When we traveled to Lillian's last infusion, for some reason, the GPS took us the wrong way. So, we were running a little behind. As we were calling the infusion center to make them aware, I came upon the exit I needed, and it was also closed. The backtracking was about 8 miles out of the way, leaving us 30 minutes late and hustling. As we entered the building from the parking garage, a very loud noise started pulsating over the PA system. We thought we had set something off, as the fire alarms were not blinking at that moment. Halfway down the hall, the fire bells started ringing too, all the while I'm sniffing the air...not smelling a thing. We open the door to the infusion center and the acrid smell of burning wires filled my nose, not smoke, but the smell of fire. We quickly left the room and headed to the parking garage, not really knowing what was happening. We stood in the garage with others while the rain was a steady, heavy mist. Eventually, 5 firetrucks and an ambulance arrived, and we all had to hoof it through the rain to the hospital entrance. Mind you, my poor mother was limping due to a recent leg injury, Lillian was carrying four bags...it felt very chaotic and NOONE seemed to really know what was going on. After an hour of trying to decide what to do, we made the decision to hoof it back to the parking garage, in the rain, to get back to the van and leave. We headed over to have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Just before we left the infusion center called and asked if I'd take her to the downtown location or the Brownsboro location (the place I didn't want to go again). They said they wouldn't be able to get her in any sooner if we didn't go. I made the decision to head to the downtown location. We arrived there and while in the waiting room, three armed guards entered with a prisoner strapped in a wheelchair. We actually had a very good experience downtown, but the day lasted 12 long hours. We later came to learn that there was indeed a fire IN the infusion center ceiling. Had we been on time Lillian would have likely been there and strapped to an IV. The Lord shielded us from that. I hate being late and I never know if they are going to turn us away on the occasion that it happens. But God. Lillian handled it all pretty well with very mild panic. (going down stairs as safely as possible and the sheer volume of the alarms did not cause her to totally freak out) I came home thanking the Lord for his protection and the blessings in the mess.
Never a dull moment. HA!
