April began quite normally, but you will soon learn why I chose this music this month. We've started babysitting Olivia June every Wednesday. Here is a collage of those visits. . . .
The next day I came down with a cold which I got from my dear sweet granddaughter the week before. I felt well enough to attend Olivia June's first birthday celebration on Easter Sunday, but I kept my distance from her--which was hard to do! Here she is in the adorable outfit her other grandmother made for her, eating her cake, and playing with the toy I put in her Easter basket. . . .
Her parents set out eggs for all of us to decorate and then hide for Olivia June to find. . . .
The next weekend I attended another Dulcimer session. Doug Hemingway, one of the other players, took this photo of three of us with our dulcimers. . . .
We worked in the yard a couple days. The weather was very fine. It was wonderful seeing the new blossoms on the bushes and trees. . . .
Then, the middle of the month we got a call from our 27-year-old son early in the morning. He was ill and his symptoms warranted that he head for the emergency room in Annapolis where he lives. It was our day to babysit so Ken dropped me at Olivia June's and he headed for the ER. It turns out the stomach flu brought to light a more serious problem, a blood clot in his kidney. Because he has a known heart condition they monitored his heart and discovered a new, life-threatening problem. They felt he should be transferred to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore--a world renown hospital for cardiac patients. We waited and waited for the transfer, but Johns Hopkins did not have a bed available for him. So I painted my hallway. I had to DO something! The new color is the darker shade, which is one shade lighter than the diningroom. . . .
His kidney had started functioning properly and he was ready to go home after a week, but they wouldn't let him go without wearing what is called a life vest. If his heart stopped functioning properly again, it would give his heart a shock to restart it. Ken drove him home and got him settled. Some friends visited that evening and the next day he worked from home---for about 2 hours before he felt faint. A few minutes later he woke up on the floor and discovered the vest had done its job (it releases a blue gel before the shock is delivered). It would be 90 minutes before we could get there, so after talking to his doctor he took a cab to the ER in Annapolis. You can imagine the cab driver's reaction when our son told him that if he heard a loud alarm go off to just keep driving and to not touch him. After the alarm there would be an announcement emitted by the vest for bystanders to stand back so they wouldn't also be shocked. Thankfully, it did not need to go into action again. We got to the ER just as the attending physician was telling our son he would have died if he'd not been wearing the vest. This got him into Johns Hopkins Hospital. An ambulance transferred him within the hour and we met up with him in the Cardiac Care Unit. . . .
Meanwhile, our daughter-in-law (our second son's wife) passed her Citizenship Test. We attended the ceremony near Baltimore. They showed a little film featuring a speech by President Obama to welcome all the new citizens. I felt my eyes well up with tears. It was a moving ceremony, especially when all the countries represented were announced, a couple I'd never heard of before. Here is the oath new citizens must make. . . .
We took a day off from visiting our son on the 25th since his friends would be visiting most of the day. Our neighbor helped us carry up the last countertop--the one with the sink--so Ken could install it. The kitchen is finally done. . . .
Our son was moved after three days to the Progressive Care Unit to await surgery to implant a defibrillator/ pacemaker. Yesterday morning I took a walk in my garden before we left for the hospital. These three Bleeding Hearts are much fuller than last year. They expressed for me what I was feeling for my son. . . .
As you may have seen, Baltimore has had a difficult week, too. The turmoil has mirrored my own. And when we arrived downtown yesterday on our way to the hospital to be with our son for his surgery we found ourselves at the tail end of a long line of police cars, sirens blaring, lights flashing. When I texted my older son about it he joked, "Police escort to see Ben?" But now that I think about it, I feel it was God's way of showing me all would go well. God's legion of angels was protecting and guiding not only us through the anxiety we feel for our son, but for his recovery.
.•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•
Take Joy!
Oh dear Cathy, what a tumultous month you have endured. God has watched over you and your son. I pray that your son will have no more issues.
ReplyDeleteOlivia June is growing up so fast! I know you must enjoy being with her on Wednesdays! Grandchildren are such a joy. We will be visiting our grandsons this weekend--watching soccer and tennis.
Your kitchen counters look great---now you can enjoy all of your hard work. ♥
Thank you for your prayers during this time, Martha Ellen. We felt God's presence for sure! There were so many things that needed to happen for this problem to be discovered, then corrected, that no one could have planned and executed without God's presence and timing at work.
ReplyDeleteI do come over and look at your blog from time to time BUT tonight I felt I must leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteOlivia June is just an absolute delight - your photo's are lovely. I too have grandchildren and they bring such joy, we are blessed.
I do hope May will bring you a better month.
