Fran Shops 'til She Drops

Each day this week while visiting Fran, she would have either one of us jot down items on a pad of paper that she needed from the store. The list had the following items: combs, new shade of lipstick, socks, slacks (white and black), nail polish remover, new shade of nail polish, makeup foundation and a new bra. Each of these items Fran already had, but we went along with it because she is really beginning to think things through. We arranged for the three of us to go shopping at our local Target on Friday.

I called the rehab center about 3:00 p.m. and asked that they have Fran ready to go out with us about 4:00 p.m. Philip and I got in from work and went over to start out on our shopping adventure. Fran was ready when we got there and very happy to see us. Mark, one of her favorite nursing assistants, had her looking cute with her hair brushed and lipstick on. Off we went.

The first transfer from her wheelchair into our car went very smoothly. As soon as she got in the car, she pulled down the visor to see how she looked in the mirror. She said that Mark had done a good job with her lipstick. The ride to Target took about 10 minutes. Once there, we parked in a handicapped parking space and got Fran back into her wheelchair, another smooth transfer for Fran and Phil.

Inside the store Fran was in her glory: Lipstick, nail polish, foundation and socks! I was impressed at how she was comparing prices and looking for bargains. We looked at Valentine candy and she decided we could come back and get some once it went on sale. (gotta feed that chocolate craving!).

The next item was the bra. She told me the size she needed and I went into search mode. I was one aisle over being entertained at the conversation going on between Phil and his mom. I had to chuckle when Fran gave Phil directions, "Get me that white one, see what the size is on that white one".

We tried to find some new slacks but were unsuccessful. I told her we would have better luck at Belk's. She said that was a good idea and we could go there next.

I asked Fran if she was getting hungry and if she was in the mood for a small pizza. Her eyes lit up. I had decided that eating out in an Applebee's or Chili's on a Friday evening would be a bit too overwhelming for her. I suggested to Philip that Target had a Pizza Hut and Starbucks attached and we could eat there. Besides, it was a much quieter environment and made for one less transfer. The three of us enjoyed a small pan pizza and soda. Fran loves pizza. I think Philip was counting on getting her last piece but she gladly finished it herself.

Fran said she wanted to go to Belk's and see about some slacks. Once we got back in the car she decided she could look for slacks the next time we go out. Needless to say, we were relieved! Phil's back was just about maxed out! Once we got back to the rehab we reviewed all of her purchases with her, wooing over each item. Fran was happy with everything and was more than ready to hit the bed.