Tuesday, January 29, 2008

HELPLESS IN HALLWAY

Days and nights since January 7th have been sadder and busier than I can describe.
My Mom was admitted to the local hospital that very day, and our lives turned upside down since then.
She's a brave warrior, my Mom. Too tough for her own good. For four years she was in main charge for the care of my brain damaged Dad.
It was a 24/7 task, with the help of nurses five times a day, some friends and of course the family, but we all lived too far away.
When she decided to arrange family Christmas celebration, she already had a urine infection, but did not tell. Just drank less water so she wouldn't be to much bothered.
When the kidney was damaged the pains got unbearable and she finally agreed to have a word with the doctor. He called for an ambulance to send her to hospital. My Mom waited for us to come home first.
She then was treated with antibiotics at the surgery ward.
And sent home after four days. Home to us in Haugesund that is.
Sunday 13th she was brought away in ambulance once more.
This time with a stroke. She could hardly speak nor hold a bell, nevertheless she had to be placed in the hallway.
The neuro ward was 50% overbooked and there simply was no other option for the overworked staff.
Till brother Knut Erik called from afar and a door was opened to the "Town Major suite."

Now my mother even got physiotherapy and speak training every day as well as proper medicine.
We were all relaxed and content, even I who in desperation had contacted the local newspaper about my Mom's situation.
Not a very successful story, it later turned out. The nurses were thrilled though, they are not allowed to talk publicly about their horrifying job situation, down staffed and overcrowded.

Mom slowly made some progress and was sent to live with Gunnar and me. That was a family decision, she could not stay alone in her home, and none wanted her to live in a nursing home.

For three weeks I barely saw the open sky. Then Tuesday she was so well, that I went off with my friends, Turid and Liv for a short hike in the forest.

It's spring in the air the bubbling brook is singing hymns of new life and freedom.

The ducks have mating season. The brownish she duck must feel very attractive, flirted with by numerous gorgeous looking males.
In the lake the follow her in steady streams.

Turid's Snowbells are popping up from the gray soil.
With promises of warmer days and newborn life.

At home my Mom is trained by a physiotherapist.
She's eager, my stubborn mother. I am of farmer blood, she proudly told the doctor, when he praised her stair abilities.
The other night she even beat me flat in Chinese Checkers.
I then began to hope that this might turn out well, even though we have a long, long way to go. Together I hope and pray.
.

4 comments:

Amrita said...

oh Felisol, my heart goes out to yopu and your dear dear family. You 've had such a tough time and mother too.She is such a brave a nd courageous lady, the Lord is rewarding her faith and resillience. I 've dealt with the sickness of elders so many times.
Gald you could go out by the lake with Turid and liv. The duck is so sweet.

Mother looks so good playing checkersd. She is a fine brave lady. God bless you all.

Praying for Dad Golden and Arlene.

Terry said...

Dear Felisol
I have come up several times to your blog and just now saw this great post about Mom Ljung and all of these marvellous pictures.
Maybe it was slow in downloading,eh?

I can see why you would be somewhat exhausted. I didn't know that I could have been so tired after just visiting the hospital and sitting around when Dad was a patient there , but I sure was. I think I was tired mentally too!
But I don't regret it a bit!
It seems likes Dad Golden is on the mend and he is so much more tender....Just waiting for the happy day!
Today we were suppose to go to Hamilton Hospital but the weather didn't cooperate at all so we all stayed home...Dad, Uncle Roy and me.
He will go February Feb 15th instead.

Anyway enough about me
Your mother looks good sitting in that comfortable chair and she looks like she is being well taken care of.
The hospital picture is something else. You don't see such a clean hospital in Ontario. The government has become really lax as far as that is concerned. I remember when I was working in an Ottawa Hospital that it was kept spotless and everyday the bed linen was changed.
Now they just change it as needed.

This picture of the tree is so gorgeous, You CAN see the empty sky and I can feel your joy of being in it with your friends. You need time away like this Felisol.
The Lord knows that you need a little rest.
He knew when his dear disciples needed it...
And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
Apparently by the looks of things you need even more rest!
Just imagine that!
That fine brave lady beating you at checkers...For shame!!...Love Terry

Hi Amrita....Thanks so much for praying!!!..Love Terry

Saija said...

the Lord will bless you for caring for you mom like that!!!

and it almost looks like SUMMER there, compared to our banks and banks of snow ...

((hugs)) to you ...

Jim said...

Yes, Dear Felisol, my Amen (and please and thank you, Dear Lord) to the prayers and wishes above!

No wonder you haven't been blogging. Thank you for taking the time and telling us about your sweet mom.

I knew your dad was having some problems and have been praying for all of you. Now I will add Mom Ljung as special too. All and each of you now, YOU, Gunnar, Dad, and Mom plus Serina away at school.

My prayer right now: "May God continue to watch over you all in His Love, comfort you, and add His healing in grace for Mom."
..