Thursday, September 04, 2008

My Mama

My Mama is sick. I received one of those cursed calls from my brother last night. Daddy was taking Mama to the E.R. She had fallen. Her left leg wasn't "working". Her left hand was tingly feeling. Her color wasn't good. She wasn't talking coherently.

That's just not good, Internets.

This was at 9:30 p.m. I got off the phone with my brother who promised to call as soon as he heard word.

I sat here in my glider rocker. And I started rocking. Hard. You see, I think better when I get to rocking. That might be because of the hours I've spent rocking babies throughout my life. Who knows. I was a thinking machine, though. I made the executive decision to start calling and texting my people back in South Carolina. My home church people whom I've known my whole entire life. Didn't take long for the ball to get rolling. My Daddy's fellow deacon got his phone cranked up and prayers started rolling.

A heart felt shout out to Cindy and R.D. She is my "big sister" (which is hilarious because she's so tiny and petite...and I'm not). I called her and within minutes, she and R.D. (her hubby) were on their way to the hospital to check on things. I felt much better knowing my Daddy wasn't going to be alone.

People showed up to keep Daddy company and I got minute by minute accounts of what was going on. Mama was sent for a CAT scan. Her sugar upon arrival was in the 500's. ( I found that tidbit out today)

I was worried beyond normal borders.

The Man and I managed to grab some sleep around 1 a.m. or so. I called my Daddy first thing this morning to get an update.

Mama had a stroke.

Funny how some words have the power to echo through your mind. It's like your mind splits into two pieces. One part turns into a five year old who is crying because Mama is hurting. The other part continues to have a conversation with Daddy and asking all the right questions and is even able to remember what is said for the most part. I can't even begin to tell you how much power that one word had over my entire being.

It's a light stroke. Her leg and hand are giving her issues, but her face is fine and so is her speech. Daddy says she's been running her mouth all day long. She's in a fine place and is being taken care of. She'll be there for a few days until her sugar is under control and some re-hab has been done. I'm sure all the tests aren't done being run and a new medication is in her future.

My Mama had a stroke. I'm still in shock. Daddy said not to come home. He promised that if I needed to, he would give the word. Another good reason? Ms. Hanna is heading their way and it looks like they're in for some bad weather in the next couple of days. I secretly hope they'll keep Mama long enough to get past this storm. Their home will lose electricity for sure. Hopefully, not for long. I swear you can fart hard and the power goes out. That is one thing I DON'T miss at all. I don't mind country living, but dang.

My day has been filled with what happens regularly on Thursdays. During that time, I've stayed on the phone with my roots back in South Carolina. I may be 300 miles away, but I was making sure to get updates at least every 30 minutes. Those of you who made that happen? I am forever grateful. I even had a childhood friend and fellow Duran Duran lover, Michelle, call and say that she would be my hands. Whatever I wanted/needed her to do for Mama, she would without hesitation. You can't buy that kind of friendship.

My Mama is sick. I need your thoughts and prayers sent her way if you are so inclined. She's a mighty fine woman. Shoot, she had to be to have Miss Hope!

17 comments:

Denise said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad she's getting good care, but how scary, and to not be able to be there for her is hard. Thank heavens (literally) for good friends and family and a loving church community. I hope there is a quick and complete recovery. ((hugs))

Stefany said...

Oh- I am so sorry. You and your sweet family will be in my prayers.

Krys72599 said...

Miss Hope, we've never met but I sure do consider you a friend, after all the emails and blog posts we've exchanged. Your prayer chain? I've asked my family to join in and pray for your mom and your dad and you and the rest of your family. Thank the good Lord it was a mild stroke, although being on the receiving end of that news isn't any different than if it was a severe one, except that Mom will recover a little more easily! And recover she will - she has no choice: we're all praying for her! Keep us posted - we care, too, and want to know how she is.

Monogram Queen said...

You're precious Momma is in my prayers honey. People can talk junk about southerners all they want but they stick together and are "there" when you need them!

Southern Momma's know the power of rocking too....

Michelle said...

Like I told you...if there is anything you need me to do or take to your mother or father let me know...Prayers are automatic:)

Missy said...

I agree, you have our prayers!

OneHungMan said...

Sorry to hear about Mom. You're already in OneHung's thoughts, so he'll just add Grandma to the list.

Crazy Me said...

Your mother is definitely in my prayers. I hope she is doing all right.

Celia said...

I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for your Mama.

Anonymous said...

Hope, girl, I'm so sorry. I'm sure you're just beside yourself with worry! I'm also sure those are some powerful prayers coming from the home church! I'll get my people to praying too. We all love your mama! Let me know if there is anything we can do.
Love, Crystie

andria said...

That just sucks about your moma.

I'll be praying for her and that Hanna stays away from them.

Guitar Woman said...

I was sooooo sorry to hear about ur mama. I have been praying and will continue to. I don't know if u remember, but my mama had a mild stroke when Sarah was about 18 mo. old and I was living in Florence. She recovered well and really the only long-term effect she has is that her left side is weaker than the right and she can't lift anything heavy (which she probably shouldn't do anyway.) So try to think positive. I hope ur mama has a speedy recovery. I know there r LOTS of prayers going up 4 her. Besides......ur mama is 2 stubborn to let this hold her back 4 long! LUV U, MEAN IT!!!

Sugar. said...

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that. I hope everything will be okay. You and yours are in my thoughts.

Joe and Samantha said...

Lots of thoughts and prayers heading your way
Samantha

Wendy said...

I hope your Mama's okay. Strokes are not as bad today as they were even a few years ago. I'm sure she'll get full use of her leg and hand again. Sending prayers and warm wishes.

Unknown said...

I am praying for your mama! Hanna wasn't bad at all here, so I hope they fared well too. I pray that she will have a quick recovery and God will give you peace and comfort in the situation. Hugs!

Mrs. Em said...

This is the first time I've been online in a few days, so I'm coming late to the news. Please know that your mom has my sincerest of prayers. I wish wish all my heart that you would have called. Dear Hope...why didn't you call??? You KNOW that I would have started praying right away! I hate that I'm finding this out on Sunday!! No matter what, I'm still praying for your mom and sending her my best. I know that our Lord is holding her in the palm of His hands right now, just as He's holding you.