On Wednesday I answered the phone, a simple occurrence, right? only to learn that my mother was in the hospital in Seattle. She was diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a nasty stew of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma) about 10 years ago after suffering from a stroke in her eye that has left her blind on one side. She's been getting frailer and shorter of breath since then--and now suddenly the COPD was been "exacerbated" and she might have pneumonia, but they aren't sure.
[Side Note/Rant: Most people don't realize that lung cancer is not the leading killer of smokers--it's heart disease and stroke that you've got to worry about. They just aren't as "scary" to laypeople, but lord almighty you don't want to be in the emergency room with someone who realizes after 50 years of smoking that her eyesight is endangered because of it. And the ultrasound technician could tell just by looking at her enlarged heart that mom was a smoker. PLEASE don't smoke! ]
Where was I? Oh, Mom isn't in acute danger but she isn't well--I anticipate that she will need daily help for some time once she's released from the hospital. I'm more than halfway there, having hurriedly packed for self and upcoming workshops, cancelling appointments, activating backups.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to post next, but this very nice hotel in Salem, Oregon, has a good connection--Mill's Creek Best Western, VERY nice!--there is even a reclining chair in the room (it's pretty easy to please me). I'll be in Seattle for the next 2 weeks at least.
You know what I'm grateful about? The fact that I have a loooong stretch of plain stocking stitch to work on right now.
Am sorry about your mom. Take care.
Posted by: Connie | May 22, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Jane | May 22, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Hang in there. I'll be thinking of both you and your mom.
Posted by: Ann McDonough | May 22, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I'm thinking about you dear. Hang in there.
Posted by: Linda | May 22, 2009 at 10:48 AM
That is a tough break -- for both of you. Take care.
Posted by: Becca | May 22, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Taking care of yourself is most important....and the hardest to do. Safe journeys.
Posted by: Nancy | May 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Delurking to say sorry about your mother. Will be thinking about you. Mindless stockinette can be a sanity saver.
Posted by: daisy | May 22, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Wishing your mom a speedy recovery. Take care...and yay stockinette stitch.
Posted by: Barb | May 22, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Sending thoughts of love and recovery.
Posted by: Rachael | May 22, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Take care and safe travels. Thinking of you and your Mom.
Posted by: Robin | May 22, 2009 at 06:10 PM
A friend a phone call away, any time day or night.
Posted by: Gail | May 22, 2009 at 08:06 PM
You know my phone numbers and I'm retired, so let me share some of the things like shopping for you guys or whatever. Once you get here we can figure out what tasks you can safely give away.
Love,
Linda "K"
Posted by: Linda "K" | May 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM
I really do hope that your mom will recover fast!
during the mean time, I'll hope that you take care of yourself!
Posted by: heidi | May 23, 2009 at 04:26 AM
My mom's in the hospital, too. I'll keep you and yours in my thoughts, as well. (As long as I'm worrying anyway...)
Posted by: gayle | May 23, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Hugs!
Posted by: Maia | May 23, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Thinking about you Kanine. Remember, one breath at a time.
Posted by: M-H | May 23, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Janine. You name is Janine. I knew that!
Posted by: M-H | May 23, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Am sending you all the healing energy I can muster for your mom. Take care.
Posted by: sil | May 23, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Safe travels and take good care of yourself.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 24, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Oh, good luck to both of you! Prayers for healing and patience and serenity. My dad (blood clot) and my grandfather (broken neck) are both in hospitals right now, both lucky to be alive and filled with joy. Remember to take a few moments for yourself each day, admire some flowers or the clouds in the sky, breathe, call your daughter and laugh or cry for a few minutes, then breathe again and rejoin the lists. Best wishes!
Posted by: Sylvia | May 24, 2009 at 01:55 PM