A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WIFE IN THE ICU WAITING ROOM

Eating a piece of cornbread now. I will probably have some soup or chicken for lunch. Tom Broker was saying good-bye on NBC’s Today Show with Katie & Matt toasting him. He said his final good-bye as his voice broke. As tears filled his eyes, my eyes were filling just watching him. What a handsome talented man he is, worthy of much honor.

There are 25 people in the waiting room, still some coming and some going. I remember a woman of 80 or so years being led ever so tenderly by her daughter to her husband who was undergoing a cardiac procedure. Some people are sitting by themselves, some in twos, others in multiple groups. I’m aware of being by myself. That’s a continual theme of my life. An emotional hurdle I seem to have to jump over on a regular basis. Sometimes those hurdles feel very high. Such a time is now. A doctor is giving an update to a family huddled together. They are a family of four. Yet the majority waiting here are in groups of one and two. Maybe the twos have it? Cardiologists are coming and going. Two are here reviewing the results of their patient’s surgeries with the family. Are the doctors happy at their jobs? They train so long, too long in my opinion. What is the burn out rate for cardiologist?

On page 18 in my spiritual book a sentence strikes a cord in my spirit. “A mother’s heart is tender. I don’t know any mother who wouldn’t willingly trade her own comfort to ease the suffering of her child”. The whole situation with Alexandra is a good illustration of that right now. Willing to let go of the outcome of her not attending James’ graduation this week. Letting go and letting God work it all out, it is still a tough war that is going on in my spirit from time to time interwoven in the midst of this crisis. If God doesn’t want her to come, I just pray that He will tell Jan and James and that the Comforter would truly come and comfort us.

The doctor has gone around to another patient. This particular cardiologist is from India. I can tell by his accent. I hear bits and pieces coming from his mouth, “50% kidney function, TEE, he’s doing well, pain free”. I guess my hearing is either diminishing or I’m not a good ease dropper.

“Whatever my lot it is well, it is well with my soul”. That chorus is running around in my mind. Even when it is not well with our circumstances, it can be well with my soul. I tried to ring up my prayer partner Sylvia, but she was out with the person she takes care of. Francis is an orphan, she’s lovely, and an ex nurse. I remember those things about her. Francis had a doctor’s appointment this morning. I said I would call back. Where is everyone when you need them?

Ten people are now in the waiting room. The ebb and tide of family members waiting on the results of their loved ones surgery is moving at a faster rate. It’s 12:00 noon, high noon, almost six hours from when hence we started. My lower back is killing me. I can’t really sit any longer. I think I over did it with racquetball the other day. Playing doubles with 2 open players at the Y may have done me in.







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