It is an interesting mix of gentle voices, honest pleas, and straight up demanding. Grandma called on Thursday night to tell me her TV wasn't working. Again. We have been dealing with the saga of the TV for no less than 8 weeks now. For whatever reason she had cable in her old apartment but no such luck in the new one. So she was left with a digital tuner, antenna and two remotes.
This was just too much. Used to routine, the two remotes caused many a late night phone call for help. A couple of weeks ago, my darling man went out and bought her a new digital TV. He connected it while Grandma marveled at how slim it was. Her old TV weighed more than all my children put together! One remote....problem solved.
No such luck! The terrible ice storm, wind, rain, clouds, a passing truck all mess with her reception. Phone calls ensue. I understand. When you are 87 and live alone. TV is all you have to fill the quietness that surrounds you. Being alone with your thoughts can be dangerous when you have lost a husband, three daughters and feel slightly abandoned by your other grandchildren and friends.
So, back to Thursday night. With as much gentleness and honestly as I could muster at 5:30 I told Grandma it was time to look into paying for cable so she would not have to worry about if the TV would work. She agreed and I got on the phone to set it up. She got on the phone too and then called me back later, after having run the plan by at least 2 friends to make sure it was the right choice. "It's too expensive. Laura said it was $70. Another friend said I just need to program the TV and then it will work." The straight up demanding voice came out as I set things straight on the cost and the problem. The next morning we had cable installed and so far I haven't had any phone calls about problems.
I am sure a new problem will arise soon enough. Prayerfully that book will come out soon so I can know what I am supposed to be doing!
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