I just thought I'd do a fairly quick update on the past three weeks or so. First of all, thank you for the the many thoughtful messages, they have meant a lot and some days have brought a much needed smile.
On September 12th, I was out shopping with my oldest son for a few last minute gifts for my son Benj's birthday. I received a call from my Dad that merely said that he and Mom wouldn't be able to come up that afternoon because Mom was having a bad day. That in itself isn't unusual..Mom has been suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis that has ravaged her body for the past 33 years. The past year or so has seen a rapid decline in her already fragile health. The end of Dad's message said, "Oh btw..we're just waiting on some x-rays."
Chris and I looked at each other..we were waiting in line for gas (did I forget to mention that we're in a severe gas shortage here too? Lines up to an hour in length to get gas, IF you can find it in the first place for the past 3 weeks)..and we just thought it was typically my Dad..he never wants to bother anyone and assumed it was all okay, but planned to call him and check to make sure everything was okay. We got our shopping finished and went home.
About an hour later, my Dad calls again to tell me that my Mom was being rushed in for emergency surgery and that it was very serious..life threateningly serious. Mom's colon had ruptured and her system was literally being poisoned. Benj and I rushed down to the hospital and the wait began. Benj spent his 19th birthday in a surgical waiting room. When we got there, my Dad had been crying and it is one of possibly 3 times in my life I can remember that happening.
I won't go into all the gory details, but she made it through the surgery. The surgeon (who I went to high school with and dated his brother) came out to tell us she was "very very critical" and that given the condition her body was in even before the emergency, he didn't expect her to live.
So began our wait..Mom was on a ventilator for over a week. We got past that particular hurdle, but many more have been put in place. She is still in ICU 18 days after surgery. The days are long and filled with some ups, but mostly stress and worry. The immediate scare of imminent death has past, but that by no means implies that she is safe or will recover. She is still listed in critical condition. The strain on my Dad is becoming more and more evident, even though he is stubborn and proud and refuses to lean more than he has to on my support, but I make sure I'm there anyway.
Oddly enough small blessings emerge where you don't expect them to. Given that I've been raising three children and busy with School and flying the past few years, quality time spent with my parents has been scarce. Dad and I have spent countless hours just catching up. Watching sports together (ummm, don't even MENTION last Saturday night's UGA game to either of us)..talking about family history and he has shared stories I never knew 0f (we've also started putting together a family tree that so far spans back to 1808)...and I've even gotten to spend some time talking with Mom, laughing over memories and making a few new ones. Some of you know our family had some problems around Easter of this year and hadn't had much contact because of hurt feelings..I'm glad we've had the opportunity to mend some bridges.
In addition to all of this, my sister..who will be 41 this month..is newly pregnant with twins. She has a 3 year old at home and the pregnancy is going to be a difficult one. She and I have always had a "cordial" but distant relationship. The situation with Mom has infused a few new dynamics into an already strained situation between us, so it's required a bit of tightrope walking and biting of tongues for the greater good. So far I've managed to stay out of an orange jumpsuit. *wink*
I was also a bit selfish last week. After a week and a half of constant stress and worry, I took a day off to visit my happy place up North for a needed recharge of my patience and sense of hope. As always, the Yankee refreshed my spirit and even though almost up to the moment I got on the plane to head to CT, I was questioning if I should leave for a day..I'm so glad I did. I'm not sure that I could have made it through the past week and a half without that needed break. I also went back into the classroom today for the first time in weeks. I've discovered I probably should work some so we can eat next month. *L* For a while I'll be doing work AND hospital duty. I'm feeling my age.
So, there you have the reason for my extended absence. Mom is still in ICU and still listed in critical condition. She's only 68, but has been through so much throughout the years. Her body is weak from 30+ years on steroids. She has a permanent colostomy bag in place now. Infection is still a huge worry as is her heart or possible pneumonia since she is still not getting out of bed or moving around at all.
I will likely be sporadic, but do try to check in and keep up a bit. Even if I don't comment, a lot of you are in my thoughts.
Sune, keep your chin up and feisty spirit going. Goose, I hope your birthday was a great one.
Quirk my friend, take care of yourself..while pushing your limits as you see fit. SheB, I hope you're starting to feel a lot better after your surgery. I know you're glad that's behind you. Seamus, YES I am watching my Dawgs and literally threw things at the TV last Saturday (but am still doing great in my fantasy leagues, go figure). To all of you that have sent messages, thank you. I'm sure there are more people I need to touch base with, and I'll do it as I can.
I hope everyone has had a great start to fall. Did you all say your "Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" for luck today? Given the state of the economy, elections and the votes going on in the Senate today, I'm thinking we could use ALL the luck we can get!
(btw, if none of this makes any sense...then never mind..consider the source!!)
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