Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Thursday 25 August 2011

An angel on her shoulder

Again to all of you , many thanks for the prayers and words of support for my mom and family . Seems like they worked!

Mom has been in hospital since lat Thursday after a suspected stroke. As it turns out , there was a small , rather inconsequential stroke, but lucky it happened ,I guess, because it got her to hospital , and admitted. Her condition seemed to worsen over the next few days , and as I said a couple posts back, the question of the shunt failing became far more pressing . Yesterday , she returned from some routine tests , totally unresponsive and was rushed to ICU .In the care of the neurological team now , it has been discovered that in fact the shunt is failing .

She underwent a temporary revision to release the pressure , and will remain in hospital until they are able to stabilise her and properly , permanently place the shunt . She is not out of the woods yet, but Oh my! It was a relief to see her this evening alert , lucid, bright and with her usual wit and humor! My sister and I visited with her for an hour or so, and had a lovely time , laughter,and  a few tears .
I believe I may actually sleep tonight!
This has been so hard on her and my dad, and us as well. Mom's health and struggles over the years have had us facing situations like yesterday, talking to ICU staff and wondering fearfully what the next day would bring many times over the year.Matter of fact ,at 3:00am I had it figured out , to 11 separate times we were in similar circumstances . And yet each time, somehow , there is an emergency intervention, last chance,or new procedure, that she  sails through and rallies, recovering yet again .
My mother has an incredible and unbreakable will, and determination.And I am beginning to believe , one of the most vigilant Gaurdian angels ever!
And while I am incredibly  proud both my parents  and adore them both , (daddy's girl from way back), one day I do  hope to be Tough like my mom!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think old age is the time that requires the greatest toughness - and your mom sounds tough indeed. Glad they've figured out what the problem is and are on the road to fixing it.

GoLightly said...

Happy dancing here!

phaedra96 said...

Growing old is not for wimps!! Prayering all goes well for all of you.

Leah said...

Better news - hope all continues to go well...... you are stronger than you know!

Fantastyk Voyager said...

I'm sending prayers that the angel keeps watching over her and she continues to improve.

Ami said...

I only have hugs for you. I can't even imagine. So glad she seems to be recovering. Your love for your mom is obvious from the way you write.

((hugs))

Nicole said...

I can't even imagine what you guys are going through. I pray and hope things get better!

Shirley said...

So good to hear that your mom is on the mend. Sending up a prayer of thanksgiving, and for continued improvement.

Cut-N-Jump said...

>>And while I am incredibly proud both my parents and adore them both , (daddy's girl from way back), one day I do hope to be Tough like my mom!<<

One day you Hope to be tough like her? Girlfriend, you were born half of her and therefore, half way there already.

Hugs and prayers for the whole family that you all get through this quickly. It is draining, both mentally and emotionally.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Whew. What a roller coaster ride. I'm so sorry for your Mom and your family to have to be going through this. But it's so true, that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. And yes, you are a very tough woman, just like your Mom. Just being there for her and being strong for her, is a true testament of your toughness.

(((((hugs))))
~Lisa

Prairie Ridge Performance Horses said...

Makes a person appreciate the saying:
Be kinder than is necessary to everyone you meet, you never know what kind of battle they are waging!!
Too bad more people do not live this way!!!
Hope your mom & you can get back to a regular life............soon

Prairie Ridge Performance Horses said...

Makes a person appreciate the saying:
Be kinder than is necessary to everyone you meet, you never know what kind of battle they are waging!!
Too bad more people do not live this way!!!
Hope your mom & you can get back to a regular life............soon

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

Sounds like things are coming together well. I used to work with a student with cerebral palsy who had a shunt. I had to lift him from his wheelchair and get him belted into a car seat in the school's van and transport him to the swim center for physical therapy. One time I was distracted and accidentally bumped his head while carrying him through the van's door. His grandparents were there and they had a fit, saying I could have messed up his shunt and now they had to take him to the doctor, etc. I felt terrible. I didn't do it on purpose, but they tried to get me fired by complaining to my boss. Fortunately, my boss stood up for me and pointed out all the great things I had done for their grandson. But it made me aware of how fragile these shunts can be. I suspect that pacemakers are more reliable. Here's to hoping your mother is back to her full self soon.

Crystal said...

So glad your Mom is on the mend! And I am sure you are tough like her already :)

Jeni said...

Very glad things are looking better at this point. {{{Hugs}}}

kden said...

I'm glad that things are looking cheerier for you and your family tonight. Sleep Well ♥