Hello My Friends
I have missed reading and communicating with all of you sweet ladies. My apologies for the prolonged absence as this entire summer has been one of uncertainty far beyond what I ever would have imagined it could be.
Being one of the "new kid's on the block" in blog land I felt like I was just starting to get the hang of posting. So, here I am back and struggling for some time to sit down and write.
My last post (if you can call it that) was in June. It was more like a quick "so long and see ya soon", or so I thought. My daughter (B) was having minor surgery and would be needing help with the little one after returning home. None of the family were overly concerned and thought her recovery time would be minimal and she would be released to go home.
Since we live so far from each other we were looking forward to this as some quality family time, plus I wanted to be a hands-on Nana for a change. My casual packing (which is where I left off with y'all) quickly became a situation of extreme urgency. My SIL notified me that B was being transferred by ambulance to a much larger hospital almost 2 hours away. There had been complications that required a much larger facility that could give her the treatment and care she would need.
My travel plans were adjusted (courtesy of my darling husband) and I was off to Georgia. Once I arrived my SIL picked me up at the airport and did his best to update me on her condition on our way to the hospital. I knew she was currently in Cardiac ICU. B gave me permission to share this but I will not go into full details of her illness out of respect for privacy.
She was groggy but did recognize when I came in the room. She insisted I get on the bed and relax next to her. After rearranging cords and tubes (which seemed to be attached to every part of her body) I climbed up there and we cuddled for a long time.
There was only 1 overnight support person permitted and that was now Mama's job, so I sent SIL home for some much needed rest and to check on our little Ellie who was staying with her other grandma (who Ellie calls BeBe). I had managed to tuck a surprise in my bag for B, it was one of her many collectibles that mamas like me save once their kids leave home.
She immediately recognized it and was amazed that I still had it. She held on to it smiling knowing that once again, it was hers.
What we thought would be possibly another week (estimated by the doctors) turned into weeks of an emotional roller coaster for our family and my B struggling as one day she seemed better and then the next she would quickly decline again.
In all she was in 9 different rooms and had to be placed in ICU 3 times. I would have to say the last visit to ICU was the most traumatic for both of us. She had been moved to a regular room and seemed to be doing much better. We had settled in to sleep (which is not easy to do in the hospital) when around 1:30 am I woke to lights on in the room and nurses everywhere.
She was running a high fever, her heart rate was up again and we were going back to ICU immediately. I started grabbing our belongings and shoving them into bags as quickly as I could. Hoping that I had gathered everything off I went suitcase in tow following this caravan of medical staff who had my child.
It was a very long walk and my mind and heart turned to God and asking him for help. "Why can' t we get her well God"? Please give the doctors the assistance they need to get my daughter out of here and home to her family.
We finally arrived to ICU and there was a whole new staff ready to get her settled and hopefully stable. At that point there were so many people I just quietly found the next chair that would be my bed and sat down (out of the way) so they could do their jobs.
She was running a high fever, her heart rate was up again and we were going back to ICU immediately. I started grabbing our belongings and shoving them into bags as quickly as I could. Hoping that I had gathered everything off I went suitcase in tow following this caravan of medical staff who had my child.
It was a very long walk and my mind and heart turned to God and asking him for help. "Why can' t we get her well God"? Please give the doctors the assistance they need to get my daughter out of here and home to her family.
We finally arrived to ICU and there was a whole new staff ready to get her settled and hopefully stable. At that point there were so many people I just quietly found the next chair that would be my bed and sat down (out of the way) so they could do their jobs.
Wow Karen, what a terrible experience all of you just went through, especially your daughter. I pray that your daughter continues to recover and be back to normal in no time. I'm sure it meant the world to your daughter to have you there with her. Your granddaughter is just a sweetheart, I bet she was thrilled to spend time with you.
ReplyDeleteTake care! Kelly
Thanks so much Kelly. We are so grateful that she is doing better and all prayers are very much appreciated. Being away from home for extended periods is hard, but I would not have wanted to be anywhere else. Thank you for stopping by to visit :)
DeleteKaren, I am so sorry to hear what you and your daughter have been through. My goodness. How scary. I hope that she continues to heal and be well and that you get some quality time with them soon. It's not easy being mama is it? The worry is constant and your babies will always be your babies. I am sure both she and you were glad that you were able to be there for her. I just know it made a difference. xo
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Kim, no matter how old they get you want to just scoop them up and take care of them as if they are still toddlers :) This experience has drawn us closer than ever and we consider that to be the blessing that came out of it :)
DeleteDear sweet Karen, oh honey....Our Lord has given you every ounce of strength you have needed and I am quite sure that it wasn't a minute too soon at times. I have missed your blogging but totally understand how life can be walking on a beautiful beach admiring the beautiful sunrises to being swept up in the sea and feeling as though you are drowning in the darkest hours of life. Praising the Lord with you that your girl is better. Praying for a total recovery. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend :) Yes, it was quite scary and dark at times, but we knew God was there the entire time, and we give him the glory as he continues to heal her. Thanks so much for your visit and the sweet words of encouragement :)
DeleteKaren, so sorry to hear about your daughter's illness and I know how hard that must have been for you, as her mother. So thankful she is doing better. Blessings, Cecilia
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cecilia. We are grateful for each day as she gets better :)
DeleteWow Karen, that's a lot to go through. So much worrying too. Healing thoughts and prayers to heal her. Be strong and try to get some rest. A complete recovery back to good health is in the makings. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet words of encouragement Linda...it means a lot :)
DeleteHi Karen, oh my goodness I am so sorry your daughter has been so ill. Praise God she is doing better now. I know your being with her made a huge difference. Love the pics of your little grand girl and son. Hope you can relax a bit at home now. Saying extra prayers that your daughter continues doing well. Sure missed you. Happy Fall. Blessings and hugs sent your way!! xo
ReplyDeleteWe are thanking God everyday for being with us through this long ordeal. I have sure missed you ladies too and it is nice to be getting some level of "normal" back. All your prayers are very much appreciated :)
DeleteOh Karen as a mom my heart goes out to you. So sorry your daughter went through all she did. Glad to hear she is doing so much better. Prayers and big hugs.
ReplyDeleteKris
Yes Kris, No matter hold old they are, when they get sick our mothering instinct quickly kicks in! Thank you for stopping by and your prayers are so appreciated :)
DeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that your daughter and your family had to go through such an ordeal. So glad to hear that she is doing better!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank you Debbie. We are so grateful it is over and she is doing better everyday. Take care :)
DeleteSo very sorry you had such an ordeal. Glad she is better. You have quite a support system there. My hubby and I have been searching for a good church. I think we found 2 we like and are going to start going there.
ReplyDeletePrayers and big hugs to you and your family.
Thanks Valerie. Yes, we have a great support system there and are hoping to establish the same here in Iowa eventually. So glad you have found good options for a permanent church. Prayers that you will find "the one" that is right for your family. Take Care :)
DeleteSo very sorry you had such an ordeal. Glad she is better. You have quite a support system there. My hubby and I have been searching for a good church. I think we found 2 we like and are going to start going there.
ReplyDeletePrayers and big hugs to you and your family.
My dear Karen, I was so sad to read about your daughter and how unwell she has been. What a joy and blessing to know she is doing better. She is blessed to have such a dear mom {{smiles}} I know just having such a wonderful support team can make a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you back, sweet friend. Hugs!
Thank you Stephanie, it is great to be home and even better knowing that my girl is doing well on her own again. Thanks for visiting my dear friend. Take Care :)
DeleteI'm so sorry that your daughter and your family had to go through this horrible ordeal. Thank goodness she's on the mend and hopefully all of this is behind her.
ReplyDeleteI seriously thought the picture of you and your granddaughter was your daughter! You must be a very young grandma!
She told me a few days ago that she feels amazing, and after all she went through I am sure she does. Thanks for the compliment Doreen, but I am not as young as some other grandmas out there. I turned 50 in January :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by to visit my friend and Take Care!
Hi Karen, stopping by once again and so hope things are looking brighter for you and your sweet family. Wishing you a Happy October!! Blessings to you dear friend. xo
ReplyDeleteAwww...thanks so much for your concern and stopping by to visit:) Happy October to you as well!
DeleteHugs
So glad B is doing well now-very busy and stressful summer for you. So glad you were able to be there for-nothing like having mom around to make you feel better!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to pop back over and tell you I sure miss your posts . I do pray your family is well especially your daughter . Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, thank you for stopping by and your sweet visits. I hope all is going well, your daughter doing good and you are enjoying the season. Sending you big hugs. xo
ReplyDelete