Here’s the thing about family, at least our family – when a crisis occurs, we pull together and as a united front, handle the crisis. In my young Pollyanna life, I thought this was true of all families. Now, as an adult fast approaching 60, I know this not to be true, that our family is lucky and unusual.
In my despair on Wednesday, having been told by a doctor that the next step for my mother was life support, I called all of my siblings and let them know. My sister, Gail, who lives locally, left work. Tiffany, my niece and partner in this “Toot Sweet” blog venture, arranged for childcare for the Princesses P and left for the hospital. My sister, Dawn, who lives in Arizona, also left work without delay and drove from Arizona (from left to right: Tiffany, Dawn, Gail and my Dad in photo above). My brother, who lives in New York, booked a flight immediately and arrived Thursday morning.
As this crisis unfolded, I was told by the doctor that it was probably a good idea to pick up my dad and bring him to the hospital (my parents live in assisted living). So, I left the hospital as they were putting a central line in my mother and transferring her to ICU. I got my father and brought him back to the hospital. When Dad and I arrived, Gail and Tiffany were already there. And, my mother was awake, alert, smiling and talking. A miracle had occurred in the hour that it took me to go and pick up my dad!
Shortly after that, my sister Dawn arrived. We were then told that we needed to “gown up” because they still don’t know what is wrong with my mother and just on the off-chance that she has something contagious, we needed to suit up with gowns and gloves each time we walked into her room. We happily complied.
She told one of the doctors that she’s not ready to die and that she’s going to live to be 100 and walk on the beach. He smiled broadly and said “no doubt.”
This outdoor patio, above, is surrounded by painted mural walls of a charming, vintage pastoral scene. When I looked out the 6th floor window outside of ICU, I was enchanted and comforted by this beautiful space.
Until Next Time,
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I too, Carole, have had to rise to the challenge of multiple crises…..when you walk through what has to be done, it only makes you stronger. God bless you and your family. You are truly a strong woman who has shown so many your strengths by sharing and your kindness towards others. I found your blog just a couple of months back and you and your niece are an inspiration. Thank you for taking on this time intensive task and letting others know how you cope and still have fun in your everyday life.
Thank you. Angie
Angie: so nice of you to comment. I know that you have had the same challenges. We are (unfortunately) around the same age with elder loved ones that are now requiring much help and care. I’m so glad you find some of what we share inspiring. That’s our intent – to inspire, to motivate, to share, to reach, and even sometimes, to teach. We appreciate YOU and appreciate your support. Hope to see you sometime in the near future! Sending hugs your way…