I was trying to decide which pot of mums to bring to the hospital, somehow feeling my mother involved in the decision, when a hawk burst out of the wisteria and swooped past on its way north. Eye level. Ten feet away. A passerine in its clutches.
If I was looking for a sign, I could hardly have designed a better one (what if it had been flying to the left, she asks).
The well-practiced packing drills had gotten rusty. I ran up and down the stairs like a crazy person trying to remember everything: mouth guard, heating pad, etui, a jar to pee in (that’s new!)
My brother had a stroke yesterday. He managed to call 911 himself and is now in the ICU at the hospital in Stonybrook, Long Island, where he works. He comprehends things but cannot talk. He can’t move his right side.
I’m learning things, like the word hemorrhagic and the fact that once you have one stroke you’re more inclined to have another. Rehab can take 12 months but timetables vary widely.
His partner flew in from California last night. Friends coming from all directions. We’re on the Turnpike now, heading toward the Bridgeport Ferry. Rain spatters the windshield. Red and yellow trees abound after Worcester.
I guess I don’t need to point out how surreal it is to go from having groceries delivered to planning a stay in a hotel and visiting a hospital.
The alternative was unthinkable.
PS We were lucky to snag the Handsome Dog Walker (remember him?) to house sit and take care of Finn.
PPS A just the facts approach is helping me keep it together.
Feeling sad for you and especially for your Brother. Sending love and hugs.
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Hey– warm hug!!!! Need anything just email.
Thanks Joanne. It’ll be good to see him.
Oh Dee…..I send my thoughts, prayers, and wishes for a complete and fast recovery for your brother. I’ll hold you and K in my heart too.
💕
That’s me, Diane Hartmus ☝️
Oh thanks for the clarification. I knew it was someone I knew but not who.
Dear Dee, one thing after another but if anyone can deal with all of this, it is you. Holding healing thoughts for your dear brother. May the care he gave to others, return to him tenfold. You are going to where you need to be. Facts are how I deal with these types of things as well but then, in the quiet, after the initial shock, I let myself go, just a little, and lapsed Catholic though I am, I pray…as I’m doing now to surround you with love and strength, of which you have in abundance.
Marti your words mean a lot. He has saved a lot of lives and taught generations of ER doctors. Definitely a “giver.” I pray to the Virgin at times like these which makes no sense as I also am a lapsed catholic.
Dee, scanned this earlier today and have been thinking of you, your family, your brother. May all the good he has done come back to him now by way of love and healing. You are in my heart.
PS I’m the opposite, first I fall apart a lot and get that energy out, before I can think straight. Not sure that’s as useful. 😉
There’s no right way. I often make myself wrong for not being a crier.
(((Dee))) so good that your brother was able to call emergency and get to hospital fast!
Yes. Apparently he could speak at the beginning of the 911 call and lost the ability by the end.
God wishes for your brother”s speedy healing……for all of you. (The ‘God’ wishes was a typo, but since the Dieties are being invoked, I left it)
Those telling typos!
(deep deep sigh) … thank goodness the worst of Covid is over and you can go to him … May you be safe, be well … you and yours
Yes thank goodness. The peak of the crisis was terrible here.
I’m so sorry but what a Blessing that you will be able to see him .. spending some time together will be good medicine for both of you. Warm gentle hugs and a boatload of prayers.
Thanks so much Tina. We’ve been here all day. Allowed us to see some progress.
I’m so sorry, Dee. The heart-lurching, stomach-dropping shocks just keep coming. Prayers for your brother’s rapid healing.
He will mend. I’m certain of it.
Oh, Dee, I’m so sorry. Sending love, thoughts and wishes for comfort, strength and safety for all. oxo
Thank you Hazel. We saw some progress today.
So sorry for your brother’s sudden illness. Prayers for him and all your loved ones. Take care, am thinking of you. Rose
Thank you Rose!
omg Dee, I am with you all the way…sending you love and strength and whatever else one needs in a situation like this….I have a brother too and love him to bits xxxxx
Thank you, Saskia.
oh, dee! So sorry to hear, good grief it’s just one thing after another… much love
It does feel a little relentless.
Oh no, oh no. I am so sorry for your brother and for you. Like everyone else here I am thinking of you both and praying too….another lapsed Catholic. Love and hope
So many lapsed Catholics! I feel in good company.