MONDAY MEMOIRS - Close Calls

This last week, my oldest son, Grant (24), was admitted to the hospital after his appendix burst. 3 days after his appendix burst! He should not have lived passed the first 24 hours. After the initial shock of the diagnosis wore off, he was admitted to the hospital, had a drain put in, and was put on antibiotics. I spent the week in the hospital with him as he fought the infection. He slept alot, and I prayed alot. A few observations...

- During those 3 days before we knew what had happened, Grant was in a tremendous amount of pain. As word spread of his drama, everyone was amazed at how strong he was - it was unbelievable that he could stand the pain! I remember during my cancer journey - especially when I went through things like a bi-lat mastectomy - people would say - "You are so amazing. You are so strong." I was thinking about this as Grant slept, and I know he would agree with me when I say... we had no choice. I'm sure we would rather have had no pain, no surgeries, etc. We were strong because we had to be. Period. There was no other choice.

- Grant's facebook post during that week said: "Was so busy being manly last week, that when my appendix completely exploded all over my insides, I didn't even notice." Haha! It's my belief that humor always helps with healing - apparently Grant feels the same way!

- No matter how old your kids get, you are still the mom. You worry about them just the same when they are 3, 11, 24, or 42. I didn't do much while Grant was in the hospital - I just sat there, talked when he wanted to talk, and read while he slept. I listened to the doctors and nurses when he was too drugged up or worried to listen. I remember that my mom was just as worried about me when I was diagnose with cancer - and I was 42! She was my chemo partner, and she was there to talk when I wanted to talk, read while I slept, and listen to the doctors and nurses when I was just too sick and confused to care. You never stop being a mom.

I feel like I'm just rambling on, so please forgive me. Since this close call with my son, I've had so many thoughts and feelings running through my head that I can't quite make sense of them.

I'm just grateful, as is Grant, for the trials we have to go through, for humor, for the people who we can count on, and for the blessings we receive from a loving Heavenly Father.