My sweet friend Esther got a phone call that would freak any wife out. The ER at Gwinnett Medical Center called her to let her know her husband was in bad condition.
By the time I got to the hospital, Patrick was in his first surgery. He had done some major damage to his abdominal area. His intestines had been severed, he was in bad shape. We honestly didn't know wether or not he would see another day.
Esther has a huge spanish family. They are awesome. They love each other fiercely. All of them were there in the waiting room. Several members of our ward were there also. People brought water, and food. As the time for the surgery was approaching I had several members of Esthers family approach me to ask me to go with her when she went back to see Patrick. I was overwhelmed and nervous about the confidence they had in me.
When they came to get us to take us to him in the Intensive Care Unit, Esther and I led the way, but her whole family was tip toeing behind us.
Patrick was rough, but Esther was a champ. She didn't break down. She didn't cry. She just rushed over and took his hand and told him that she was there and to hold on.
Hold on he did. There were a few times it looked like he might let go. Esther never left the hospital. She is my hero.
We have lots of funny stories now about the week long stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Esther, Jess, Harold (home teacher) and I had a lot of bonding time. Patrick hated the tube down his throat. who can blame him? But, he kept trying to pull it out. They tied his hands. He kept trying to convince us that he had an itch so we would untie his hands. Bless his heart. He was so drugged and hurt that he just felt totally frustrated and out of control.
His right foot never stayed under the covers. He would be out cold. We'd cover him up and sure enough that right foot would find it's way out.
He hated the monitor they put on his finger. He would be out cold. He'd bugga boo around until he got it off. Sirens would sound. Nurses and doctors would run in. They'd put the monitor back on.
It was a big day when they finally took the tube out of his throat. Esther hadn't wanted her girls to see their daddy with it in. They knew he was hurt, but she didn't want to give them that visual to go along with their concern. She's a good mom.
make a blanket for Patrick. It was a pillow blanket. We had everyone sign it at the hospital when they came to see him.
 |
| Patrick's foot |
 |
| Esther & Jess listening to see if they were going to take the tube out |
 |
| Making a U of M blanket for the YW There was lots of service provided to their family. I helped the Young Women |
 |
| Logan, Brooks, Emma Grace, & Drake reciting the pledge of Aligence for my birthday My birthday was right in the middle of all of this. Somehow it didn't seem important that I was turning 36. I just needed my friends husband to see his next birthday. But, the kids took the opportunity to let me know they love me, but coming in and saying the pledge for me. What little cuties. |
 |
| Esther cuddling in the blankie |
 |
| Best Friends are always there when you need them |
 |
| Life would be sad if it weren't so funny |
 |
| YW with their blanket for Patrick Since I'm solute in this post I can tell you that Patrick is OK. He will never have a completely normal digestive system. He has to be very careful, but he is alive. We are so thankful. God is good. His miracles are real. |
No comments:
Post a Comment