Misadventures in St. Louis

It never seems to go smooth for me when I’m driving in St. Louis.

Truth be told, I’m out of practice from driving in a city on a daily basis.

When it’s time to take my mother to her doctor’s appointment at Washington University Hospital, I gear up for it like I’m gong into battle.

Actually, I am going into battle, with 90 mile an hour commuters, bicyclists, pedestrians, and let’s not forget construction.

Even after we finally arrive I have problems.

When we finally park in the cavernous multi-level parking garage, my elderly parents follow me to the crosswalk that connects the garage to the hospital.

They do this without question, confident their son is guiding them safely to their destination, only to find that we’ve walked, what seems like ten miles, to a locked door.

The sign on the door reads, key card entry only.

I have took them on a journey that has led to the Hilton Hotel that is also attached to the parking garage.

I could go on and on, but one word will suffice to describe our day.

Ordeal.

Maybe, more than one word.

Madhouse, challenging, terrifying, and yes, breakdown.

We made the appointment, but will have to make two more trips in the near future.

I’m already gearing up.

I may need a doctor appointment after those trips.

With a therapist!

But not in downtown St. Louis.

See you out there.