About three weeks ago my mom went into the hospital with Covid and the flu. Over the course of two horrible weeks she managed to beat them both off with a ventilator. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the problems, and she remains in the hospital today, fighting for her life. We’ve been with her every day since the start, whether she knows it or not, and will continue to be there for her every day until this is over. It’s both a terrible thing to go through, as well as an honor, being there for the woman that gave me everything in this life since the day she adopted me all those years ago. I know my mom has touched so many of your lives as well, and she would appreciate all your kind thoughts and positive energy directed her way.
Prior to everything else that has happened in December, we were having a nice time in Puerto Vallarta. My dad was in town and we were able to spend a lot of time together. In my younger years I would have never guessed that my dad would be a Mexican Snowbird, yet here he is three months out of the year living the good life on the beach.
The condo they rented had what I first thought was a Pickleball court, but turned out to be Pádel. It is quite the mash-up of racquet sports. Invented in Mexico, apparently this is taking over the world. I think it’s more fun than Pickle.
The view from Bucerias is pretty spectacular.
Thanksgiving. Nobody was inclined to cook Thanksgiving dinner themselves, so we found a nice restaurant in town and gave their attempt at it a try. While certainly edible, it was a far cry from my dinners as a kid. The tradeoffs were that the temperature outside was about seventy degrees warmer than back then, and we could order shrimp as an appetizer.
Still trying to get a little work done around the boat.
We had to be moved off the megayacht dock. It’s that time of year when boats are starting to move again.
The quote to buff just the outside hulls was $800. That’s a hard pass. Instead we’re just plugging away at it one section at a time when we find the energy.
Ali’s sisters came down for a visit. They stayed at a condo in Nuevo. This is the view up the beach towards Bucerias and around the corner to La Cruz and eventually Punta Mita.
My dad’s wife invited everyone to go on a night cruise/show. Everyone came back raving about how much fun they had. Meanwhile my dad and I spent a few hours at a rooftop steakhouse reminiscing.
Hot churros right out of the oil. Can’t beat that dessert.
No sister visit would be complete without a day in Sayulita.
Some vendors have managed to figure out what their target market wants—expensive beaded necklaces/collars for their dogs and cats.
It’s crazy to see how Sayulita has exploded in the past ten years or so. Parking is madness and there are crowds of people on every inch of sidewalk.
Taco negotiations.
Closing out a long day. Sayulita is still the best spot for a beach day. Plentiful cold drinks, food vendors, umbrellas, waves, and cheap board rentals, it’s pretty much got it all.
I went round and round and round on what to do about adding solar. The boat has 920 watts on it already, but plenty of space for even more. I’d have liked to get more of the same flexible flat panels, but the brand that came with the boat is just ridiculously expensive. Seriously, over $10/watt (probably $15/watt after shipping and duties). I’ve gotten accustomed to spending ~$1/watt. Eventually I decided that a row of normal hard panels down the middle of the roof wouldn’t bother me too much. I’ve always used Renogy panels in the past and never had a problem with them, so I ordered up another six 100-watt panels. Best of all, I thought, was that they were available from Amazon Mexico.
Somehow, though, it can never be that easy. They sent me four of the second-generation panels (on the right), and two of the third-generation. Different sizes and different cells, but same SKU number. Try explaining that to Amazon. After two hours on chat they agreed to take two back and send out new ones to match. I didn’t want the third-gen because the little blue corner pieces are plastic and one arrived cracked already. No way is that plastic going to hold up in the sun for years.
They swore up and down they would send the correct panels. You can guess what they did instead, right? Yeah, they sent one of each. Now I’ve got five of one, and one of another.
Ali was happy to see the cushions carted off along with the new fabric her sisters had carted down here for us.
It was about this time when I called my mom. Her sister was visiting and when she answered I jokingly said, “Whoooooo is this?” She replied, “Pat, they are taking your mom to the hospital!” Literally, at that very moment, the ambulance was loading her up.
I flew out the next morning. Ali and the kids followed a couple days later.
39 Comments on “Good Times Leading to Hard Times”
Dearest Bums: yes, you’ve certainly had to endure the bad with the good. It’s so hard to see our parents have health issues. We’re hoping that your Mom can continue fighting off her COVID/flu. We look forward to seeing all of you gathered together again and to enjoying her sweet smile! Sending our love, Mike & Lorraine
Sending thoughts and hugs to your mom – to you and your family. Safe travels and all our best wishes for the New Year.
Thinking the best for your mom!
Ahh Mexico! How nice to catch up with your Dad.
Sister visits in the sun are the best!
Sending lots of positive vibes and healing energy for your Mom. May the New Year bring her good health!
Healing thoughts for your Mom and for those who love her.
Pat and family;
I send your mom best wishes for a full recovery. She seems to be a fighter and that is all you can ask for. I rarely comment on your blog but I hope you know myself and all your followers are sending you and the family positive thoughts your way.
All the best.
Pat, your mother and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending prayers and good wishes.
