Monday, October 12, 2009

Grammie

1. Friday morning, just before I left the high school to go to the elementary school, I checked my email and found this:
mother has fallen possible broken arm possible broken back debbie call gus

This is from my dad to Mom and I about my 94-year old grandmother. I was, of course, very upset. I hate hate hate how my parents email me shit like this instead of calling like normal human beings. I immediately called my mother to get more information. Gram is frail as it is, much of which stems from breaking her back ten years ago. She has very bad osteoporosis and so her bones don't heal. I was in tears, trying to hold myself together, and thinking rapidly about my work shedule for the weekend. Could I go home if I had to? How soon could I be there?

Mom didn't know much when I called, and told me to finish my work day and call her at 2pm when I got out of work. I helped my first graders learn about spiders and smiled, trying to ignore the silence of my phone. At 2:00 I rushed outside and called Mom again. Of all of the people in my family, my grandmother and father are the only two that are not allowed to get hurt or die. They must live forever, because their deaths would crush me. The same goes with injury - they must not ever be in pain. I cannot deal with the thought of them lying in a hospital bed, their care depending on strangers who do not know them like I do. Who do not understand how awesome they are. Grammie especially. Where most people see frail old lady, I see the strong, resourceful woman who taught me how to be a good person. Who taught me the meaning of hard work, determination, courage, and grace. She was my first and very best teacher. I love her endlessly, and the thought of her hurt - well, I wasn't taking it very well. As for Gram's state of mind? She was just worried about bothering people, and keeping my dad and uncle from the moose hunt they have scheduled for this week (both of them went).

It's been back and forth since then. Mom said they were waiting on an Ortho specialist to see if Gram needed to have surgery. She fractured her shoulder and a bone in her hip. I found out just this morning that she won't need surgery, but will be removed to a rehabilitation center to convalesce. I'm glad she doesn't need surgery, but I can't help but wonder if she'll be able to come back home. Grammie is not a woman who accepts her limitations (which is probably why she fell to begin with). Can she return to the home she's lived in for more than 40 years? How will her spirit continue on, untrammeled, if she cannot be where her heart is?

I'm being overly dramatic, but if you knew my Gram you'd know how important her health and happiness are. Please, if you're of a religious mind, pray for my Grammie to heal quickly and with a minimum of stress. Even if you aren't, please think good thoughts for her, as I am each moment.

6 comments:

Ida said...

Sending prayers and good thoughts to you, your family, and especially Grammie.

Yarn Tails said...

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope and pray that things come out ok for her. And I hope and pray that there is caring and loving people taking care of her where she is at. Hugs to you Heather!

Alice said...

Oh, Heather. I have a Memaw I feel the exact same way about. I know you are hurting for your Grammie. I am praying, praying, praying (and I work in a place that requires it - so you got it!) Please keep us posted. And know you are in my prayers, too.

Jenny said...

I will pray for your grammie! Hope she heals quickly.

Fox In Detox said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Grammie. Sending good thoughts and healing vibes. Big hugs!!

Anonymous said...

I hate that this happened to your Grammie. I was very, very, very close to my Gramma too. I will add her to my prayers and continue to do so from this point on.
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