(Two weeks ago, Zinnia fit snugly into this bed. Today, I realized I have to get a bigger bad, she’s like Popeye on spinach. Bud looks smaller every day, but he is unbowed.)

This week, focusing on doing some good. I’ve moved my Bishop Maginn High School visit to Friday. Thursday I’m doing a special meditation workshop at the Mansion.

Today, I’m visiting a very sick friend at the hospital. Another friend of hers is driving up from out of state and together, we hope to help her make plans for her immediate future and for her home.

It seems she will be in the hospital for a long time, and probably in rehab or a nursing home beyond that. I’ve decided not to ask for access (signed by her) to her doctors and medical records.

I think her friend and family can do that, I don’t need to know the details of her medical condition or care.

I’m not bringing Zinnia today, we need to focus on some concrete issues.

Maria is coming with me and our purpose is to help manage the immediate emergency. When someone who lives alone is rushed to the hospital, a lot of things are left undone.

First, we have found a temporary foster home for her dog, who is alone in her house (being fed and walked daily).

We need to adjust the heat so the heating oil doesn’t run out and the pipes freeze, perhaps talk to her oil company.

She should be in foster care by tomorrow.

We need to ask her what she wants done with her mail.

We can halt delivery, forward it to her or have it continue to be delivered to her home. Someone – her friend or family – needs to go through the mail and see what is urgent and what isn’t.

We need to meet with her case manager and talk about the different ways in which she can be supported when and if she goes home, and go over those options.

We need to tell the neighbors what’s going on so they can keep an eye on the house. We need to talk to hospice and make sure they are aware of her situation and in touch with her, should that be necessary.

We see it as our job to make sure these issues are addressed, and then step back.