Monday, June 18, 2007

"Trouble Comes in Threes"

First, on Wednesday last, Mr HSBoots got a call from the renal clinic after his routine bloodwork, to tell him he appeared to be in "acute transplant rejection". We worried for two days while more tests were done, then they phoned again to tell him to please be in Victoria in a few hours to be admitted there for biopsy and treatment.

I took him there on Friday, returning the same day to be with the kids.

On Saturday I planted like mad. The moon was in 1st phase Cancer, after all.

Today, I packed up the kids and headed back to Victoria. We saw their dad for dinner (he feels fine, by the way - no symptoms) then took him back to the hospital.

While playing in the waiting area, three-year-old Emily tripped mid-run, and went headfirst into a steel chair, laying open her forehead to the bone.

It was maybe the quickest trip to emergency ever.

I've never seen so much blood.

We sat in ER for 90 minutes while they treated a drunken softball player who had stepped on a ball and hurt her ankle.

Em had 6 stitches and a vomiting episode, then I gathered up my poor children, said goodbye to my husband who headed back to the renal unit, and made my way downtown to the hotel.

I broke down a bit at the hotel, crying for a few minutes. I feel unqualified for this job, now. And afraid of what might happen to my children. I may turn into one of those mothers who says "Oh, be careful! Don't run there! Don't climb that!" But I don't want to see her skull anymore, nor that little bubble of fat layer protruding from a 3/4 inch gash.

I got the blood out of Emily's hair, washed her face, chest, hands and arms, and my own face, neck, hands and arms. I got everybody settled into bed, Tylenol at the ready on the nightstand, for when Em wakes up in a few hours screaming with the pain. After a struggle with yet more tears, I fell into an exhausted sleep.

Fifteen minutes later, I was awakened by the sound of something being chewed, right under the head of my bed. When I finally got up the nerve to get right down on the floor and look under the bed, I met our roommate. Just a mouse, not a rat.

But still.

I have just finished moving all our belongings and two heavily sleeping children into another room. This one is across the hall, looking over Blanshard Street rather than the courtyard with the quietly playing fountain.

To add insult to injury, upon arriving at the hotel tonight I got my........um.......well, I'll just say moon dark was two nights ago. If you know what I mean.

I don't know whether the mouse counts as the third of the three, or just as comic relief. I hope it's the former.

For those of you who may know in what hotel I can be found, I'm in 212 now, not 203.

And yes, in case you're wondering, I am worried, nervous, tearful, exhausted, and terrified. I just want to go home.

18 comments:

Jo said...

Oh, Shan - I'm so sorry that all of this is happening to your family. I hope things get better soon and that you blasted the hotel for the mouse in the room.

Kris said...

What a crappy week! I hope that everything is okay with Mr. HSB.

Cynthia said...

What a tough time. I hope your husband is okay and your daughter heals fast.

Anonymous said...

Oh Shan. Hugs, big big hugs. And only you are qualified for this job... you are stronger than anyone else for it. When you get back a serious break is in order though.
And cover that little one with kisses.
Oh yeah, and tell the moon to piss off!
Some days being a woman is just not easy.

Anonymous said...

What an awful week, I'm thinking of you!

Ames said...

Shan, you are right you are not qualified or strong enough for the job, but you know the One who is. We are praying for you.

Gwen said...

Oh Nederbee! Of course we are praying, not only for Ian but for you three as well.

stitchin' girl said...

Good luck. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry! I hope things settle down soon and you get some well deserved good news.

KingJaymz said...

Prayers, love and hugs your and the whole HSB family's way. Sounds like things are really rough. May God pour out some blessing, mercy and hope on you during this difficult time. I'm thinking about you and hopin'/prayin' for the best.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my dearest! If only I were there to clasp you to my bosom. To think of you there alone, facing blood, tears, broken babies and vermin! Yikes! I love you, love you, love you. Know that my heart is with you - and I have a large bottle of gin in my fridge with your name all over it.

Christy said...

Praying for you and your family Shannon!! I would have beat the h-e-l-l out of that mouse at that point!

Olga said...

Uff-Dah! What a rough row to hoe! My heart goes out to you. Head wounds always seem really awful but heal up pretty fast in kids, ask me how I know!! ( hint: I have four) (kids, not heads) Hang in there, this too shall pass. I knew that moon gardening was wonky.....just kidden!!!!!;o)

Anonymous said...

My first message never made it - it's still floating out there..
Hope that you and your wonderful family get home soon, away from the madness of the big city to our
retreat here in the North.
You have many people surrounding you with their love , thoughts and prayers, so you are never alone during these times..
Chocolate and knitting are waiting for you here when you get home...May all of our good thoughts and wishes go a long way to fixing Mr. HSB and Little HSB and keeping you ok while you help everybody else!
Hugs,
Karen

Anonymous said...

OH CRAP. It sounds to me like you did extremely well not to faint and vomit yourself. How horrible, and poor babies (including the little one, you, and Mr. HSB).

You are due for some serious good things in threes, methinks. Too bad my cat can't make hotel-calls. I'm sure she'd enjoy taking care of that small furry punchline for you.

PS. Is it just me, or do the random letters generated by blogger for verification always seem to be the initials for a stream of profanity? (btfwm, in this case)

Sue H said...

Oh Shan! My heart goes out to you. Now wonder you are feeling "unqualified" right now. The worst thing is to be on your own with no support while you are going through these difficult times. Just know that there are many people thinking of you and sending their prayers for a good outcome for you and your family.
Take care my friend.

Sue H said...

Dear Shan,
i have just received your wonderful and totally unexpected package. That even with all your trials and tribulations you thought of me means more than I can say. Thank you just seems so inadequate.

amanda said...

Sending hopeful thoughts your way . . .