Going through the same situation with my 87 year old mom. Truth is we all have an expiration date. Going through this journey with her is such a blessing for her and gives me the opportunity to reflect on how I choose to spend my remaining time.
Dear Bums, I’ve been thinking of your mom and sending every healing thought to her and your family. I know she can feel the love she is surrounded by and hope you all can too. Best wishes to you all.
Pat and Ali. We continue to send prayers, praying that your mom can be kept comfortable and free from pain. We pray for all of you who keep a vigil of love and caring around her. Strange Christmas at my house. I had Covid two weeks ago, so 80 year old Glen didn’t want to chance that those germs might still be in my house. Beth just had a third surgery in her breast reconstruction following a mastectomy in June of 21. It has been an unnecessarily long battle. Aylon, Julian and Nate wanted to spend Nate’s last high school Christmas at home. He has been accepted at Stanford University in California. They are waiting to see what other wonderful financial packages are offered. Nika and her family are in Michigan with Nick’s parents. Kama and Todd are dealing with introducing a new puppy with their older Husky. Lots of howling going on . So that is the story of how I spent Christmas alone. At 6:00 we all Zoomed, had a service of Carols and readings from the Bible. After that we played games together for an hour. So no hugs and kisses for me, but a really relaxing day. I pray that the situation will soon change for your mom. Lots of love to you all.
I’m so sorry this is happening to your Mom and family. Covid is such an awful disease. As a nurse during the pandemic its been heart breaking to watch families go thru this. I hope your Mom is one of the survivors and I’m sending her all the good vibes I can muster. If it’s comforting at all, I absolutely feel like she knows you’re there. Her energy can feel yours. I’ve seen too many powerful things to say otherwise. Hang in there Bumfuzzles.
Beautiful and incredibly poignant (single) photo of Pat. 🙏🏼🌟🙏🏼
Wishing your Mother a speedy and full recovery! May 2023 be a year of good health and great adventures. Thanks for sharing them!
My eyes filled with tears reading the first sentences. I always enjoyed your posts with your Mom because so much love overflows from each one. Sending all the healing energy and good thoughts for you and your family that I can muster up. Promise to do so each day until you let us know she has recovered.
Sincere thoughts to you and your mother.
Just noticed the new boat on your logo! God speed healing to you mom and that she’s soon enjoying a sail with you.
I’m very sorry to hear about your mom. I’m sure she can feel your presence, love and positive energy.
Sending prayers and good thoughts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your mother & all of you at this scary time. How wonderful that you are able to be at her bedside now & for sure she feels you there, all your love & support. May she make a full recovery so that we can see her smiling face on your blog again. All the best for 2023.
Thoughts and prayers’
Been thinking good thoughts about your Mum for the past month or so. I hope she comes through.
Pat praying for your Mom, hope she comes thru this OK. With aging parents you most likely will have more of these issues in the future. Hard to be a care giver and be half way around the world. Good luck on that.
Thoughts for healing, peace, and health for you all. How scary – I am glad you are able to be with her – I have no doubt she knows you are there.
You mom has been on my mind since your first post about her on FB and I check back daily for an update. This was not the news I was hoping for. I’ll continue to keep you all in my heart as you journey through this setback. Trying to do the right thing, being there for and making decisions on behalf of aging parents is hard and I don’t envy you. She is very blessed to have her family around her – and the fact that you’ve been there for her unreservedly speaks volumes to the way she has raised you.
DT and I send our best to your family during this stressful time. Thinking of your wonderful Mom. Love, Terry & DT
Sending our thoughts your way ❤️
Take care and steady on.
Lost my mom over 30 years ago; I was 29 at the time.
As time goes on I can promise you one thing: you will always remember her smiling.
Wishing the best for your mother & your whole family.
Dear Pat,
Not to seem intrusive but I wanted to share what I hope are helpful hints for your situation with your dear mom, which you may or may not be aware of. When she is released from the hospital, Medicare will pay for her to stay 3 months in a rehab facility to regain her strength. Also when she returns home, Medicare may pay for in home health care aides to assist with shopping, cooking & cleaning…..at least that was the case a few years ago when I dealt with many of these issues with my aging parents. I hope it remains the same now as I lived far away & could not be there full time for them so Medicare support felt like such a blessing. The hospital may also offer support thru elder care services? Hang in there, Bums!
All the best for 2023!
Thoughts and prayers for all.
Sending good karma to your mom…
Thank you for the update, Patrick. Thinking of all of you, especially your mom.
Blessings for you Mum hoping she well get better….Great pics as usual nice to see family time for everyone…We are now in Mezcales enjoying the nice weather…Take care and be safe….
Sending positive vibes to your mom….
Thinking of you and your family. Wishing your mom health and sending prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s battle with Covid. I love seeing her sweet smiles in your posts. Hold her hand, remind her to fight and tell her that your entire community is pushing for her to be back on her feet soon.
May the negative times in life be eased as much as possible.
Peace and health for your mom. I pray she recovers quickly.
Great pics! Be safe down there, your area is in turmoil like never before. You all are in my thoughts. Hoping for the best outcome with your mom.