An Unusual Christmas Story (Part 7)

   The stroll over to Nan's in the warm sun felt comforting. It was new for me to be surrounded by palm trees in December but it was pleasant and for the moment I felt protected and safe. At times I was missing the kids and hubby. As I reached Nan's house I realized how little I remembered from my first visit. There's was a single two story house with a front entry into the main living/dining area comfortably furnished. Except for their personal items, the pieces belonged to the company, Bell. Employes used it while stationed there. Many came and went over the period of the contract Bell had. The Saudi's wanted a fibre optic system to go with their new space satellite. For Bell employees it was an opportunity to work abroad with travel perks. But most did not like the placement and requested to go back within months. Nan and Doug and a few toughed it out for several years. They gained status and developed a great relationship with the ambassador.
    As I entered I saw Buddy and one of Nan's boys sitting on the carpet busy playing with lego. He smiled and went on playing. I was happy for him. Nan's boys went to a private school. One was home, not feeling well. The other would be home after 3. That's when the driver returned with him. Drivers were an important part of the community setup since the ladies always required an escort, something I was beginning to get used to. Nan and I talked a bit about my experience. Soon Doug arrived to drive me to the hospital. He wanted to come along to find out details about hubby's health. Our visit was brief but pleasant. Hubby was responding to the treatment and was past the first critical hurdle. He could be on the ward soon. But so far he was very weak. Walking a few steps from bed to chair was an achievement. For me it was difficult to get information from the staff. Their rules and language barriers frustrated me. Each visit left me wondering, a feeling that I disliked. I also disliked the security searches though they were a bit less intrusive now.
   Once back at the house it was decided I should be given some cash for the shopping shuttle the following morning. But for the evening I was to continue to rest free of the kids. I asked how the little ones were doing. Reassured I went to the apartment, turned on the TV and was surprised to be watching Canadian programming, Christmas specials for kids. I watched a bit but I knew I was still very exhausted. I tucked myself into bed, not really missing hubby or the kids. I was asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
   Again I slept until noon. I had missed the shuttle. I called Nan to apologize. She was so patient with me. Her own routine was being disrupted. It was just before Christmas but she just dealt with it so well. She decided that I would be taken out after the hospital visit. She would come along with Doug and they would do their shopping too. That evening, when the all kids were fed, I would be reunited with them for our first night together in the apartment. I was feeling excited.
  While shopping I picked up some of the foods they loved, surprised to find so many imported  things at the supermarket. I had to be careful to stay within my budget, allowing cheese slices and cookies as treats. While at the mall I noticed a KFC. Odd I thought. But not for long. I soon became aware that Jedda was full of foreign workers from many countries. Western style commercialism was evident and it was flourishing. Construction of malls, hotels, factories, hospitals, roads, homes was visible all around. One strange sight was two vacant high rise apartment buildings. They had been built for the lower class locals who refused to move in because they did not want to uses common elevators. It was thought to be problematic for the women and their children to be mixing with non family members in such close proximity. They must have found a solution in later years because condos are now fashionable.
   As evening approached I was happy. At last I felt ready to greet my kids and carry on. Each had been so well cared for and directed into a routine, one that exists throughout the compound, one that would be good for us too.  Each came with loaned clothing and some toys and was helped into their transition into the apartment.  I was handed the schedule of activities for daycare, swimming, shopping and the TV.  It was in the format of a bulletin that was published weekly by volunteers. Anyone could add their bit. I thanked the community for all their assistance. I followed the schedule. Being busy was important. It helped the healing process. It was Christmas time and that helped too. there was an air of excitement in the community.
   On December 14th hubby was put on the ward in bed C. He had access to a phone and better visiting hours. Buddy was given permission for a very brief visit  on the 15th but only once and it was a special favour. Who knew that they would bend rules?? Will this good fortune continue??