There's no catching up from there.

Yesterday was a very stressful day. Forest called me early in the day, asking me to take an early lunch and give his co-worker a ride home, because she wasn't feeling well. I knew something must be really wrong, because Mary never wants to go home, even when she's dog-sick, and she's a very stubborn old lady. I could also hear worry in his voice. So I picked up and went.

I left right away, but by the time I got there, Mary was already en route to the hospital. Apparently she was having a heart attack. Forest and his dad were quite beside themselves. Mary's been a family friend for longer than anyone can remember, and she's worked with Forest since he was a preteen. She's kind of like a second grandmother to him.

She's also one of those people whose strength holds everything around her together, and when she falters, the whole world shakes. She prides herself on being a 'tough old bitch', and always manages to calmly get everything done while everyone else is bungling around her.

I stayed around the Store with Forest and his dad for a while, trying to provide a little comfort and making sure the Store was covered while various calls and arrangements were made. Mary doesn't have any family except for her husband, who is also in the hospital, so everyone was trying to scramble around to be there for her. In the end, Forest's grandma went down there first, his mom next, and Forest himself at the end of the day. He seemed to be a lot more comfortable with things after seeing that she was okay and bringing her some books to read, but there were a lot of tears all day, and I know he was emotionally exhausted.

Heck, I don't know her that well, and I was pretty fried, too.

We worked out like mad at Tae Kwon Do, of course, and it was Master Kim's birthday, so he was in a cheerful mood. It's good to see him feeling a lot better these days. He's started to more actively participate again, and is looking much more energetic. After class we had a good time playing, and I sparred a man about twice my size, which made me feel a bit more confident for Saturday's match.

I can't believe how fast this summer is slipping by me. Forest's birthday is two weeks away, and I haven't had the chance to think about what to get for him, or what to do to celebrate. This weekend I'm completely booked up, particularly since the Store is so short-staffed. (One in the hospital, one in jail, and one went to redi-care last night.) So I guess the shopping will have to wait. Besides, with gas as costly as it is right now, I can't afford to buy anything but bread and peanut butter for a while. I have been seriously contemplating selling my minivan and getting something more feul efficient... but I'll wait and see if the government's subpeonas amount to anything first I guess.

In the meantime, I'm happy but tired, and I think I might be hanging out with Shelly tonigh (Hooodyhoo!)