Here Today
The dreaded message was in my voicemail yesterday morning: “This is to let you know that your mother suffered a stroke and has been taken to the hospital.” I had just finished a rather joyful filming session at Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton and thought to check my messages. A flurry of frantic phone calls as I headed toward the hospital where the ambulance had taken my mother offered little additional insight into her condition. The only information I could retrieve was that suddenly, without any warning, my mother could not speak. That’s when her healthcare aide called for help.
As always, I chose the slowest vehicles to be behind the whole way. Was this the Universe’s way of reminding me to breathe in and out, to center and ground myself especially in the midst of this crisis?
After what seemed like forever, I dashed to the ER. Walking toward her cubicle, I could see that my husband was already sitting beside the bed. To my utter amazement my mother, except for the hospital gown, i.v., and monitors, looked no different than she had a couple of days earlier when we had dinner together. I was even more astonished to hear her speak—no slurring, no mumbling—she spoke as clearly as you or I!
Some hours later I learned that my mother had likely suffered a T.I.A.—a transient ischemic attack, often referred to as a “mini stroke.” Just another reminder how fleeting good health is for all of us—one moment you’re dandy—the next, you’re being carried to the ER.
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”—Benjamin Franklin
”Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”—Helen Keller
”Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.”—Jawaharal Nehru
Enjoy your day!
#1 from .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on July 13, 2011
Glad your mom is better, Edie. Will keep her in my prayers. Yes, a reminder to cherish the moment, enjoy each day, live fully and mindfully! Life and love are a blessings!