Everything pointed to a satisfactory situation, and we could drive back to Knoxville, confident that my treatment in San Diego was sufficient and successful. A cloud followed us all the way.
Readers may recall that I entered the Navy Medical Center in San Diego for treatment of a perforated appendix. The care was excellent, and the surgeons determined that I didn’t require surgery because the perforation closed and walled itself off.
Our reservation in Coronado Bay ended two days after we left the Medical Center, signaling the time to begin our trip back east. Mortimer reluctantly agreed to leave the beach.
Because I still had some doubts regarding my condition, Helen and I decided that rather than race back to Knoxville, we would take it slow, spending two or more nights at each stop. Most of our reservations for the return were for campgrounds at military bases, where treatment was available should something go awry. I’ll summarize our trip home and include pictures of our stops along the way.
El Centro, CA, was the first stop where the Blue Angels gave us an over-the-top performance of aerial showmanship.
Three nights in Holbrook, AZ, gave us enough time to visit the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert on a delightful day in the sun—no sign of trouble so far.
In Albuquerque, NM, things became unglued a bit. We have camped at Kirtland AFB on every trip we’ve taken to or from the West Coast and have always entered through the Main Gate to the Base. We decided to enter through the back gate on this trip because it is very close to the campground. I approached the entrance, where a young Airman waved me through. I hesitated because the opening seemed a little tight for our truck and trailer.
The Airman continued to wave me on. I heard a loud crunch from the trailer as I passed the pillars holding the overhead sign for Kirtland. I looked through the side mirrors and saw that the meeting of the pillar and our trailer stripped the fender off the driver’s side and an awning arm from the passenger side. The pain I felt at that moment was ten times worse than my attack of appendicitis.
After documenting the accident with the Air Police, we pulled into the campground to lick our wounds. The camper next to us immediately came over and explained that he witnessed the accident and wanted to help. He introduced himself as Wilson, a retired Navy seaman who now camped year-round with his family. I graciously accepted his offer but asked if we could start the repairs the next morning. We had driven for most of the day and were very tired.
“Sure,” he said, “I’ll be over around nine.”
The following day, at eight fifty-five, Wilson stood on a ladder and inspected the mangled awning arm. He told me that he had seen several campers have the same mishap entering the gate since he had arrived several months earlier and knew how to put me back together.
It turned out that Wilson camped in a large motorhome and towed a full-blown tool shed in a trailer behind him. Not only did he have the tools, but he knew how to use them. Before the morning was over, Wilson had returned the awning to a towable position and removed the damaged fender by cutting off the bent metal and leaving a smooth surface. God had sent a Little Angel to rescue us, just as He sent Fred to rescue us in Barstow, CA, when our bedroom slide wouldn’t retract.
I offered to pay Wilson several times, but he refused the money. “Just pay it forward,” he said and walked away. Helen baked a plate of Brownies for Wilson and his family that night. He accepted. Now fully restored to a towable condition, we returned to the road and hopefully will have the trailer repaired when we arrive home.
Next, we camped at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK, and were issued the Prime Spot facing the Big Pond and the setting sun. Tinker is always tricky because it is a small campground and doesn’t accept reservations. Luck was with us here.
After two nights at Tinker, we drove along I-40 to Roland, OK, on the Arkansas border, where we camped in the small campground next to the Cherokee Casino. The five campsites have full hookups, and best of all, there is no charge. Nevertheless, one night in the Casino usually guarantees that the Oklahoma Cherokees get paid in full for their hospitality.
Midway Campground at the Millington (TN) Naval Station is the last stop before home. This campground is nice and clean and very affordable, at $19 a night. Helen, Mortimer, and I drove the eight hours to Knoxville the next day, arriving just in time for the birth of Spring in East Tennessee.
I spent the next three weeks attending many postponed appointments, preparing 2024 taxes for my mom and me, and reacquainting ourselves with our neighbors, friends from my exercise class, and the church congregation. I also saw a surgeon for my appendix, who assured me that I did not need surgery. Next up was an estimate for the repairs for our fifth wheel–I never got there.
On a Tuesday two weeks ago, I noticed an uncomfortable sensation in the area of my appendix. By Wednesday, I knew something wasn’t right. I called the surgeon’s office I consulted earlier. His assistant scheduled me for a CT scan later that day.
I completed the scan and drove home to await the results. I wasn’t ten minutes from the diagnostic center when I received a call from a lady in the lab who told me the radiologist had said to report immediately to the emergency room. My appendix came out that night.
A little over a week later, I have recovered and am moving about freely. By the time this post is published, I expect to declare myself healed except for lifting heavy objects.
I’m grateful for the care I received and the calls from friends, family, and the ministers from our church. The weather is gorgeous here in Knoxville, and I’m ready to be out and about.
Let’s Ease Along–That cloud that followed us is nowhere around.
Oh my goodness. That’s a lot. I’m so glad your appendix cooperated until you got back!
