Two weeks ago on Friday, after I left for work, the agency for my MIL’s home health aide called her to tell her the aide called in sick. They offered to send a sub, but my MIL decided against it. The problem is she looks forward to her weekly salon appointment and lunch out, and that was not going to happen for her that day. This past Friday my phone rang at 7 AM. It was my husband who was away on a business trip and usually calls before his day begins. Afterwards I went about my usual routine, including peeking in on my MIL to make sure she’s OK. (Her health aide arrives about 20 minutes after I leave for work.) Not only was she up, she was also alert and anxious. She first thing she asked was “Did she called in sick again?” As soon as I told her it had been her son on the phone and not the health aide she relaxed. “I need a haircut, you know!” she told me.

Depending on for whom the bell tolls it may or may not be a good day.