I C more of U

No, I have not been gone as a result of the writer's strike (just in case you were wondering).

I am pleased to report that my sister has made it through her surgery and is doing quite well. She's absolutely AMAZING!! It's been a long week all the way around, and I am sorry I have had no time, energy, or mental capacity to post on my blog. I have thought about so many of you, though...not much else to do while sitting in ICU waiting. I could have used some of my Mrs. G, my dee/otc, and Michele. My Funny, Crazy and Inspirational blogging buds (in that order I might add).

And so many of you other awesome bloggers. Thank you!! I have had some new visitors to this sight, and feel remiss that I have not been able to visit. I will catch up, I promise!!! :)

That being said, I thought I would share with you a few anecdotes about the hospital that I experienced this week...Enjoy...

1) For the first couple of days, it's probably not safe to leave large bread crumbs on the floor so you can find your way back to the parking garage. Rather, just strategically place stickies on the wall...no one will notice...really! (Not that I tried this myself)

2) Go potty BEFORE you go into the ICU. See, if you have to go while you're there (which I had to do frequently) then you have to ring to get back in. My favorite was at 3am on Friday/Saturday when I got up to go, no one else is around really as it's not one of the heavy traffic times, and when I rang to get back in, the lady says, "I'm sorry, who are you??" Seriously? I just walked by your desk going to the bathroom, and have been here ALL NIGHT!! I'm the one who complimented YOUR HAIR!! But alas, it was 3am...I refrained from sarcasm and explained who I was...again.

3) Tripping over stuff CAN be hazardous to your health AND your pride. I'm a bit clumsy (I think I've mentioned this) and was the joke of the unit because it seemed like whenever I turned, I was kicking a ventilator machine, tripping on a cath tube, or something stupid. I never hurt my sister, other than causing her, the unit, and any family member in the room to laugh at me again. Laughing is healthy though, so I am glad I could help with that.

4) You can learn a lot from the families in the ICU waiting room. There were some wonderful people in there. What is it about being in there, having somewhat of a common bond, that people are so open?? We helped one young lady melt at the idea that her mom would not make it out, prayed with her, and saw her released from ICU by morning. There was another amazing woman there with her son, we cried together as she received the news he would not make it.

5) Nurses are more important than Doctors!!!! I know the doctors come in, wave their magic wand pens, and give orders to help heal you. But it's the nurses that CARE for the patients. They answer questions, give you the meds, bring your meals, hold your hand and hand you a tissue when you cry. They push you out of bed to get you strong, and help you back to get you rest. They help the family understand and help the patients cope.

Thank you to ALL nurses!!!!