Sunday, August 15, 2010

Fire Sirens

I made an appointment to have our 2 vehicles serviced in Baton Rouge for Saturday morning. John decided to stay at Marriott the night before so we can just relax and not be rushing the next day.
So, we checked in at Marriott and we were happy when the guest service attendant told us that she upgraded our room to the 19th floor, a bigger room with a good view.


There's our view.



But it did not turn out to be a relaxing night.

It was, until about 4:30 AM., when the hotel sirens started going with an announcement from the PA system that everybody should go down the stairs (elevators are always disabled during a fire) and step out of the building. My 92 year old mother was with us and the first thing that came to my mind was how was I going to get her down all those steps. But anyway, I got her up from bed, grabbed my i phone, purse and car keys and we all headed towards the stairs.

One step at a time with one of my mom's hand on the rail while I was holding the other, we were getting down one floor at a time, very slowly. For the meantime, the sirens kept going. People were so nice asking if we needed help and I kept telling them to go ahead of us because we are slow and that we will be fine.

Some did not even want to overpass us but we did not want to hold them up so I kept telling them to go ahead and to just please tell them downstairs that we are still on our way down.

My mom was so nice about the whole thing, did not complain a bit.

When we finally got to the third floor, 2 firemen came to assist. I told them my mom was a little short of breathe and was tired but she was doing good. We kept going and finally reached the lobby. As soon as we got there, it was announced that the problem was resolved and that we could all go back to our rooms. I told my mom to sit and rest first and I started taking pictures.

The firemen in their glowing outfits.





There were at least 3 fire trucks out there.






People were everywhere, some in pj's and some in robes. I never imagined myself to ever be in Marriott's lobby while in my pajamas but there I was in my blue pj's. Luckily, nobody else had a camera so they couldn't take my picture, lol.
People were crowding the elevators.


And my mom was still in a good mood, after all that, lol.




Posing with the firemen. They were so nice. They kept checking on her and they searched the hotel for a wheelchair.



They suggested we wheel her back to the room and not let her walk after that ordeal and so John did.

The next day, she got her share of exercise again. While one vehicle was being checked, we decided to walk to Women's Hospital to eat breakfast. The service shop had no loaners available. We came from the building behind the Toyota and we're probably around halfway to our destination here.


Of course, we had to walk back the same long way. I try not to let my mom hold on to me so she can get used to balancing herself but sometimes she holds on to John because I stay away from her, lol.


Well, one thing for sure. She is back on her bed now and I know she will sleep really well tonight.
I learned a lesson too. I will never stay in higher floors again whenever my mom is with us.

18 comments:

Simply Debbie said...

HAPPY BELATED PINK SATURDAY CHRISTINE,
I READ YOUR PINK SATURDAY POST...THE CANDLE STICK WAS STUNNING AND I ENJOY GOING ON YOUR TRIPS WITH YOU.
I AM SO SORRY YOUR MOTHER HAD TO WALK DOWN 19 FLOORS...SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN...MY MIL IS GOING TO TURN 90 YEARS OLD IN SEPTEMBER BUT SHE CAN'T WALK AS FAR AS YOUR MOTHER. SHE LIVES AT HOME BUT CAN NO LONGER COOK FOR HERSELF OR CLEAN HER HOUSE BUT SHE HAS EVERY OUNCE OF HER MIND.
I HOPE THINGS HAVE IMPROVED.
BE SAFE
HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE

Lynn said...

Sorry to hear about your ordeal, but so glad that everything turned out ok! Hope you have a happy, restful day today:@)

Rochelle Jose-Paterson said...

Apo is so cute, Mom. I love that big smile! However, those firemen probably thought you were nuts taking pictures. LOL

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Girl how great it was seeing your mama's big ole smile once again..She still looks wonderful C/X and to be able to make it down 19 floors wow!!How very Blessed you are my friend to still have your mama with you sighs...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Silvia said...

Awwww poor mama.. I'm glad shes is doing fine,she is great lady and so cute..92?? thats is awesome!!!..I hope you are having a wonderful summer, have you been swimming a lot??...have a great week and ttys....xo

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What an ordeal! Glad she got thru it ok. Don't think I would have ever taken a room that high up - as I have problems with height.
Hope you are enjoying the rest of your weekend.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, this sounds frightening. Your mother amazes me. She is such an inspiration. She looks wonderful and I am sure you were gorgeous in your blue pj's. Her picture is so cute with the firemen. Glad you were all ok. Hugs, Marty

Blondie's Journal said...

What an incredible story, Christine...and a frightening experience. I admire how you put your mother's need before all else. I would have been so scared. I had to laugh at the pictures, only because I know you and your love for taking pictures, and they are good pictures. Your mom looks wonderful.

I think your idea of building a small studio is so cool. Where will it be? I'm so glad you got inspiration from that photo. It really is a cute little building...so charming and bright. I can't wait to see what you do!

xoxo
Janie

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Your Mother is so amazing!!!!

Please give her a big hug and a kiss, from this 73 year old 'Nana,' who is no where as well off and strong, as she is!

Would she please ask her to tell us her secrets? Other than to have good genes, of course. Sadly, that part, we can't control.

Gentle hugs...

Kathysue said...

Wow that had to be frightening. Your Mom is so pretty, I see where you get your beautiful and youthful looks from. I love her face, such grace and softness are in her face. Glad all is well and a good lesson about staying on the bottom floor with Mama, Happy Sunday,Kathysue

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine!! What an ordeal!! Did you ever find out what the problem was?
Your poor little mama, bless her heart. I do believe she is a trooper! She certainly doesn't look 92! You're just the best blogger - even if you didn't have your camera you had your phone camera!! :)
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kat said...

Good grief, that is some excitement that I bet you could have done without. But I know exactly where you were staying! I love Baton Rouge, but I bet your mom's had enough of it for awhile. She really is amazing. And I love the motto on the firetruck "we fight what others fear". They really are heroes, and so sweet to keep checking on your mom.

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

What an adventure! Do you take your camera everywhere? lol Glad you are all o.k.

Sue said...

We've had this happen 3 or 4 times in our years of traveling. I'm really careful about what I sleep in when in a hotel and always have my purse, room key and shoes next to the bed. Luckily, we've never had anyone who had trouble walking with us...and I always request lower floors. Last year we ended up out in the parking lot with an entire hotel of people in pjs. It is a strange feeling.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh My Goodness Christine! What a scary night that was! I've said it before, but you've convinced me now, your mother is AMAZING! Look at her, sitting their laughing in the hotel lobby! (and of course, good blogger that you are, you had your camera with you! - or maybe your cell phone). You captured some good pix. Your patio looks so pretty. Sure wouldn't want to hide that pretty wall fountain behind a lemon tree. laurie

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Goodness! That was an adventure! Good to know that you all are well and that your mom was still smiling afterwards!

Blessings & Aloha!
(Dear friend, I love your new blog design :o)
I better get to bed! The morning comes way tooo early! :o)

Traci said...

Your poor, poor mom!!! Did y'all ever find out what the problem was that caused the fire dept. to come out in the first place?

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Oh my what a night!!! Your mom is so cute. So glad that she was okay.

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