray wanted to plant a series of shrubs for privacy between the adjoining backyards. He probably didn't want to wait for years for shrubs to grow large enough to serve as a privacy barrier. Imagine my surprise when my phone conversation with my mom went in a totally unexpected direction. She told me that they went for a ride in the country and adopted a couple of shrubs.
"What do you mean by 'adopted some shrubs?"

"Well, on a ride in a non populated area, the thought occurred to Ray that the [orphan] shrubs were not being cared for or admired, and why not transplant a couple into the backyard to flourish and grow."

Bonnie and Clyde returned later in the week and as Mom assumed the 'lookout' role, Ray dug up a couple of medium sized shrubs to plant in their backyard.

Then she went on to relate the adventure they had answering an ad in the newspaper on behalf of their adopted greenery. Armed with a bucket and a shovel, Ray winked a "Cover me...will ya?"

This time, Flo would NOT get out of the car because she has had a fear of horses from the time she was a kid and a horse bit her as it rounded the farthest point of the 'pony ride' trail!
While nervous and praying in the car, she suddenly noticed that there was a horse headed in Ray's direction in an effort to protect its young.

This can't be a good thing!

She began waving her arms and yelled...

"Ray, get in the car! Get in the car! Look behind you! "

Picture the scenario when she then honked the horn to get his attention!!

Ray flew into the car and slammed the door shut. Satisfied that all was well, Mama Horse began to retreat leading her baby back into the meadow's sunny safety.

That was it for Mom.

"Enough of this sh**t!" [Pretty punny, wasn't she?]

It became a story that was very funny in retrospect, and they scaled back their adventures with Mother Nature's 'flora and fauna'.

The privacy shrubbery flourished with all of the love and attention showered upon them, and there were no repeat risky performances from the newlyweds. Hence the origin of the phrase from Flo..."I'm too old for this ****! which she continued to proclaim on special occasions [only to me or my brother later on the phone] like in the airport when 'the words were spoken....The flight has been cancelled" and she had to sprint for the rescheduled plane's departure gate.

Ray would be awaiting her return flight [from visiting me], and I don't know whose face was happier as they hugged. They really did enjoy their adventures together!!