Behind every door, behind every curtain
in every ICU, there is a story.
It is a place where life is fragile and is held gently.
A place where the rest of the world falls away.
(It sounds peaceful when I say it like that.
But you know it isn't.)
Our family has a story.
Not all stories have a happy ending,
but I will tell you now - this does.
If you're looking for good news,
you are welcome to be part of this one.
Here's what happened.
The flu (the regular kind, not the pandemic)
turned into pneumonia in our mom's 86-year-old body.
It was February 8th.
The backdrop to this narrative
became a room in the ICU.
A room quickly filled with family,
trying to stay out of the way
as the nurses and doctors did their jobs.
It wasn't long, just a couple of days I think,
before hope was sent out the door
as if visiting hours were over.
We, however, were able to stay.
The doctor we named "glass half empty"
knocked the wind out of us
with his ominous description of to what to expect.
Preparing us for the worst, which is part of his job.
It felt for a while,
that the ventilator was keeping death alive.
And then later, so many days
filled with so many tears later,
that same doctor delivered to us hope,
as he went about his business
of saving our mom's life.
...
Off the respirator (for the second time)
trying to make sense of where she was
and what was going on,
and why so much family was there,
she asked, in a voice barely audible,
am I going to die?
No, no, we answer, you're getting better!
The words were a gift for us to say
and a blessing for her to hear.
And so she did. Slowly, bit by bit.
With much poking and prodding and hard work.
So much determination on her part.
Now she is going home. Today.
March 27th.
...
Writing this story down on paper,
I find myself careful not to equate God's love
with earthly outcomes,
as I speak of hope and healing.
Because we are all very aware that these
aren't the main characters in everyone's story.
Looking back,
recognizing the strength and comfort
we received from your prayers.
And for those of you who do not pray,
from your thoughts.
All flowing from the same love.
So very grateful.
Thank you.
