Reprieve

My mom's swollen foot, in the rehabilitation center...

Last year, at this same time, my world was falling apart.  My mom received a flu shot, which compromised her already weak immune system.  Her lungs shut down, and her blood filled up with CO2.  Her body became paralyzed.  She experienced all of the symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The afternoon before Open Studios last year, I remember stumbling to my car, in the hospital parking lot, sobbing.  I thought that she was going to die, and I felt so selfish and terrible, leaving her bedside. I drove home, and mechanically mowed my lawn, and cleaned the house.  In the hospital, my family had talked me into following through with Open Studios.  

My sister in law called me late that evening and delivered some positive news about my mom's condition.  It was a godsend. The next day, when a flood of friends came through, they brought calm. Wendy and her lovely daughters came all the way from Reno.  My sisters, and John came and brought food.  They sat in my backyard and ate.  I could feel their support all the way inside the house.  Friends from school visited, and Grant and Susie, always so kind.

I want to express my gratitude for the ability to have more time with my mom.  I'm not a very good daughter, and I appreciate the chance that I've been given to try to ammend that situation.  I love my family so much.  They mean the world to me.  And, I choose friends very carefully.  They are the best and brightest.  Thank you to all...