Mom at the airport last summer, leaving for North Dakota
The nightmare begins, for so many older people, with a fall.
Mom was visiting her friend a couple days ago and stepped off a low porch. She fell and broke her right femur. Not just a fracture – complete break. The xray showed that the bones slid past each other, causing the broken leg to be six inches shorter than the other one. Yikes, right?
Yesterday morning she had surgery to install a rod. Doctor said she has real strong bones for her age, 85, and the surgery went “beautifully.” Last night when I went to see her, she was eating jello and apple juice and enjoying the pain meds, laughing and cracking wise. She’ll be in the hospital until they can assess her progress. Then she’ll either go to a convalescent home for a short time or come directly to stay with Bill and I for a few months.
Yes, she’ll be moving in with me. I’ll still leave the house every day to care for my more-funtastic-every-day granddaughter. My sweetheart of a husband will care for Mom at home. We’ve got the house for it: a one-story with limited carpeting. She’ll be just fine.
She admitted that at first she was so depressed. She actually allowed herself to think the words, “Oh, no. Is this the beginning of the end?” But then she got feisty and even a bit pissy. Right after she came out of surgery and her head cleared, she was determined to start therapy ASAP. The expectation is that she will be able to heal and return home! We feel blessed that she has always taken such good care of herself, exercise class 3x a week for example. And thanks to Karen, my sister, for kicking Kaiser into gear yesterday morning and getting the surgery going right away.
I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, say some prayers that her recovery goes well. We’re hoping there will be no need for her to spend any time in a convalescent facility and can come straight to my house.
Tonight at 8:30 EST, our circle will share 15 minutes of quiet energy to help our loved ones who are facing challenges right now (yesterday was an extraordinary collection of scary personal news!) and I will send some extra light to your Mom, too, Lynne. Please share the circle, any who are able and so inclined. Balance and harmony wishes to all!
Lynne, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s fall. How fortunate for her that she’s taken such good care of herself (physically and mentally!) — that should point to a speedy recovery, though people in general tend to mend slower as they age (not trying to depress you, but I don’t want you or her fretting either!). She’s blessed to have you and Bill nearby to help and encourage her on the path to full recovery. I’ll say some prayers for all of you!
I’m anxious to hear how Mom is doing. I love her fighting spirit and feel certain she has all the ingredients to come back swinging. Hugs and healing vibes your way!
Hi Lynne, I’m so sorry about your mother’s fall. She sounds like she is very positive and has a lot of spirit. I’ll say a prayer for her fast recovery. You take care of yourself. Everything must seem so overwhelming to you right now. Hugs, Carolyn
Oh wow Lynne, how scary but it sounds like she’s going to come through it just fine. Luckily, she has you guys who can make her feel safe and secure.
“But then she got feisty and even a bit pissy.”
That should insure great results!!! Best to you all.
Isn’t it fascinating to watch as those we love move to the next phase of their lives! What wonderful life lessons we can learn from each other!
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Wonderful, wonderful outlook all round.
You are both lucky you have each other!
Arlene