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Triumphant!

February 15, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

My mother, the BAT (Barbara Ann Tate) got a total knee replacement for Valentine’s Day. Fancy, schmancy, it was made especially for her, crafted in Switzerland. 

Last night, I stayed with her in the hospital. As expected, there wasn’t much sleep. A shot of Benadryl straight into the blood stream provided incoherent rambling. She yammered non-stop about various friends (Minta, Jimmy Gann, Becky Sue, Bob and D’Lynn Irby), strawberries, Mexico, a gravel road, Jobber applications, playing marbles, and deleting ‘sloppy’ Facebook friends.
She explained to the young night nurse all about ChristianMingle.com. 
At one point she looked toward the side of her bed and said, “Gabby, are you ready to leave? I’m about ready to check out of here.” Gabby is her cat…

At midnight she said, “I think Dr. Taba is running late. Guess I’m not having surgery today.” 
By the end of her rant she declared, “I’m changing my name! I’m sick to death of being called Barbara Ann Creecy Tate.” 
At 1:30, she turned on the television to distract herself from the knee pain. Thankfully she slept.

My dreams were fitful, coated with television background noise about the stranded Carnival cruise ship. All night long. Ask me anything about it, and I can tell you.
Overall, we had a triumphant night. Momma and I survived to see the new day, and the cruise ship limped to shore. She hasn’t told me her new name yet, but I’ll keep everyone posted.

talya

Horse with No Name, America

Filed Under: Family, Life Tagged With: BAT, hospital

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Comments

  1. Kelsey Erickson says

    February 15, 2013 at 6:23 am

    No matter what new name she selects, she’ll always be Nana to me. Love you both and speedy recovery, Nana!

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 15, 2013 at 6:38 am

      Love you too!

  2. Colene says

    February 15, 2013 at 8:12 am

    Bless the BAT! I’m having knee surgery this month and I fear what kind of blabbing I will do. I am known for saying goofy things while under the infulence of anesthetics. I hope you both get some rest today. BTW this was hilarious!

  3. Talya Tate Boerner says

    February 15, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Hopefully not knee replacement???

  4. Anonymous says

    February 15, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Funny, I did not sleep well last for thinking about Barbara! Hmmmmm?! Wonder if my subconscious could hear her or could it have been my guilty conscience (don’t ask for details but it does involve a ceremony, rice levee, costumes…) what a dear friend, love that Barbara! <3. Minta

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 16, 2013 at 11:31 am

      hmmmmm.

  5. Anonymous says

    March 20, 2013 at 9:31 am

    I just now found this. I did not know about this blog. Still haven’t decided on my new name. theBAT


Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

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