My last week has been occupied by a lot of sitting in my mom’s hospital room. First it was in ICU. Now she’s on a telemetry floor.
I haven’t been doing much besides sitting. Occasionally I get to walk around to find a cup of coffee or something for lunch, but mostly, I sit. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned and observed in my week of sitting.
1. Sitting all day is exhausting. After 10 – 12 hours in the hospital I’m ready for bed.
2. A heavy sweatshirt is a necessity for visiting the hospital. It’s seriously cold. I’m sure it has something to do with freezing germs out, but it works on family members, too.
3. Private rooms should be the norm. It seems like all the rooms here are private. I think we have HIPAA to thank for that. My dad was in a hospital last year that had up to 5 people in a room. It seemed to discourage visitors. It was pretty depressing to visit. Perhaps the idea was patients would hate it so much they’d improve and get out of there. If that was their strategy, it was a poor one.
4. A room with a view of the Indian River is quite lovely . . . catching glimpses of the ocean is even better. It’s too chilly for boat and kite boarding action on the river right now, but it’s still beautiful to see.
5. Nurses rock. Some of them rock harder than others, but they all work hard and should probably get commendations and medals on a regular basis.
7 responses to “5 Observations from Sitting in the Hospital”
Thanks, Sheryl. I pray that your mom will feel better soon, and that the doctors will help her to heal. You guys are so precious to me, and I’m praying for her every day. Hugs….
Hi Sheryl,
I’m sorry your mom is in the hospital. What’s going on? May she heal quickly!
Where are you living and working lately? Is following Mali’s news hard for you, reminding you of Cote d’Ivoire?
Warmly,
Jennifer Dougan
Sorry to hear about your Mom, Sheryl.
I’ll be praying for all y’all.
Thank God, Nurses rock!
Oh, friend! I’m sure you’re warming hearts and making nurses days by being there. And I know your parents are blessed. Love you!
So sorry to learn about your mom’s illness but glad to hear she is doing better. I’m praying for God’s healing power on her behalf as well as prying for strength for you and your dad.
Thanks for your care and prayers, everyone. I’m blown away by how many people are investing time and energy in prayer for my mom’s health and our encouragement. Thank you so much!
Ginger–you’re the best! You are such a gift to the O’Bryans!
Jennifer–Mali is such a mess. It breaks my heart. I’m based in Colorado right now. Today I’m working in Florida. That’s the nice thing about my work, geography isn’t a factor most of the time. I hope you’re well.
Chris–thanks for your prayers. Go encourage some of the nurses in your life.
Tirzah–we’re trying to make nurses smile wherever we go. And I’m getting caught up on all things HGTV. Not a bad deal.
Miss Jan–Thanks for continually being a part of our lives through prayer. You are such an encouragement!
Hi, Sheryl, