Hullo! Is Anybody home?

For those of you that have regularly followed me over time, you know that I have a mother with a few endearing (or not-so-endearing) little peculiarities. To say that Momma Benedetti’s special character traits haven’t ingratiated herself with many would be a boldface lie. So when my sister and I recently tried to telephone her, repeatedly, and were unable to reach her, we were a tad concerned.

 

My mom has a pretty steadfast routine and RARELY deviates from it. Her morning coffee, a trip to the loo, watching her favorite show, “The Price is Right”, taking out the garbage 3 times a day; walking the circle around her senior complex…you get the picture. We know if it’s Monday afternoon, she’s at the Senior Center playing “pitch”, her favorite card game, and if it’s Thursday afternoon, she’s across the street playing cards with her Thursday group.

 

She eats regularly, poo’s regularly, does her laundry, dusts and makes sure the garbage doesn’t sit in her baskets more than a couple of hours. So when we couldn’t reach her over an 18 hour period of time between her regular routines, my sister and I became concerned.

 

I was hesitant to text our cousin at her job because she does so much for Mom/us and thought long and hard about contacting the complex’s administrative person to check on her, but decided when BOTH my cousin and I couldn’t reach her, that I’d best contact someone at the apartment’s office.

 

Linda, the office administrator, graciously answered, sent up an individual to check on her and lo and behold, 10 minutes later, I received a phone call from Momma.

 

“What’s your problem?” she barked. “I got your phone calls. I was busy eating and didn’t wanna be bothered.”

 

“The maintenance guy scared the heck outta me pounding on the door,” she added.

 

“Cazzo! she continued. “Can’t a body eat in peace without being harassed?”

 

At that point, I took a deep breath, told her that I had to visit the restroom and hung up.

 

Damn that old woman drives me nuts!

 

But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Have a great day, People, and I’ll catch ya the next time, looking at life from my shoes.

 

 

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Lucie

I'm a retired special ed teacher, born in upstate NY, who spent most of my adult life in the SF/Bay Area and moved to the Olympic Peninsula of WA in June of 2017. At the encouragement of family and friends, who followed my silliness on my FB page, I started this blog a few years ago. I try to keep my topics as humorous as possible (because I believe "LIFE" is pretty serious these days), but will, on occasion write about more solemn subjects. I sincerely appreciate all who take the time and effort to read and make comments and am truly humbled when people actually "like" what I write. I do not participate in the "Wordpress awards" because I feel "awarded" when individuals actually read me and comment, but sincerely appreciate all of you who have considered me "award worthy" and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hugs, Lucie

18 thoughts on “Hullo! Is Anybody home?”

    1. She’s definitely a little character. Thanks for the stop-by. Unfortunately, since I’ve written this piece, she has taken a turn for the worse and is not doing well…..

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  3. Oh, man. Frustrating! If only she would have a daily phone call with one of you as her routine that would solve that problem. At least she’s your mom so you’re comfortable enough to use the bathroom excuse to get away! Ah, gotta love her.

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  5. Ah, you know how much I enjoy reading about your mother, and this is one of the best tales yet. I especially liked your reaction; it made me laugh aloud. How lucky you are to have her — and your cousin! Maybe after Christmas we can reconnect?

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  6. Hi Lucie
    Is that your Mom in that photo????
    This story reminds me of Pete’s mum, she will be 91 next March. She only just got a phone connected to her house because why does anyone need a phone she reckons. The family say ” Dad isn’t with you anymore ( god rest his soul ) and you are in this big house alone, you need a phone so we can ring and check you are ok”. Trouble is she won’t answer the damn phone, in fact she figured out how to turn the ringing down..
    She gets cranky if one of the family goes banging on her door to check if she is ok. “What are you doin’ here for goodness sakes can’t a woman live in peace for once in her life she grumbles”..
    Maybe we are going to be just the same Lucie, but it is comforting to know your family will always be looking out for ya!! Just like you and your sister for ya Ma!! and us for Pete’s mum.
    Mate, I posted a new blog so can you do me a favour and see if you can still read my blogsite…I have let it sit idle for so long maybe I am unable to post anymore..Cheers Lucie!!
    Love to ya Mom and The Princess
    Love and big ol’ hugs to you from
    Annie in Australia 🌴🌞🌊❤❤❤

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      1. Hey Lucie
        Your Mom has a kind beautiful face, I love her lippy it looks lovely and her eyes are bright and well she is just adorable Lucie..
        That makes two of you
        I love you both and so does Pete.
        He agreed his Mum and your Mom would be buddies for sure.
        Stay well Lucie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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      2. You’re too kind, little buddy. I think Pete’s Mum and my Mum would be buds, too! Love to all of you….Merry Christmas, Kiddo! ❤

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  8. My sister used to say other people were weird. She, on the other hand, had endearing quirks. (Sounds as if I’m talking about Sheldon Cooper, doesn’t it?) So. Your mother was busy eating for over 18 hours?
    Many years ago I read an article about a man who had stopped by to visit an elderly relative. The woman didn’t answer her back door so he went around to the front, and saw her lying on the sofa. He knocked, rang the door bell, and generally raised a ruckus. Nada. The woman never moved a muscle. He called the police, and they sent somebody out to break into the house.
    The woman sat up and started yelling at them! Startled everybody, of course, but her reason was the real kicker! Her doctor had told her to take a nap every day – and not let anything interfere with it!

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