There is an old song titled “Afternoon Delight”. I loved to listen to Manhattan Transfer (or was that Starland Vocal Band?) sing the enjoyable melody and delicious harmonies (the words were a little racy, even for the ’70’s, but then who listens to the words?) !!
My mental picture when I hear the melody (nothing to do with the actual words of the song!) is of sitting on the porch mid-summer, mid-afternoon, and figuring all is right with the world.
But today, Friday afternoon mid-summer 2008 brings up a new picture — and its not an afternoon delight. In order for Dad to get into a hospital in Saskatoon (which may or may not be necessary), there must be a bed available and a specialist there as well. Both may be impossibilities.
It’s Friday afternoon! Doctors leave for the weekend. Hospital staff is downsized and patients not needing additional care sent home. The cycle of surgeries and special care begins again on Monday — barring an emergency.
We await final word on a transfer from one hospital to another. Oh, BTW (by the way), the transfer is about 120 kms away! You don’t want to have to turn around half way there if there isn’t a bed or specialist available! So, we wait!