Mothers day in the ER

Last weekend I decided to go home. It was mothers day after all, and my mom had just gotten her gallbladder removed, a minor surgery on Thursday the 10th. 

Naturally anyone under those circumstances would go home. 

But to be brutally honest, I didn't want to go up to the mountains... I know that sounds so bad, and I really did feel guilty about how selfish I felt it was to not want to go home (thats how critical I can be on myself). But I have been traveling the past few weekends, a little too much for my sanity. I really needed to slow down and let my mind catch up with the rest of me. I tend to burn the wick at both ends until I burn out. 

However, like I said the guilt among other things was building up so I prayed a bit about how I felt,  what I NEEDED to do, and where I needed to be.

The next night Nicole offered me a lift home since she was going for mothers day and wanted company on the drive. Her time frame was perfect for my work schedule, which is rare, I hadn't come to my own conclusion yet, I still felt unsettled... I knew it was right. 

Heavenly father knew the only way to get me home was to lay the path out for me on a silver platter and make it too easy for me. 

How could I not go home now?

I can not put in to words how grateful I am that I went home. You see, my mom ended up in the ER on saturday night and admitted to the hospital. She contracted a hospital born bacteria  from her surgery. Had I not been home the doctors and my family determined that my mom would not be in great shape. 

This bacteria is resistant to antibiotics, it attacks your potassium and magnesium levels, it COMPLETELY dehydrates you and can be fatal. 

Sounds like a blast right?

The rate at which it took over my moms system was so swift the doctors did not think it was possible, they had only read about it happening that fast before but never seen it. My mom was a first experience for them, and hopefully their last. 

It started off with her having  a seizure like spasm in our bathroom in my arms. An image I hope time will erase from my memory forever. She had just enough energy to call out for me before she went down.

 My family and I are so thankful we will never know what would have happened if I had not been there. My brother was not around, and my dad being a quadriplegic could not do anything from his bed, he didn't have a phone on him unfortunately. 

I have never underestimated the power of prayer. 

I have just never been at the epicenter of an experience like this. 

My testimony is constantly being strengthened and tested. 

We have been blessed with the most supportive, loving friends and caregivers for my dad. We were able to work out night shifts for the rest of the week with caregivers for my dad since I stayed in the hospital with her there for a few nights. I figured at this point, with the number of times I have been in and out of hospitals for dads health/recovery it would be easier.... but if anything this time it was scarier. Not knowing what mom had and watching her suffer, seizure, and hearing the genuine worry in the doctors voice was nauseating. 

I am so glad she didn't have to go through it alone!

When I pray answers don't always come right away, 

rarely actually do they materialize in "my time frame"

This used to annoy me, however after this I have decided that if answers do come instantly it might just be because timing is critical and your next step is crucial. 

I would prefer patience required answers!

I'd rather be granted seasoned patience over time rather than immediate solutions to a lifetime of emergencies. 

Long story short the Clark family is done with hospitals! 

High school reunions and childhood memories

Last weekend Bentley and I went home (my parents home) to the mountains. We originally planned on spending it together with everyone but at the last second my mom decided to go to her 30 year Pinole Valley High School reunion 

and naturally did not want to go to this sort of occassion alone.

 So I jumped at the opportunity! Girl time in the city and mountain man bonding time. (i love my husband SO much for his flexibility and unbelievably supportive nature.  plus i have never in my life seen my shy brother take to someone like Bent. he is a blessing in our lives in so many ways)

It was a blast, it was so sweet to see my mom enjoying a little.... freedom. Everyone kept complimenting how good she looked, how small she still was (as if she never left high school) and how great it was to bring your daughter. I am such a lucky one. 
Nothing like dancing the night away with your girlfriends :)

Go mom. I cant wait to see my dad feel the same way again someday.

 
On our way up to Danville we got to drive through the lucious green town where I grew up and visit with old friends. We had lunch with the Walkers who  are now nearly 90 and seem like they haven't changed a bit.
So youthful, so kind.
This trip made me want to go back. SO badly. I love the house I grew up in, the orange orchard  I played in, the creek I swam in and the roads I played endlessly on.  I had an enchanting inner city upbringing. 
It's safe to say I could go back.... after SLO and italy ;)

gosh there are so many places I love, its hard to be so sure!

Wherever we end up we will be happy (: thats a give in.

IN OTHER NEWS:
My dad is doing alright, getting a little stir crazy I can tell. So i am ging back to the mountains this weekend to actually spend time at HOME.

I miss them so much, and my brother is at that stage where he is growing up so fast. HE IS TALLER THAN ME already! yikes.

last weekend was crazy busy, full of laughter and tears, (the good and sad kind) hugs and kisses, long talks and familiar faces from childhood days.

I've seen better weekends, not gunna lie. This one was too sorrowfully tearful for my taste. But I can roll with it.

 This weekend is another opportunity to help my dad regain mobility and build muscle.
Bring it :)
Go give you dad a hug right now and tell him how much you adore him!