Is it over yet?
2007 that is. Because heaven forbid my life should be boring.
I woke up yesterday at around 8:45, we had been out kinda late Saturday night so Hubby was fast asleep. I made coffee, ensconced myself in my big arm chair, turned on the TV to CBS to semi-watch the delightful and mellow Sunday Morning. I also logged on to World of Warcraft and started a quest in a my quest log - Hildalaira, my 'toon, had just banged the kodohide drum to summon a marmot to capture something I needed to get for the quest. All was right with the world. There was nothing pressing that needed to get done, we were probably going to go to Purplepassion's house to watch football and hang out. A perfect Sunday.
Then my cell phone rang. Even before I saw the called ID I knew it was bad because everyone knows my "don't call me before 10 a.m. on a weekend unless it's an emergency" rule. It was the ALF where my mother lives calling to tell me my 84 year-old Alzheimer's ridden mother was found on the floor when they went in to her room with her Cuban coffee and newspaper. They were going to call an ambulance because she couldn't walk.
sigh.
To make a way too long story short I wound up in the hospital ER from 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 when she was taken to her room. In the interim I cried several times when I saw my mom confused as to what was going on or wincing and crying out in pain until they thankfully gave her morphine and she was able to sleep. It turns out she broke her hip and needs surgery. We're hoping it'll happen Wednesday or Thursday.
I spent most of the day with her today. She is pain-free since she was put on (in?) traction. Because she doesn't feel any pain she has absolutely no idea why she's in the hospital.
Between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. today she asked me why she was in the hospital approximately 84,217 times. Each time I told her she had a fractured hip it was all shock and awe: "Me!?!" "I broke my hip?" "When?" Then I tell her. 15-20 minutes later: "Why am I here?" Second verse, same as the first. And so on, and so on, and so on. I was about ready to ask for morphine for myself. Come to think of it, I still have Vicodin...
Oh yeah - and I have to tell everyone who comes in contact with her to not mention the *s* word - surgery. She completely FREAKS OUT! The thing is my mother understands English perfectly, so through a series of winks, and grimaces, and rolling eyes I have to communicate to the innocent health-care worker to not mention surgery, they have to call it treatment instead.
And this is only the beginning. We still have surgery, 2 or 3 post-surgery days in the hospital, god-knows how long in a rehab facility, and the back to the ALF.
W00T! Happy New Year!
But, still, I know I'm blessed with friends and family who love and support me. And my husband has, as always, been wonderful. Last night he was my rock when I literally fell to my knees crying in exhaustion and sadness. He helped me back up and plied me with a Checkers' chili dog, a Big Buford hamburger, a chocolate shake and Loaded French Fries. Now that's love.
I wish everyone a wonderful 2008. Tonight I'll party with my friends and tomorrow I will resume explaining to my mother that she broke her hip.
I woke up yesterday at around 8:45, we had been out kinda late Saturday night so Hubby was fast asleep. I made coffee, ensconced myself in my big arm chair, turned on the TV to CBS to semi-watch the delightful and mellow Sunday Morning. I also logged on to World of Warcraft and started a quest in a my quest log - Hildalaira, my 'toon, had just banged the kodohide drum to summon a marmot to capture something I needed to get for the quest. All was right with the world. There was nothing pressing that needed to get done, we were probably going to go to Purplepassion's house to watch football and hang out. A perfect Sunday.
Then my cell phone rang. Even before I saw the called ID I knew it was bad because everyone knows my "don't call me before 10 a.m. on a weekend unless it's an emergency" rule. It was the ALF where my mother lives calling to tell me my 84 year-old Alzheimer's ridden mother was found on the floor when they went in to her room with her Cuban coffee and newspaper. They were going to call an ambulance because she couldn't walk.
sigh.
To make a way too long story short I wound up in the hospital ER from 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 when she was taken to her room. In the interim I cried several times when I saw my mom confused as to what was going on or wincing and crying out in pain until they thankfully gave her morphine and she was able to sleep. It turns out she broke her hip and needs surgery. We're hoping it'll happen Wednesday or Thursday.
I spent most of the day with her today. She is pain-free since she was put on (in?) traction. Because she doesn't feel any pain she has absolutely no idea why she's in the hospital.
Between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. today she asked me why she was in the hospital approximately 84,217 times. Each time I told her she had a fractured hip it was all shock and awe: "Me!?!" "I broke my hip?" "When?" Then I tell her. 15-20 minutes later: "Why am I here?" Second verse, same as the first. And so on, and so on, and so on. I was about ready to ask for morphine for myself. Come to think of it, I still have Vicodin...
Oh yeah - and I have to tell everyone who comes in contact with her to not mention the *s* word - surgery. She completely FREAKS OUT! The thing is my mother understands English perfectly, so through a series of winks, and grimaces, and rolling eyes I have to communicate to the innocent health-care worker to not mention surgery, they have to call it treatment instead.
And this is only the beginning. We still have surgery, 2 or 3 post-surgery days in the hospital, god-knows how long in a rehab facility, and the back to the ALF.
W00T! Happy New Year!
But, still, I know I'm blessed with friends and family who love and support me. And my husband has, as always, been wonderful. Last night he was my rock when I literally fell to my knees crying in exhaustion and sadness. He helped me back up and plied me with a Checkers' chili dog, a Big Buford hamburger, a chocolate shake and Loaded French Fries. Now that's love.
I wish everyone a wonderful 2008. Tonight I'll party with my friends and tomorrow I will resume explaining to my mother that she broke her hip.
Labels: family, Holidays, Mami, Welcome to my life, What? Me stressed?
posted by Hilda @ 5:38 PM
4 Comments:
Thank goodness for your patience and love. It must be an awful trial.
Hilda, I'm sorry. I know this is so tough. I hope your mom's "treatment" goes well and that you can remain strong through this. You've all got my prayers.
From beating drums to comforting Mami. A full life. And a bit dizzying for your fan club. :-)
Oh Hilda! I am so, so sorry. Your poor Mami! Bless her heart, I hope her surgery...er...treatment...goes well. Jeez, it's difficult enough under the best of circumstances.
I'm praying for you both and thank goodness for your wonderful husband. It's good to know he's watching out for you while you watch out for your mother.
Keep us updated. Know that you're very much loved.
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