No link this time. I haven't posted much lately. Been thinking so much about things. Talking and texting and e-mailing close friends. Working on me - having a plan finally, although I do think it's too late. And being with my kids non-stop - homework, coaching them, playing with them, eating with them, talking with them. And then last Saturday happened.
W was working. Took S7 to basketball practice had S10 with me. After practice S7 asked if he can go to a friend's house. I talk to the parents and okay it. W is working so there is no tension. Decide to take S10 to get some lunch. My cell rings. My Dad is on the phone and he doesn't sound good. My 92 yr old grandmother has been rushed to the hospital. She can't breathe and the medics are saying some bad things. I rush there with S10. When I get there her blood pressure is 50 something over 20 something. She looks terrified and is extremely alert.
Nurses and docs are running around. They finally start talking about a pulmonary embolism. Science was always my worst subject - what the he!! does that mean. She has a massive blood clot in her lungs. They start to medicate her to help her blood pressure. She starts to freak out. Says she is floating in the room and I look 3 feet tall (I'm 6'3"). The doc starts talking about DNR and my mom is a mess. I try to be the calm one and help. We have to make quick decisions. They say they have to check her for other clots. If she has one - it could be fatal. They tell her what's going on as her blood pressure is improving. She is so scared. I'll never forget how she just dealt with the news. So courageous. Such an example. They give her an ultrasound and find another clot that runs from her ankle to groin. They have to give her a TPA (whatever that is) to try and dissolve the clots. It's not without risks though. But we now have no choice.
She's scared. Everyone leaves the room to talk to docs. I go and hold her hand and tell her that now we know what we are dealing with. Now we got to battle. Now is the time to fight and believe. In this incredible agony - she looks up at me and says let's make a deal - I'll fight my problem - if you keep fighting your problem - I'm so proud of you. I say deal and retreat to the bathroom. Can't believe the unselfishness the matriarch of our family just exhibited. Now I'm a mess but have to gather myself so she sees someone else prepared for battle.
They give her the TPA. 40 minutes later she starts to bleed through the mouth. Then she starts vomiting. My sister spotted the blood. We get the docs on it immediately and they stop the TPA. It's in God's hands now. I pray like I have never prayed before. Remarkably 2-3 hours pass and she improves. Blood pressure stabilizing. Color in her face returns. She breathes easier. Her signs continue to improve. The doc and nurse tell us we are witnessing a miracle. 2 more hours pass and she is sitting up talking. No more floating on the ceiling. I'm 6'3" again. Remarkable lady. I tell her how proud of her I am, that I have never seen anything like it.
I drive home a few hours later. I stop in my fav spot - Dunkin Donuts. Cry like a baby in the parking lot. Can't believe what I have witnessed. Made it seem like my problems are so small. I'll never forget this. I go home. My W is raging on the kids. I have been at the hospital 12 hours. And now she turns it into her time.
I'll post more about that. Right now I want to honor my Grandmother. 92 years and full of life and inspiration. She showed me true strength and honor. And unbelievable courage. I love you Nani!
M 43 W 44 M 17 T 22 S16,12,9 Bomb 2/05/08 I served her 1/06/09 S'd 3/15/09 D'd 12/21/09
"Tough times don't last, tough people do." --My Dad to me years ago, me to my boys now.
ahh Nani's words of wisdon. How priceless those are. I am so glad that at this point you got to witness a miracle. I am sorry to hear about your wife's lack of humanity on that day. That really should show you how "lost" she really is.
You are blessed by those small moments that you share with people throughout your life. Hope Nani is doing well. My grandparents are about that age as well and sound much like the same grain that your Nani is made out of. That's a great generation.
M:47 M:18 D16, S19 1st S 1/08-5/08 Reconciled/May 7, 2008 Left again Nov 9, 2009 I Filed: Nov 17, 2009 Final: April 14, 2010 EX walked away from kids too
Amazing when you can find hope & inspiration in situations that appear hopeless! Thanks for sharing that private moment of yours. Brought tears to my eyes & my heart felt something other than the pain of heartache for once in a long time! God Bless!
Me/W 39/37 T/M 9/6 S 4, D 2 Bomb 7/17/08 OM confirmed 7/23/08 D Filed 7/25/08 D served 9/17/08
Thx Puppy - I'm on it. They moved her out of ICU last night. She could be home by tomorrow or Thursday. Thanks for being. You've been here since it started. I will post about the 3 hours my W spent spewing when I got home and where we have gone since. Please stay with me.
M 43 W 44 M 17 T 22 S16,12,9 Bomb 2/05/08 I served her 1/06/09 S'd 3/15/09 D'd 12/21/09
"Tough times don't last, tough people do." --My Dad to me years ago, me to my boys now.
ahh Nani's words of wisdon. How priceless those are. I am so glad that at this point you got to witness a miracle. I am sorry to hear about your wife's lack of humanity on that day. That really should show you how "lost" she really is.
You are blessed by those small moments that you share with people throughout your life. Hope Nani is doing well. My grandparents are about that age as well and sound much like the same grain that your Nani is made out of. That's a great generation.
Thx SC - and amazingly enough - Lost is my favorite TV show. Oh the irony!
Thanks for the words - you are so right about that generation.
M 43 W 44 M 17 T 22 S16,12,9 Bomb 2/05/08 I served her 1/06/09 S'd 3/15/09 D'd 12/21/09
"Tough times don't last, tough people do." --My Dad to me years ago, me to my boys now.
Wow {{{{Mules}}}} What an amazingly wonderful story..what a great person your grandmother sounds like
Sounds like you come from good stock my friend!
Tawnya
Tawnya - How are you?? Thanks for staying with me. Needed a little sabbatical from here to reboot. GM is unbelievable - hope I'm half the person she is.
M 43 W 44 M 17 T 22 S16,12,9 Bomb 2/05/08 I served her 1/06/09 S'd 3/15/09 D'd 12/21/09
"Tough times don't last, tough people do." --My Dad to me years ago, me to my boys now.
