This morning, my friend A's daughter texted me with an update on her mother's condition, saying that her mother seemed a little more alert this morning and the nurse was able to give her a few sips of water. But, she is still unable to swallow anything (they were trying to give her some applesauce). Then, she asked if my daughter and I could come to the hospital, today, too, even for a short time because "mom seems calm when you are with her". Of course, I said yes, I'll come!
I left a note to my gardener M, made some sandwiches and packed them along with some mandarin oranges and a packet of cookies, and we went to the hospital. I took my prayer book with me and said my morning prayers while seated by my friend's bedside. She seemed pleased to see me, smiling and trying to say, "Hi". She drifted in and out of sleep, but, they were able to remove the big oxygen mask that she was wearing (which she was trying to pull off) and replace it with a cannula (she would occasionally try to remove that, too!)
We spent the entire afternoon with her, from noon to a little after 5:00 p.m. She was more alert, but, she was unable to drink anything more or eat anything and the doctor ruled out inserting a feeding tube because her body is unable to process any nutrients as her systems are shutting down. Her husband and daughters are still holding out hope for an improvement in her condition, but, it truly seems like it is just a matter of time.
After we came home, we had a cup of tea and rested a bit. Brunch had been a sandwich; dinner was assorted leftovers - daughter had rice with the last of the Thai chicken stir-fry; I had soup and some of the baked potato wedges, warmed up. Afterwards, I called and chatted with friend R.
Today, I am grateful for:
- The opportunity to be there for A and her family during this difficult period
- Safe drives to the hospital and back
- M tending to the garden for me
- Working appliances
- Leftovers
Today's joyful activity was being present for A and her family.
Plans for tomorrow include roasting the turkey and preparing a very simple Thanksgiving meal. Depending on A's condition, I will take some plates of food to her husband and daughters, tomorrow afternoon. A used to have us over celebrate Thanksgiving with her and her family for years, prior to the pandemic; it will be my turn to take a Thanksgiving meal to them, this year.
To all of my blog friends who will celebrate Thanksgiving, tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving! May you enjoy the day in the company of family and friends and other loved ones.
I am thinking of you as you celebrate a very different Thanksgiving, visiting your friend in hospital and sharing with her family. It is a blessing that your daughter is with you at this difficult time. (((Hugs))).
ReplyDeleteThe tenderness from my flu shot has eased. It doesn't hurt to pull a top over my head now! It's all worth it if it protects from the flu.
I took apart a pair of DH's jeans that were past wearing and decided to save the zip fastener as well as some fabric. It was anchored by so many rows of stitching that it could never have come apart independently!
Thank you, Bushlady, and thank you, too, for the beautiful ecard you sent.
DeleteI'm glad that your arm feels better now; the temporary discomfort from these vaccines is worth the protection we receive from having the vaccines.
Sounds like you'll be able to recycle those worn jeans - I've seen wall hangers/organizers using jeans pockets to hold various items and patchwork and rugs made from the denim fabric. In fact, I've a few of my daughter's old jeans, stashed in a drawer to make something with them. :)
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs- Diana
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana; wish you a happy Thanksgiving in return. :)
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you Bless & your daughter. How very kind of you both to sit with your friend. I am sure it gives the family a little emotional break & of course you are aiding in calm as your friend travels the next lag of her journey, which just may include recovery :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Lou. Sitting with my friend and her family was the least we could do, I think. I spent a good portion of the afternoon with her, today, too.
DeleteHope you have a peaceful day as you spend time with A and her family. I know they are all thankful for you and your friendship.
ReplyDeleteThank you, June.
DeleteYou are a good friend to A and her family and I'm sure your support in providing food and in being there for them at this dreadful time is invaluable to them. I'm glad too that you were able to spend a little more time with A and that she knew you were there to see her.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and your daughter for tomorrow xx
Thank you, Eileen. We spent the afternoon at the hospital, again, and it was a blessing to be able to do so.
DeleteI'm very sorry about your friend A, Bless, and the sadness her family is feeling.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good and kind friend.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your daughter. I hope you enjoy your day.
Thank you, Debra.
DeleteHope you, too, had a happy Thanksgiving. Hope the lasagna turned out well! :)
It's a sad time for A's family (and you of course). I am glad that she is being kept comfortable, and clearly feels safe and calm with close friends and family to keep her company.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady Ella. It's a very sad and difficult time for A's family. I'm grateful to be able to provide what little comfort and support that I can, especially to her daughters.
DeleteIt was very kind of you stay so long at the hospital. It must have been a great comfort to both your friend and her family.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. Xx
Thank you, Jules. We were there this afternoon, too. I hope us being there was helpful.
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