Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Update

I can knit but designing new patterns while under pressure isn't really a good idea. When I got to the hospital today Mom was great. She had us laughing and telling stories about a village we took her to this last weekend. It was all so real to her and she had it down to such detail that it kinda got a little spooky. When we told her it must have been a dream because she was in the hospital she was really mad and swore she was in this lovely village, so why not! We went with it as what would you rather her remember major surgery or a lovely trip to a beautiful village. My brother is coming from Ireland tomorrow, or should I say today. Becky flies down on Friday night.
Mom had a bad reaction to morphine tonight and got really mad that I wouldn't let her go home. She begged, pleaded, made promises, and even counted to three! As a child counting to three meant you were in BIG trouble. Thank goodness Val was there as Mom said she'd never talk to me again if I didn't get out of the way and let her get out of bed.
After we stopped the morphine she settled right down and fell asleep. She woke and asked me not to leave her alone in the motel, I said OK and stayed but as the hour got later I called Steven to come and take the night shift. She was sleeping when I left-peacefully. Mom was moved out of ICU today, which is the good news and the bad news as now the level of care is lower because she is doing better, however that means a lower level of care, so now we are going to have to be more vigilant about having someone there with her. Who wants to be terribly ill in the hospital alone anyway. I'll be getting my hair done so that I don't freak Mom out with long funny colored hair, she hates when my hair gets long and grey.
I tried knitting with some Camel and Silk in DK weight, but had so much trouble coming to a good pattern verses needle size (even though I bought needles today they weren't right for the pattern I had in mind) and knit and reknit several projects until I decided on fingerless gloves with a knit 3 purl 1 cuff. It's not very fancy but it works and will make a nice gift or something. Right now they are keeping me busy while IV alarms go off, Mom goes crazy, and general hospital "fun".
It will be good to see my brother but it is a bummer that he has to come all this way for three days of hospital "fun", I really glad he's coming.
Thanks for all your good wishes. It means a lot. Don't leave your loved ones in the hospital by themselves, it's scary and lonely there. So many people are alone in that place. My Mom had Steven tonight which is the best!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is so good that your family comes together well durring tough times. Give your mom an extra hug for me. I've only met her a few times, but she leaves quite and impression. I do a lot of praying while spinning and you and your family are at the top of my list.
Cheryl N.

Laura said...

It's very common for the elderly not to snap back to reality after having anesthesia.

The fact that she is communicating with you is good, even if she is having false memories. The fact that she is in good spirits is even better.

How lucky is your Mom to have such a loving family around her?

Laura said...

Oh, I meant to say snap back to reality right away. They do come back. So sorry for the mistype.

Laura

Unknown said...

Just heard about your mom. Sending up lots of prayers and good healing vibes.
XOXOX

Anonymous said...

I'm Right there with your Mom and the lovely village! Who's to say that she Wasn't there....and with all her Loving Family!
She is a Lucky Mommy!
I am sending her warm hugs & Happy Birthday kisses her way!
To you all as well!
Much Love!!

Karen said...

I met your mom once down at the LA spinning guild. actually, I guess I met you through your mom! What a blessing to have met you both, and now I have you to thank for all the spinning!

I'll be thinking of you and your family-so sorry for what you all are going through right now- hang in there!