As I mentioned in an earlier entry, Sophia and I headed to Texas to visit Jerry. I convinced our neighbor Rod to get up earlier than his normal time and drop Sophia and I off at the airport. Thanks Rod!
We were dropped off by the bell hop area and my bag was over weight and the assistant took me inside to pay the fee. Thankfully, the representative at American Airlines waved the fee. However, when I gave the Bell Hop the $3 tip he was disgusted with my tip and told me to take it back. Can you believe that! Now, my suitcase has wheels and his energy spent was worth no more. Ugh! That made me feel so sick inside and as if I was a cheap individual. I gave him another dollar and was on my way. Does anyone know the proper amount to tip? How do you gauge the amount to tip a bell hop? I think I need to write Dear Abby for the answer.
Sophia was a perfect angel on the morning flights, I could not ask for a better girl! We actually sat next to another wife in the same situation who was visiting her hubby as well. She was a great help with handling Sophia in those "need another hand moments".
We arrived in Texas and Jerry met us late in the afternoon and we had some quality time together. Sophia did not really make a fuss in regards to Jerry. She said hey.... he can come along for the ride if you want mommy. He can stay the night in the hotel, except I am going to cry every time you leave my sight, especially when you want to relax and take a shower. I will be crying in this man's arms just so you know I am still here and you can't enjoy your shower. Ha Ha!
We packed up the car and took a drive to San Antonio. Now, the freeways are nice but man, the traffic is bad. It's defiantly a beautiful and clean State, but over populated and busting at the seams in the big cities. We had one night where we walked the river walk and actually met up with another solider & wife by accident. Very lovely couple and we ate together at "Dick's restaurant". Have you ever ate there before? They are purposely sarcastic and mean to you. They make these hat's from paper place mats that have inappropriate & funny sayings on them. What a hoot and good time!
Now, hold tight because this is where the weekend turned messy! It was about 4am and Sophia was having another hard night of sleep. We decided to get up, diaper and feed her a bottle. Jerry took the diapering duty and I made the bottle. While I was making the bottle, I heard a thump and Sophia screaming. I ran into the room and both Jerry and Sophia are on the floor. Jerry can barely talk... All he could say is take care of Sophia, my Back! I settled Sophia down and was able to tend to Jerry. He had pulled his back and we were able to get him back on the bed for a few more hours of sleep.
I was up at the crack of dawn worrying about everything. Sophia must of sensed my nervousness, because she was just a little devil. I could not get her comfortable for a second. Jerry tried to leave the bed, but was unable. We had to call an ambulance, there was no way I was going to be able to care for them both. These nice EMT men came to the room and convinced Jerry with their assistance to get into our car and go to the nearest Military Hospital. We spent the day in the ER and finally got to see the PA. Jerry is doped up on Purcaset, Valium and Ibuprofen. He was ordered by the Military PA to bed rest for 72 hours.
Needless to say, the next 2 days were spent taking care of Sophia then Jerry, next Sophia then Jerry. Sunday night, we drove him back to his base. He had taken a shower earlier in the day, so we knew he could walk to his quarters. He got home safely to the room and his battle buddy was there to greet him and I feel he is in good hands. I talked with Jerry earlier tonight, he is very doped up. He is defiantly, not okay to be working yet. There have been a lot of buddies that have called and checked in on him. He did not know what his next step was. He was waiting to hear what to do next. I will fill you in on the next entry.
I don't want to harp on the situation, but I have never felt such a mix of sadness and anger. I feel totally cheated and hurt. I am disappointed to a degree that I have never felt before. I don't claim to be the perfect wife or mother and I promised to be honest with myself when expressing the feelings of this year, in order to record this history. I am afraid, if I wrote really what I was feeling I would disappoint you. So with this being said.... We are glad to be home. Sophia was so happy to see her familiar toys. She slept with out making a peep last night.
