Urgent Loving Care

I had barely finished putting the pork into the crock pot when the caregiver at Mom’s adult family home called to say she had fallen. She needed to be seen by a doctor for the injury to her head. Yes, of course, I could drop everything and transport her.

After all, my immediate chores for celebrating my sister Susan’s birthday were complete. She and her wife CrisMarie had a layover in Seattle and were stopping by for the evening. Our son Clarke had already arrived for a week’s visit. The chance to see Grandma and be together for a little party was brewing. Wonder what lacerations on a 96-year-old would add to the anticipation?

But first, six straight hours of being very present. Watching the nurse set an IV just in case. And the EMT clean and bandage the skin flap wound on her leg. Oh yeah, and witnessing the physician staple the cut behind her ear. All while I caressed her hand and sang, “You are my Sunshine.” During the long waits between procedures, we listened to beeps from the machine about her vital signs while I read magazine stories out loud.

When Dr. Stephanie gave me the tool for removing staples, I gasped first, thinking she wanted me to do the deed myself in 5 to 7 days. Then I realized that the doctor was graciously supplying the equipment to make things easier for me. I could take the clippers to the closer outpatient clinic and have the removal done by someone else when the time came. I tell you; I was so touched by her kindness especially when I realized we were starting to talk about stability and discharge. Great words to hear in an ER. I felt relieved.

Once we were in the car, my mind shifted. How might we finagle a family visit for this beloved matriarch and her dear ones who had assembled from afar? Maybe it could still happen? If I spun by our house to pick them up, we could go for the proverbial ice cream cones en route to Mom’s house. Believe me, this is a family meme from way back.

Instead, we arrived at our house at 6, exactly when the food was ready and the others were assembling from three different places. We had a lovely dinner together before it was time to take Mom home.

When the two of us settled into the car, as par for the course, Mom exclaimed, “What a wonderful weekend. Best Christmas ever!” And CrisMarie—bless her!—even remembered to take a photo.