Ann,
Me too! Better here than in someplace like Tumbleweed, TX.
So happy and thankful that you and Helen returned home safely. And, so thankful that you are recovering.
Hi, Ginny,
I’m on the mend–made it to church this morning. Have a great week! Joe
Joe,
We are greatful that you are feeling much better! It’s surprising how many parts we leave behind as we age. After having some skin cancer removed from my scalp, I asked the Dr. sewing me up if had also removed the wrinkles in my forehead too, as it felt pretty tight, and he replied “no that is extra”.
RT
Hello!
If they went after my wrinkles, I’d have to take a loan! Hope you’re all cleared up by now. Hugs to Sally! Joe
Not the best way to end a lovely trip. Glad to hear you’re on the mend and that cloud has moved on. All the best to you and Helen.
Good afternoon!
We have had better endings, but I’ve declared myself healed and ready to move on. I still have an RV to repair, but we’re pretty much home for the summer, so there’s time for that. Sorry, we missed you in Phoenix, but I hope you’re up and about by now. Thanks for stopping by, and please stay in touch. Joe
Hello Joe,
Glad you guys made it home OK but sorry to hear about your appendix. Thank goodness nothing happened while you were “on the road”!
Nothing like “home sweet home” to have the surgery, recuperate and enjoy the Spring!
Good morning, Ron,
I love traveling with our RV, but nothing ever looked as good as “home sweet home” after this trip. I’m on the mend and doing much better. Great to hear from you. Hove a fantastic week! Joe
Joe, I’m glad you had arrived home safely before the emergency surgery was required and you’re on the mend. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Hi, Natalie!
I was fortunate to make it home before I needed surgery. Things are much better now and I am able to enjoy the lovely spring weather we’re having. Thanks for stopping by, and please stay in touch. Joe
Dark clouds indeed, Joe! I would have demanded my appendix be removed the first time! Mine was removed 8 weeks after the birth of my daughter. I always tell her she kicked it loose in utero. She was a big 10-pounder, BTW. Anyway, glad you are home safe and could ease along home! We head south Tuesday. Take good care!
Hey, there!
Had I been home, I probably would have demanded it removed, but the doctors in San Diego were confident I be fine. Thankfully, everything held together long enough to make it back. I love the story that your daughter kicked yours loose. I think my appendix was bounced around by those deep potholes in Texas. Have a safe trip and keep us updated on what you’re up to. Joe
SO very happy to hear that your recovery is nearly complete, Joe! That sure was a rough patch of road you went through – with both your health and your rig. Thank heaven for Wilson – and all the other kind and caring people we meet along the roads we travel. His generosity of time, spirit and expertise was quite a blessing. Enjoy your summer down time, and best wishes for a speedy return to 100%!
Hello!
Now that I’m on the mend, it’s time to turn the attention to repairing our fifth wheel. Thanks to Wilson, I think that it is a matter of replacing a few components, rather than extensive body work–we’ll hope for the best. Wilson truly was an angel sent to rescue us. Hope you and Alan are having a lovely spring–boating season is not far away. Always great to hear from you. Joe
Hi, Joe – What a scare and a terrible ordeal to go through. I am delighted to read in the comments that you are recovery nicely. Continuing to send healing vibes your way.
Good morning, Donna,
Thankfully, I’m getting better every day and am able to resume a normal routine. I’ll admit I was a tad nervous on the trip home from the West Coast. Thanks for checking in–I gratefully accept the healing vibes! Joe
Oh my!!! I’m so glad you were home when this happened . I’m glad you’re healing well too. What a story!! Take care. Sending good vibes from California.
Good afternoon!
This was quite an ordeal, but things are heading toward a satisfactory conclusion. I’m fortunate I made it home before I needed surgery. Good vibes are always welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous week! Joe
Joe, I think you’ve “paid it forward” many times in your life, and I know you’ll continue to do so. 🙂 It ‘s heartwarming and inspiring to know that there are good people like Wilson that are ready to give back some of what you give to others, with no expectation of anything in return. And then Helen baked brownies for him…the goodness continues.
I’m so glad to know that you made it home safely and that your appendix won’t be giving you any more problems. So crazy that all of the docs kept telling you it wasn’t a problem!! Take good care of yourself and enjoy being at home.
Good morning, Laurel,
We met some angels on this trip for sure. Brownies were inadequate payment, but Wilson left us no other option. I was concerned on the way home, because things just didn’t feel quite right, but at least I made it home before the next episode. Things going well now, and I made it to my exercise class on Wednesday (I needed it badly). Always love hearing from you, and would love to meet up sometime. Have a fabulous weekend! Joe
Joe, I’m sure you guys have been in the position of guardian angels many times. It was your turn to receive. Glad you are home safe and on the mend. Take care.
Suzanne,
Great to hear from you. I hope your trip is going well. I’m looking forward to upcoming posts. We’re home, and I’m returning to good health. Please stay in touch. Joe