Whirlwind holiday
All turned out well, but I put the weight of the world on my brow instead of giving it to God. I truly am a slow learner.
Shortly after my last entry, we received a phone call that Erma was headed back to the ER with extreme abdominal pain. I was due to go to my elderly aunt and uncle's for an afternnon meal. I knew that they and my other uncle had prepared a Christmas meal beyond expectations for Leo and I and would be severely disappointed if we did not get there.
I rushed to the ER and got Erma settled in there with everyone aware of my emergency contact number and assurance that her 87 y.o. sister would be brought in to see her soon ( I am POA.) We drove the 2 hours to my aunt's, only to have the visit and meal interrupted with at least 10 phone calls. First doctor called with diagnosis...Ischemic bowel and asked if I wanted a surgeon consulted. Then after a few nursing phone calls (and me back and forth with sister) the surgeon called. Did I want surgery done and if so at what facility (our hospital doesn't have a cardiologist on staff.) After agonizing, I decided upon local hospital and of course got several more calls from nurse and anesthesia. I was so worried Erma's family would be upset with my decision making process, but I truly was trying to follow Erma's wishes and prayerful thought.
When we got back to Shawano, Erma was still in surgery. Erma's nephew and sister hugged me and were wonderful. Erma made it through surgery with just a resection and no colostomy, but she did have a mild heart attack right before extubation. She is doing fine though. Knew all of us right away and Christmas morning, we brought Grayson and she was delighted and knew him and his name.
I had waves of people coming all day yesterday, but Leo turned into the little engine that could and I did not sweat that my carpet still has not been shampooed (okay maybe it bugged me a bit, but I did not obsess.) Everybody ate, made merry, opened presents, laughed, and the Packers won! My breathing is fine, my swallowing is fine.
Did I mention I failed to say "no" to cooking a funeral on Tuesday? Leo is upset with me. It is still hardest for me to tell 80 and 90 year old ladies that I cannot do something because I am too weak. I have gotten better with the "No" word, but that truly is hard. I have promised him to sit as much as possible.
Today is a stay at home and clean and rest day. I do have to see my Stephen minister care receiver this evening, but that is just for a brief visit. (A usual Monday night ritua0.) She is fine. I am trying to slow down, but I do need to trust my God more with my decisions.
Shortly after my last entry, we received a phone call that Erma was headed back to the ER with extreme abdominal pain. I was due to go to my elderly aunt and uncle's for an afternnon meal. I knew that they and my other uncle had prepared a Christmas meal beyond expectations for Leo and I and would be severely disappointed if we did not get there.
I rushed to the ER and got Erma settled in there with everyone aware of my emergency contact number and assurance that her 87 y.o. sister would be brought in to see her soon ( I am POA.) We drove the 2 hours to my aunt's, only to have the visit and meal interrupted with at least 10 phone calls. First doctor called with diagnosis...Ischemic bowel and asked if I wanted a surgeon consulted. Then after a few nursing phone calls (and me back and forth with sister) the surgeon called. Did I want surgery done and if so at what facility (our hospital doesn't have a cardiologist on staff.) After agonizing, I decided upon local hospital and of course got several more calls from nurse and anesthesia. I was so worried Erma's family would be upset with my decision making process, but I truly was trying to follow Erma's wishes and prayerful thought.
When we got back to Shawano, Erma was still in surgery. Erma's nephew and sister hugged me and were wonderful. Erma made it through surgery with just a resection and no colostomy, but she did have a mild heart attack right before extubation. She is doing fine though. Knew all of us right away and Christmas morning, we brought Grayson and she was delighted and knew him and his name.
I had waves of people coming all day yesterday, but Leo turned into the little engine that could and I did not sweat that my carpet still has not been shampooed (okay maybe it bugged me a bit, but I did not obsess.) Everybody ate, made merry, opened presents, laughed, and the Packers won! My breathing is fine, my swallowing is fine.
Did I mention I failed to say "no" to cooking a funeral on Tuesday? Leo is upset with me. It is still hardest for me to tell 80 and 90 year old ladies that I cannot do something because I am too weak. I have gotten better with the "No" word, but that truly is hard. I have promised him to sit as much as possible.
Today is a stay at home and clean and rest day. I do have to see my Stephen minister care receiver this evening, but that is just for a brief visit. (A usual Monday night ritua0.) She is fine. I am trying to slow down, but I do need to trust my God more with my decisions.
Replies
And if the cleaning does not get done, there is always tomorrow. You did so well. Certainly God is wtching over you.
WOW you really pack a lot into your holiday! Rest and take some time for yourself. When I have given up some activities/responsibilities at church, I found that others who hadn\'t found their nitch at church took over and are now doing the task with confidence and quality. My stepping away allowed others to step up. Maybe saying no to cooking will give an unknown cook the opportunity to step up and give service. Today rest first and clean whenever.
Pat
Debbie,
Just when it seems you can\'t do anymore, you take something else on and accomplish it! Reminds me of my father saying that I couldn\'t wait around for things to fall in my lap (i.e. summer work so I could afford to go back to college or medical school, etc.) and my reply that things always did. He said, \"I know, how are you ever going to learn.\" So, Debbie, how are you ever going to learn?
I am so glad you were given once again what you needed to survive an overwhelming situation. But I am also reminded of what my mother said, \"the Lord has better things to do than to take care of people who know better.\"
When it comes to Debbie, I think I need to quit fussing and worrying. Whether the Lord takes care of fools and Debbie or Debbie knows better, you seem to be getting along just fine. I am, too, but you make me feel like a slacker.
So here I am in your cheering section, you go girl! love ya, Beth
I really am trying to rebuild my world so that others are not so dependent on me, but I have had years of becoming the person I am. Rome wasn\'t rebuilt in a day, was it? I will discuss with my coworkers tomorrow. I plan on telling them the toll working can take as well as the disapproval of my husband. He is on board with that.
Oh and after I finished eBay work, I slept for 2 hours this afternoon. Poor Leo was a bit worried, I think. I did take it easy, but I did not realize the toll the holiday and Erma had taken on me. Cannot wait to hit the sack tonight.
You don\'t need to be rebuilt, just shored up until the ground quits moving. This is a rough ride and I\'m glad you were able to be there for Emma. Sleep well. b.
Wow, just read this. You sure were like a tordano!
Glad you got through it,and all is o.k. now.
I agree with Beth, good for you taking care of buisness and staying well.
Definatly time to relax and recharge now though:)
Take care Deb, Jeannie
Wow, again. Also just read this, missed it during the holiday week.
Pat is correct: maybe stepping aside, on some of your duties? Will allow someone else, to step forward and help out (maybe you are even thinking of that someone, right now?)
Erma, at 101. I am blown away, by her story. She is in all our thoughts and prayers.
I am like the rest, wow... makes me tired just reading it, you are such an awesome person... you do need to slow down and I am glad the word no is becoming part of your vocabulary... I need to learn the word myslef.. take care my friend, so glad that Erma is on the road to mending. hugs, Annette