Monday, December 01, 2008

A Holiday Just Isn't Complete Without...

...an ambulance ride to the emergency room, major surgery and an extended stay in a rehabilitation facility.

My poor mother is in for quite a month. Saturday night my dad called from the St. David's South Austin Medical Center. I know that a conversation with my dad is bringing bad news when he begins with the words, "Well, Kiddo..."
He said my mom had slipped and fallen on their tile floor on a spilled drink that she was en route to clean up. She was unable to move and they had to call EMS. She requested "no sirens" which they did not heed...she just wanted to still be in control! That's so her. Because Marble Falls or the surrounding cities don't have major hospitals, she had to be taken all the way to South Austin.
The news? A broken left hip. She went into surgery early Sunday morning. We were all there waiting when she woke up. Some of the first words out of her mouth were..."I retired eight years ago and have had three surgeries since then. I think I'm going back to work." She certainly won't be any time soon, though.
Although the surgery went great, we found out today that the rehab may be quite a bit more than she bargained for. It looks like her stay in Austin will be quite a bit longer than expected. Yesterday, we left with the impression: 2-3 days in the hospital and hopefully back to Marble Falls for in-home rehab. After a morning of working with her and determining where she is at now, the good people at St. David's are now thinking she will be transferred to their downtown facility for an extended stay for the remainder of her rehab...possibly up to 20 days. Yuck. Not really what any of us wanted to hear, especially this time of the year. But, we totally understand and will do everything we can to make it easier on her (and the people attending her, who are earning quite a few jewels in their crowns!). She is pretty down in the dumps with this news. My dad has said that she has pretty much "blown off Christmas 2008" and was just pretty upset in general. It is also going to be pretty tough on my dad making the drive every day from Marble Falls to South Austin and back again. I am hoping to get over there with some food for him in the next day or so...he'll live on Chicken Express if we let him. And we won't, because we really don't need any major arterial bypasses on top of everything else.
Just keep my mom and dad in your prayers right now. Pray for a speedy recovery and minimal stay in the rehab facility. Pray for her spirits and ours, too.
On a side note, I have had a couple of emails since this happened regarding card orders. There will be no delay in your cards at all. Sitting down and designing cards is actually a HUGE stress-reliever for me, so I am not slowing down there and everything is still running right on schedule.

9 comments:

J Stolle said...

Hi Kristi and family, I got to speak with your Mom on the phone this morning, that was before this news of Rehab. It will be to her advantage even if she doesn't think so at this point. She will be able to get up and move alot faster than being at home trying on her own. In fact, she may well show the staff how good she can run and be home in time for the Christmas Holidays!! I can almost bet on that score, knowing your mom and her determination...

Went to church this afternoon and offered up bunches of prayers for her and all of you, especially your Dad. It can't be easy with all that driving back and forth.
Love and hugs, Cousin Janice

Becky said...

Oh my heavens Kristi, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom falling! That is definately NOT the way you want to spend the holiday season.

Will be praying for her and your Dad :) I am making homemade chicken pot pie this week and it makes a BUNCH so I would L-O-V-E to fill a pan for your Dad. I can freeze it for you and then bring it by your place on Friday, if your headed his way, or give it to you on Saturday if you think you'll make it to the shower. Let me know which will work best for you!
Happy to help with prayers AND food ;)

Hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

We will be praying!!! Love yall!

The Best Family said...

So sorry to hear about your poor momma!! We are in Austin if there is anything we can do to help! Is she able to get out at all? Sometimes they will give people a "day pass" to leave in a wheelchair just to get away from the hospital, etc. Maybe you could come get her out and take her christmas shopping to lift her spirits and mark some of those things off her list! Either way, we will be thinking of you guys!

DeeDee Price said...

Kristi,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom! I will be praying for her speedy recovery, as well as her spirits being lifted. I know how stressful hospital stays can be on a family, I will be praying for all of you, especially your dad, as you all travel back and forth and care for your mom.

I know that this is not what any of you, especially your mom, had in mind when thinking of the holidays this year.

Blessings your way... DeeDee

Happy Mama said...

OH girl! Give your sweet mama a hug from us and know we are praying for your entire family. I am so glad you all made it through Thanksgiving, and I just know she will be stronger than ever in no time. I am sorry for the stress though, and especially for your dad. You all hang in there and we are praying for a speedy recovery! BTW- you look like a hot mama- I love your new family pic! :)

Anonymous said...

David, Kristi, and boys,
We will definitely be praying for you and your family. Thankful that she came thru surgery good. Think of you often.
The Davidsons

Kyra Newberry said...

Oh Kristi! Please tell your mom and dad we are praying for them! My mom fell and broke her knee cap last year and it has been one stressful year for all of us! I know how hard it is going to be to keep her spirits up, especially at Christmas, but all of your love and support will sure help her!! Love to you all!

Rebecca said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom, I'm sure that is very tough on her. I know you will still make her holiday special. We will keep her and your dad in our prayers.