#5 - Don't Like Tag Teaming

My Teammate 

Today is Don's 5th day in the hospital. I feel so lucky that Scott was able to come and help out with his dad... and me. I just wish we could be together, while we cheer Don on in his room.

Here we are today, doing a proper changing of the guards in the courtyard... Methodist Hospital Style. Pandemic protocol allows each patient to have only one guest in the building at a time. Guests must be masked and tagged with a bracelet. Yesterday we weren't the best rule followers. I was supposed to check out and get my tag snipped off, before Scott checked in. Oops! Ignorance was bliss yesterday, when did our tag-teaming (and waiting) in a quiet lounge area, just outside of Don's room. 

Discharging?

This morning when I saw Don at 8 am, he looked much better than when I left him last night. Dr. A. came by 9 and gave us the good word, that Don would be discharged later in the day. I looked over at the flowers and grinned. They didn't even get a chance to wilt! 

I was excited to get Don home so soon, without beeping machines and without the interruption of nurses. I was scared to get him home, where we had no beeping machines and interrupting nurses. 

Evening

By 7 pm, I was still in the hospital. Once again, I said goodbye to Don when visiting hours ended. He wasn't ready to come home. He was back on an IV, with heart regulating meds. It could be a couple more days. Frustrating, but we were relieved that he was in good hands. 

I felt more relaxed leaving Don on his 5th night. After 50+ hours in that hospital, I was finally feeling less anxious. Don seemed more like his old self. He had enjoyed watching football when Scott visited. When I spent time with Don, I listened to him chat with the nurse about Thai food and what she was going to do on her day off. It felt more relaxed. It was frustrating that we 3 couldn't be in the room together, but in some ways that probably worked better for Don.

Saturday Night

As I headed downstairs, I looked at the empty cafe at 7:15. Was I the last visitor of the day? It looked eerie, all empty. I couldn't wait to get back to the house.  

I headed home, feeling glad that Scott would be waiting at home. I've been grateful for his support. It's been nice having him home after 3.5 years, even if it's under these worrisome circumstances.

Flowers & Cookies

When I walked in the door, I saw that someone must have dropped off some goodies for Don.

"No, those are for you Mom." Scott smiled. 

Sigh... I'm not sure yet, who is feeling most supported by Scott's visit. Don or me?
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