All the best Jan
Jan, I agree! ☺
DeleteCathy what a month you have had. I am so sorry for what your son has dealt with but I appreciate how you can say you see God's hand in letting it happen to reveal more things. It's for sure that God never makes mistakes and in that we can find much comfort. I hope he is going well after the surgery and that he soon can adjust to the pacemaker, etc. It's hard for parents when our kids suffer and especially our single adult kids who don't have a spouse to care for them in times like this. As for Olivia June she is about as cute as can be--that curl in the middle of her forehead! How fun for you to have her every Wednesday. And, lastly, your new kitchen looks great. I love your countertops. Hopefully you'll have a quieter May.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dotsie. Ben is doing very well. We will take him home to his apartment tomorrow afternoon and help him get resettled. He is able to work from home, so he'll be able to regain his strength after lying in a bed for 2 weeks before he has to be out and about.
DeleteI had a feeling something might be going on, Cathy, since you didn't seem to be posting as often as usual. So first I'll say that I'm SO glad your son got the care he needed and is now on the mend. I'll be praying for him to just keep getting stronger every day now too. From what you wrote, it sounds like he has a great attitude and God knows, that can be most of the battle in a lot of cases. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been for you. The waiting-around and not-knowing must have been torture. And that Baltimore is undergoing so much turmoil now is also tough. My cousin and her husband just moved back here [last year] after having lived in Baltimore for almost 25 years, raising their girls there etc. And they LOVED living there. Other than Boston, I can't think of a better region for a history geek like me to live in than the Baltimore-Philadelphia region. Well I'll bet that this month, it was even better than it usually is to have Olivia around. Her antics must have distracted you from a lot of worry at times, bless her little heart. I have to tell you, she is just a dolly-girl. Such an intelligent, alert face - you can already see how smart she is - in her eyes. And those pix are adorable. Love the one with her doubled over in half, looking at something on the floor I guess. Just a little round pink bee-hind in the air. U-shaped Olivia!! Too cute for color TV! And her Easter outfit is so classy and pretty. Not your run-of-the-mill little girl's pastel Spring dress. Suits her perfectly. She looks like she enjoyed hunting for eggs too. And congratulations to your daughter-in-law the New Citizen. In the 25 years I was at my university we often had a citizenship ceremony on campus, and you're right - it is a very moving event. If I ruled the world, I'd require all "old citizens" to attend one at least once every 5 years or so. Some of us can use the "attitude adjustment" it would provide... OK as usual I have yacked on and on, so take care and talk to you soon! PS - must feel great to have your kitchen finally done! :>)
ReplyDeleteI always LOVE your comments, Janet. They are never TOO long. The wait that first week WAS difficult because we knew Hopkins would be the best place to find the answers. If he hadn't had the "incident" he might still be waiting for a bed to become available. They're very interested in him (being a research/teaching hospital) because he is unusual. In fact, his original rhythm problem he'd been told could never be corrected, but it DID the day BEFORE the surgery--suddenly, so they put in an extra lead to that part of the heart to keep that going as it should. He also will get genetic testing--so we've been able to relax about that part of the process--the medical care. This has brought the whole family closer--everyone recognizes the seriousness of his heart problems--and I know he'lll get the support he needs to adjust to this life style change.
DeleteIn that photo of Olivia June with her rump in the air she's actually resting her head on the floor! She'll do that every once in a while. ☺ That dress she wore for the egg hunt was also from her other grandmother's trip to Hungary last year not realizing that Olivia has some Hungarian in her from my side of the family (my mother's father came from there in 1906 as did his my mother's grandparents in the 1890's). I agree about Oivia's eyes. I can connect with her so easily that way. We'll look at each other and I feel we've "spoken." It's wonderful.
We were pretty excited that our Mexican DIL became a citizen because we don't have to worry about her being deported! I agree about the need for some Americans to get an attitude adjustment. They take their liberties for granted or think they're just for them personally. They forget what America is all about when it comes to coming together as a nation for the people by the people.
It does feel great to get the inside changes done so I can focus on outside now--which is what I hope to do starting tomorrow! The overnight rain is making everything looks so fresh and green!
Glad Ben is still doing so well. Bet he secretly loved having his Mom [and Dad] around to take care of him. I don't care how old a boy may get - I think he always loves being looked after by Mom and that has GOT to help in the healing process. So that's Olivia "resting her head" on the floor. That is SO CUTE! I've been saying it for decades and it's still true for me - little kids are the best! Others can have Disney World, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, a Six Flags park etc. For sheer entertainment value alone, I'll take 3 or 4 pre-schoolers any day. Honest as the day is long, funnier than any comedian could ever think of being, and better company than most adults I know. Little kids do NOT care if you are beautiful, or rich, or powerful, or even smart. ALL they care about is whether or not you are good to them. We adults could surely take a lesson or two from that. And you already know this, but you're going to be having even more fun with Olivia now that she's - as my dad would say - ambulatory and verbal. Is she speaking much yet? Most firstborns are early jibber-jabberers. My parents told me I was vaccinated with a phonograph needle - LOL! Apparently a trait I continue to hone - to this day. Haha! That's so neat about Olivia's Hungarian Easter dress. I remember a post you did once about attending a Smithsonian event about all kinds of aspects of Hungarian culture - it was fascinating to me. I must have spent 4-5 hours one day reading, watching videos and going off to other links in your post about it. And I'm not even Hungarian, that I know of at least. That's also when I realized that I wanted to read ALL your other posts too - something I'm still working on. OK have a great day - hope you get out in your garden a little too. Take care and talk to you soon. :>)
DeleteSharon, you really are the best! ☺ I read your message earlier today on my new smart phone in the car as we were driving our son home to his place. I had to smile at the "secretly" because I hoped that was exactly how he was feeling. And, now I understand why I love toddlers so much--that has always been my favorite age (although infants are pretty nifty, too). You are exactly right about why. I've always felt more comfortable with that age group than any other (including adults!!) Olivia June goes in spurts with her "talking". For a while she chattered a lot. Lately, it's only occasionally when we're with her. I did get some of it recorded and will have to include it in one my posts. I plan to work in my garden tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be perfect for it!
