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Twenty-four hours later, a new normal begins to take shape. Controlled chaos is a more accurate take. Day one has been better and worse than expected. I don’t think any of us really knew how much of a village it takes. The four of us work well together though. But it is only hour one since we got back home. I may be ahead of myself.
Alana and Leilani made a nest for Mom, in her bedroom, with all her things around her. Alana made lemonade and Leilani brought lunch. They look rested. Lani and I do not. We had to carry her up the stairs and that was the just the start. Then the knee machine that will be used for physical therapy had to be set up along with the bedside commode.
He is still sweating and my back is killing me. There’s a strained muscle screaming somewhere.
“Are you comfortable, beauty?” Lani says, plopping down on the club chair.
“I’m fine. You’re the one who needs to rest. Quit fussing.”
She has a bell next to her, in case something is needed. I think I may regret it because she has already used it when we are within a few feet. She could just ask. The doorbell sounds.
“I’ll get it!”
Alana escapes the room.
“Is it time for my pain pill?”
“Not yet, Mom. Another hour.”
“I don’t think an hour makes that much difference. Bring it to me now.”
“It does make a difference, Nani. You can’t change the dosage or six hour break. It says so in your paperwork.”
There’s a knock and then the front door opens.
“Anybody home?”
Noa. Good. He can be the bad cop.
“Hello, honey!”
He walks in and goes to Mom. Kisses are exchanged.
“How’s my girl doing?”
“I’m fine. Look at all my helpers.”
“I see that.”
His eyes land on Leilani, who waits for the introduction with a big smile.
“This is Leilani. And this is my brother, Noa.”
His face lights up when he sees what I’m dealing with. I feel a kind of pride showing her off.
“Hi! I think we met back in the day,” she says. “Across the street on the beach.”
“Alek told me. I remember your brother. And your parents.”
“Yes. You surfed together, right?”
“Right. I hear you are a hula dancer too.”
“She’s an accomplished dancer, son. She headlines at the Four Seasons.”
That brag is a first for Mom. Leilani lights up with the compliment.
“Thank you.” She touches her heart. “I’ll never equal your talent, Auntie, but not for lack of trying.”
