Ludlow: What we hear isn't always what was said

Sometimes things are just not what we originally thought. I'm good friends with the Orr family, and a couple of them have had health issues recently.

It started with George, who had his hip replaced a couple of weeks ago and had a couple more stints in the hospital since then, with unrelated issues. But he was home resting one evening and began having problems that caused his defibrillator to shock him.

Much later that evening, at 2 in the morning in fact, it was acting up again. He called the ambulance and his wife, Marlene, who doesn't drive, began calling for a ride to Green Bay. She finally reached her sister-in-law, Sue, who was in Milwaukee. Sue then called her husband, Bob, at home and got him out of bed.

Well, Bob is a little hard of hearing and understood Sue to say that George's refrigerator was going off and on. And he thought that it was kind of odd for them to call at that hour for a malfunctioning refrigerator. But he got dressed and headed to George's anyway, wondering all the way over there just what was happening.

Just as he drove into the driveway he thought, “Oh, maybe she said defibrillator and not refrigerator.”

Sure enough, that was it and he drove Marlene into Green Bay. Hospital personnel took care of George, and after a few days, he was back home again doing therapy for his new hip.

While he was at Bellin, his sister, Lou, at Linden Manor had some issues of her own and spent a couple of days at Aurora. So, George was in Bellin and Lou at Aurora, keeping the rest of the family hopping back and forth. But she too, is back home at Linden Manor and appreciating their great staff.

Speaking of Linden Manor, I was visiting one day last week and residents were entertained by the Czech Choraliers, under the direction of Orville Konop. I had never heard them before and it was terrific. I was glad I was there at the time. That is another bunch of talented local musicians.

Last Monday, Linden Manor held its Christmas Party for staff, residents, and invited friends and family. They had drawn names, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed lots of snacks and sweet treats. There was an abundance of good stuff to eat and after that, we were all entertained by Ron Gillis, from Casco, with his keyboard. I think everyone enjoyed the party, including yours truly.

This morning, I took part in the Tuesday Morning Glories Bowling League Christmas party. There were more snacks and sweets, followed by pizzas for everyone. I feel like I'm eating my way through the holidays.

Hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Barb Ludlow is a former Kewaunee County reporter. Email her at bludlow1@charter.net.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: Ludlow: What we hear isn't always what was said