Mom at her piano in 2018
Hi everyone,
The super sincere and thoughtful outpouring of love and concern is amazing, albeit overwhelming. I keep trying to sort’ve iterate that it’s a lot to juggle, especially for my Dad right at the moment. I’ve obviously opened this can of worms by informing the world, so I take responsibility. We thank you and love you all. We’re sharing all the messages with Connie/Momma best that we can.
I got a call from the hospital last night. 10:45pm Eastern. It’s always alarming when they are the ones calling you. The nurse got the number wrong. She was trying to call my dad, and only because Mom was awake and wanted to say goodnight. I’m glad she got me instead.
Mom was very sweet. She was so happy to hear my voice. She’s speaking in her same cadence and storytelling patterns. It’s probably a combination of the brain trauma and the meds, but once we got past some adoring pleasantries, her stories became a little less based in reality. She spoke as if it was any given evening phone call, but the disjointed topics meandered between places in her mind that are core to her: Glens Falls, the parade, Dad’s sauce, photos from Jake and Mia, music that she wants to share with me… stuff like that. None of it made sense, but all of it had context. She had big plans and errands on her list for later this week.
It could feel disheartening to hear her not making full sense, but I know that injuries with the brain are so unpredictable. Instead, I’m full of hope that all those things are top of mind for her, and that she still knows how to tell a good story.
The Nurse explained to me that we will probably see her get worse before she gets better. We can handle that. They’re constantly monitoring blood pressure, meds for the brain bleeding, sedatives, etc. She has to be woken up every hour for neuro checks involving motor functions and cognition. She already has specialists coming in for PT, OT, and speech.
It’s going to be a long three weeks in the ICU. Followed by more time in a neuro unit we know the next steps for getting home. Dad’s still back and forth today and every day.
Those two— in all their moments of tragedy and set back and hardship and loss, they switch their minds into pretending they’re first century vikings sailing the harshness of the North Atlantic into battle, though I’d like to see them wear horns and animal pelts to keep warm. They cop that fierce determination and never-look-back attitude. I’ve seen it before. They’re so strong. (but maybe let’s start turning off the history channel at night? lol)
Alright that’s today’s update. I’ve heard from SO many folks I know and miss, thank you all. Everyone is so eloquent and earnest in their words of support. I hate to reiterate - but try to give Dad some space. Leave it on his facebook in order to not tie up his phone maybe? I hope this blog keeps everyone feeling in-the-know and that we love and appreciate everyone’s genuine care and concern. You can also hit up the comments sections on these blogs. Questions? I’ll answer them. Messages of hope? I’ll share them. Jokes and one-liners? I’ll laugh at them, probably quip back. That’s medicine too.
Take care everyone. I’ll keep in touch.
Luka