DeleteCathy, I am in awe of your serenity throughout a most difficult month...your ability to accept the things you could not change while having the courage to forge ahead with the things you could...to stay focused on the positive and not be overwhelmed by the negative...to take joy in the precious moments with loved ones and friends. I feel certain your and Ken's confident influence will bolster your son's ability to heal and recover, and my thoughts and prayers go with you. Congratulations to your DIL on her citizenship!
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, thank you for your very encouraging words. There were times I felt so stressed that I felt I wasn't living the faith I knew I had. But I also knew God was helping me to put into practice what faith I do have. He knows how I learn best (by doing). Your "summary" of MY ordeal is very helpful--I feel God is using it to help me focus on the times I put things in His Hands--because it was THOSE times your words ring true! ☺
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about all of the medical problems with your son, but it sounds like he is and has been in the best possible care. I really hope he is doing well very soon. I know what it's like to have a child with a life threatening illness, so I have a lot of empathy for what you and your husband have been going through. Hoping you are all at peace very soon. On another note, my husband became a US citizen about 5 years ago. I know the paperwork and headaches that go along with that as well! And I also know how wonderful the ceremony is when you finally make it. It's very moving. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a joyful and peaceful May.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pattianne. I appreciate your comment and hope your child is doing well also. Even when they're adults, you still feel the need to take care of them and make everything OK. ♡
DeleteWow you have had a busy month & a month full of worry.
ReplyDeleteThe photo's are so sweet of Olivia June, I love the Easter egg hunt.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time.
Fondly Michelle
Thank you, Michelle. I appreciate your concern and prayers.
DeleteDear, dear Cathy, What a time you have had! I cannot imagine the turmoil, I too have a son, probably around the same age as yours. Bless your heart for all this anguish you've endured and thank God for that vest! May his health improve and may you have him around for a very long long time. Well, I wouldn't want to be anywhere"s near Baltimore at this time, thank goodness you're in Frederick. From what country does your daughter in law hail? Mine is from Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeri. We were able to take him home to his place this afternoon. His girlfriend came over, so we felt we could come on home. I will work in my garden tomorrow if I can drag myself out of bed! Our DIL is from Merida, Mexico.
DeleteHi Cathy, your little granddaughter is so adorable. I'm sure it's a joy to be near her and watch her growing up. I do hope your son is doing better. That must have been quite a scare. God's angels were watching over him. Have a wonderful weekend. Your garden is so lovely in it's spring colors. My best to you. Hugs, Pat
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. We brought our son home from the hospital today to his place. He will have to be careful for several weeks while his body adjusts to the implanted device. We have every reason to hope that this will take care of his problems. I plan to spend tomorrow tidying up my garden. It's supposed to be a beautiful day for it.
DeleteOh dear, Cathy. What an awful experience for your son, and for you. I'm so glad he was able to finally get the pacemaker put in, and hopefully now all will be well. As a mom to a child with extreme medical needs, I know how drained one feels in the aftermath of a huge scare like this. Please take care of yourself, and give yourself some time to recover emotionally. On a brighter note, that Olivia is adorable. What a treat it must be to be able to babysit her every week!
ReplyDeleteThis was akin to the time he broke his arm when he was 5 and it was bent the other way and we had to wait forever for the doctor in the emergency room because I foolishly requested an orthopedic I was familiar with and the doctor bent it back into place and the pain killer they'd given him had started to wear off already. I felt the same now only for 2 long weeks! Yes, Olivia June helped keep everyone grounded when she visited in the hospital and the days I cared for her--only those times by myself because Ken went on to the hospital. Boy, I didn't realize how much energy she requires for those many hours, and she didn't want to nap like she usually does--I think she was picking up my stress?
DeleteWhat a month of trial and tribulation. Hopefully all is well with your son now. You have a beautiful granddaughter, what a true gift to be able to babysit and help with her upbringing.
ReplyDeleteOur son hasn't encountered any new challenges so we are hopeful his new device will give him a new lease on life, as they say. I'm sorry to read about your daughter's health issues. I hope all will be well with her as soon as possible. Being a momma of little children I'm sure she's feeling anxious.
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