“Hey cool,” said Suzy. “That’s a good sign that they plan to move her. Why don’t we all go down and grab something to drink and maybe a bite for Ms. Louise here?” Despite Louise’s protests, they all went to the cafeteria and bought coffee and sandwiches.
Even though she was trying to put on a brave front, Claire was terrified inside. Would her mother be able to recover with all the other health problems she had in addition to the stroke? As if sensing how she was feeling, Jason lifted a hand to rub along her back, soothing her tight muscles. Suzy made an effort to keep everyone entertained as Claire kept a close check on her watch wanting to be back for her visit with her mother.
Louise took the time to quiz Jason on everything she could think of. She seemed to give him her unofficial seal of approval by the time they were finished. Jason rose a few moments later, and they emptied their tray and went to the ICU unit. After checking with the nurse’s station, Claire was given her mother’s room number and reminded again that she could only visit for ten minutes. With a squeeze of her hand for encouragement, Jason released her and escorted Suzy and Louise to the waiting room while she went down the hall to locate her mother’s room.
~~~
Claire came to a stop and her hand flew to her mouth when she saw her mother. She seemed to be covered with wires and tubes. She had a tube in her mouth and her arms and hands both had IVs taped into place. There were wires peeping from the top of her hospital gown as well. A nurse was standing beside of the bed, checking her pulse rate and recording her vitals.
She walked slowly forward, trying to get her emotions under control. The nurse turned and gave her a warm smile. “Hi there, I’m just finishing up here. My name is Glenda, and I’ll be your mother’s nurse so you will see me a lot. Are you Ms. Walter’s daughter?”
“Yes… Yes, I am. I’m Claire Walters. How… How is she doing? Should there be this many things connected to her?”
“It’s pretty normal for a stroke victim. The doctor will assess her daily, and she’ll be gradually removed from some of the monitors as she improves. I know it looks really scary, but it’s normal at this point,” assured Glenda.
“Has she been awake recently?”
“Not since she’s been moved here. They have her sedated. It can be very confusing and upsetting for someone who suffered a stroke to be faced with any speech or movement issues so soon afterwards. The doctors want to make sure they’re on hand, and that they have a good idea of what they’re looking at before they risk the patient possibly doing further injury to themselves in a state of panic.”
“Do they believe then that she’ll have permanent damage as a result of the stroke?”
“Oh no, it’s really too soon to tell. Your mother may have problems that resolve themselves over time. Whatever point she’s at, it will improve to some level. It’s too soon to speculate though so I’m just going to finish my rounds and let you have your visit. Please ask for me at the nurse’s station if you have any problems, each of my patients becomes my family, and I believe in taking care of family.” Claire was really touched by the sincerity she heard in Glenda’s voice, and she thanked her as she quietly closed the door on her way out.
She tentatively walked to her mother’s side, her heart pounding as each step brought her closer. She gently touched her hand, careful of causing the IV to move. Oh mom, you didn’t deserve this. After all you have gone through in your life was it too much to ask for some happiness? I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I promise we will get you what you need. You will get better, God, please don’t let me lose my mommy.
Claire felt tears rolling down her cheeks and brushed them away, almost surprised to feel them. She placed her lips gently against her mother’s forehead and whispered “I love you.” Claire knew her ten minutes were long since over and that Louise would want to visit before visiting hours ended. When she had composed herself once again, Claire located the ICU waiting room and looked at the anxious faces there waiting for her.
Jason walked over to slide his arm around her shoulders as she relayed the information that Glenda had given her. Suzy offered to walk Louise down to her mother’s room. Jason led her to a chair and took the one beside her. “How are you? What can I do to help you right now?”
Gripping his hand, Claire turned to him, “She just looked so still and there were so many things connected to her. Is she going to be okay Jason, is she?”
“Shhhh, it’s going to be ok; we will get her everything she needs. If she’s anything like you, then she’s very strong and that will help her more than anything. You need to get some rest so you can be strong for her.”
"When Suzy and Louise come back, we all need to go home for the night. I want you to stay with me; I don’t think you should be alone.”
“No, I need to stay with Louise; she shouldn’t be by herself right now.”