Christmas is a secular holiday for me. I guess it’s tradition that keeps me looking forward to it every year…the tree, the lights, and the smells of cinnamon and apple, turkey and trimmings coming from the kitchen, the candles and sweet spices, and the warm fuzzy feelings this time of year. Religion does not play a part in it.
This year, I thought it would all be a time of only sadness. My sister was taken critically ill to the hospital on Tuesday, admitted to ICU in kidney failure and comatose, unresponsive to all but painful stimuli. As a registered nurse for many years, I knew the possibilities and none of them were good. The frustration I felt was intense. I was literally snowed in at my home, 100 miles from where she was, unable to do anything to help, unable to apply what knowledge I have to make her better.
As the hours dragged on, my spirits sank lower. I fully expected to be making funeral arrangements and to be trying to provide moral support for my sister’s children. But as time went by, she hung on to her frail life. I called the ICU and talked to the nurse…no change, only some bad lab values. Then a glimmer of hope. My sister mumbled a few words, something to the effect of “I want to go home”…then back into that dark place where she had gone.
Two days have passed, but there is slight improvement. Her kidneys are producing their amber indication of function; she is agitated and pulls at her IV lines…but she hangs on. A faint glimmer of hope!
I send her my energy…fight it, Sherri! Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Don’t leave me! Somehow, I think she has heard me! And this has been the best gift she could give me!
Emerald, I am sending positive thoughts of healing, hope and happiness to You, your Sister and your Family. It sounds like your Sister is fighting with everything she has. Please stay strong to fight the good fight with her!
Thank you so very much, Pashma! You and all the Planet folks have been wonderful to send us such supportive and caring messages. I have been trying to tell everyone how much it helps to know that you all are out there and that you care!
It’s 3am here on the East Coast and I thought I would post a short update. Sherri is still not out of the coma. I spoke with my niece earlier and she has still not seen my sister awake. It has been reported by the nurses that she has spoken a few times, but my niece has not been with her when she roused up. Otherwise, things remain the same…no real news.
This, in itself, is frustrating. After the first 48 hours passed, we were encouraged and just wanted everything to be okay quickly but that is not what’s happening. We still have a long way to go. She remains in ICU and is receiving excellent care. For that I am so thankful.
But I am most thankful for all of you here at the Planet. I still take comfort from all your kind words. I wrote earlier that I have never experienced anything like this online! I do believe in the power of collective thought but I never knew it could have such an immediate and profound effect! You people are my rock right now and I love each of you! The mere words “thank you” are inadequate!
I am truly sorry about Sherri and I am hoping she will come out of her coma and be well again.
abby
Oh thank you, abby! This is such an agonizing thing and I’m afraid I haven’t handled it very well. I’m glad you are here right now. I really needed somebody to talk to! 🙂
I know you might hate this, I will pray for her with all my heart.
No, no Kalima! I don’t hate it at all!! Quite to the contrary. I am so grateful for whatever kind of positive energy! Each of us has our own way of doing that. You are so kind to pray for someone you don’t know and probably never will. You don’t know me, but you write kind words and send good thoughts…and that is a blessing to me!
Emerald – It is the power of humans directing energies toward good that can make a difference. We share your sorrow, fear, and hope all rolled into one. Sending you and your sister our energies for her improvement is all we can do, but it is ALL that we ALL do! We hope for the best news for you and for her. You both are in our hearts.
You are wonderful! And I want you to know just how much I appreciate your kindness!
It is not a stretch to say that the effects of everyone’s prayers HAVE made a difference! I know it in my heart of hearts! I am finding some of the most amazing people here at Planet who have given of themselves to me, a mere stranger, who called out for support…and I have received it without measure! My sister continues to fight and I will keep everyone posted!
Emerald, that was touching beyond words. I’ve not stopped thinking about your sister. Even now I sit in tearful silence hoping that she will pull through. Anyone as dear and precious as you are must have a sister equally awe-inspiring.
I will keep both you and her in my thoughts. *HUGS CLOSE*
Emerald, so good to hear the encouraging news about your sister. And I do hope you have a chance to get to her in the near future. You know we’re with you here at the Planet!
Thanks to all of you for all your support! I felt so alone on Christmas Eve before the grandkids got here. Your words were so kind. I wish I could hug each and every one of you!
I will log in with updates as we receive them. Keep sending that good positive energy and we’ll just be fine!
Love to you all!
Emerald, your news is very encouraging. And I’m glad to hear you are feeling encouraged. Let’s hope nature let’s up so you can travel. You are both in my thoughts.
Indeed, as someone who celebrates the season secularly as well, family is what it is all about. That being said, I offer my own little prayer of positive energy towards your sister and you in these lines all the same.
Godspeed to your sister’s recovery. She sounds like a real fighter. Her chances of full recovery go up every day.
Emerald, I am so glad your sister is showing some signs of improvement. Keep sending good thoughts her way. It will help.
Thanks 4cats! The people here at PPOV are amazing! I’ve gotten so much moral support and kind wishes, yours among them! Thanks so very much.
As the hours drag by, she is still hanging in there. That is a really good thing. The longer she can fight this raging infection, the better the chances of her making it. She is certainly not out of the woods yet, but I have hope. I am hoping to be able to go to her in a day or so. We had a really bad ice storm on top of a record snowfall. Our power was off most of Christmas Day. My car has been buried for almost a week. Hopefully, I will be able to dig out and make the trip. Again, my thanks for your kind thoughts!
Good morning, Kalima. We have to be selfish sometimes to take care of ourselves. It’s okay by me! I hope you are feeling better!
Thank you!
I truly hope that you had good news. All the best.
Hi, Kalima! Thank you! And what’s this about you having a sad time this Christmas? I saw a post you made earlier and hope everything is OK!
I miss my family is all, sick so can’t travel, gosh I hope your sister will be ok, thinking of you.
Oh I’m so sorry! I got snowed in and could not go to my sister who is about 100 miles away from me, so I know what you mean about missing family. I’m sorry you’re sick and hope it’s only temporary and a minor illness.
Gosh Emerald, can I send a hot water bottle and many hugs too. I adore my sister and so feel for you too.
Thanks, K! My electric power went out yesterday about noon. We had a bad ice storm on top of a 2 foot snow. Many homes in my area were damaged by falling trees. We still have some thousands of people without power. But mine is back on and I am warm! You may need that hot water bottle more than I, but thanks a million!
My best Christmas present was this year, hubby found a wonderful thing, recharge 20 minutes, pain here and there, will keep you warm. I don’t how describe it but is great, Using it now.
Wonderful news, was I selfish, yes I was, sorry. God bless to your sister!