MIL is flying to DC to visit us for the weekend...

[Anonymous]

My MIL is coming to visit us this weekend; however she just had a mild heart attack and I want her to take it easy. She seems to be back to her normal active self, but it's only been one week since her heart attack. My husband has to work on Saturday, so I need suggestions on what I should do with her while he works (i.e. sightseeing, plays, shows, etc.). I also need to mention that I have a very busy 2.5 year old son that will be tagging along. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Do the Building Zone at the Building Museum. Your son will love the blocks, and your MIL can be mostly seated while watching him play.

[Anonymous]

Know what her medications are - and what the instructions are. I think, if true, this is very bizarre that she is coming to see you now. Very bizarre. The flight itself could be dangerous.

If she isn't on any medication AT ALL, I would have full strength aspirin on you at all times. She should take 2 in the event of an emergency until help arrives.

[Anonymous]

This is a lot of pressure on you! I hope she continues to recover well.

I'd stay in the house and do small-time activities: go to the library, go to the park, go to a Rolly Polly gym (or similar in your area). I would not go overboard at museums and the like where there is a lot of walking/parking/traffic.

Make sure your cell phone is charged at all times, and that you know not just about her heart condition, but other medical history so that if something happens, you are prepared!

And yes, aspirin/Bayer on you at all times.

[Anonymous]

I would consider rescheduling or going to her.

Can you imagine how you would feel if things went terribly badly on this visit?

[Anonymous]

She just had a heart attack and is flying to see you and her own son is working? Yo, talk to your husband. He needs to be with his mom not his boss.

[Anonymous]

Butterfly exhibit at Brookside Gardens.

[Anonymous]

Can you take a small folding chair with you, along with the aspirin? My MIL had to sit down a LOT even when just walking across a parking lot.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. She insisted on coming. Trust me, I tried to politely tell her to re-schedule. It's the end of the fiscal year, so both my husband and I are super busy working on the weekend and not able to take off during the week. I knew now wouldn't be a good time to come, but she was determined.

I think the building museum is a great idea, and we'll take her to dinner tonight. She is only on one medication to relax the heart muscles (2.5 mg), and seems to be back to normal. However, I sent my son to daycare today so she wouldn't overexert herself running after him. Any restaurant suggestions in the Alexandria area?