Brian - October 20, 2022
I woke up this morning, ready to do some stretches before a gentle walk around the neighborhood. Getting up from my bed, I felt a sharp tension in my leg muscles. When I began stretching, I felt a bit looser and gathered some energy for my walk. Yet, my legs felt heavy the entire time. When I came home, I took a quick shower and then enjoyed some coffee with my breakfast. My body felt a bit better after eating, but I still feel off in a way I can’t define.
I’ve maintained a diligent routine of walking and stretching every day for the past two decades. It helps me to start my day off right and stay flexible, even as I approach 75. It is nice to wake up and walk, then have some coffee while Linda gets ready…
Linda - October 21, 2022
Yesterday, Brian was rushed to the ER after he suddenly fell from his chair to the floor while journaling. I spent the entire afternoon waiting for more information and calling Lauren to let her know what happened. It’s been a blur and I’m writing mostly to make sure I keep all the details straight. Brian has always been healthy.
Neither of us suffer from chronic issues and we both stay relatively active and eat well. I’m just so shocked and have many decisions to make on his behalf. We aren’t young and obviously have a final will and testament, yet we did not plan for something like this, and the nurse even asked if I had a living will for Brian, but of course we had not planned on this happening.
The ER doctor, I think her name is Kathryn, is very sweet. She tried to explain to me what’s going on with Brian’s brain and why he suddenly fell. Right now, he’s on life support as they run more tests to figure out what’s going on. I’m nervous I’ll have to be the one to make the decision to stop trying to save him, my husband of more than 30 years.
Bella - October 21, 2022
I can’t decide what to do. Grandpa is in the hospital, in a medical coma. At least, that’s what dad said. He asked me yesterday whether I want to stay at school to wait for more information or come home today to be by his side. I think I should go home for at least a week. I’m sure my professors will be understanding, but midterms are coming up before the Thanksgiving break. Since this is my first semester, it is really important I start off strong. Yet, I need to be there for grandma and my mom.
I just don’t understand. Grandma and Grandpa are so active, healthier than me. They walk every day, they eat well, and they still manage to travel every winter and summer despite being in their mid-70s.
I should probably start packing. I just don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Everything is spinning and I just want to make the right choice and make everyone happy, but I am so overwhelmed.
Lauren - October 21, 2022
Mom called me yesterday to tell me dad fell all of a sudden and is now in the hospital, fighting for his life. My parents aren’t young, in their mid-70s, yet I didn’t expect a moment like this to come so soon. Greg called Bella for me and tried to ask whether she wanted to come home today or wait to see what happens.
I feel bad for her, trying to deal with this during her first months on campus. Greg and I always felt lucky my parents were alive throughout Bella’s childhood. His parents passed before she was born. They always came to her sports events and school plays. Thankfully, we live near my parents, so I went to the hospital as soon as I knew. I’m just trying to be there for mom as much as possible.
She told me they didn’t have any plans in place for an event that requires intensive or life-saving care. Kathryn, the doctor at the ER, told us they need to run more tests but for the moment he is being kept in a medical coma to keep him alive while they await results.
Maybe it sounds naive, but when I prepared for this moment, I didn’t imagine a coma. I thought my parents might go peacefully in their sleep, leaving us with only the memorial details to manage.
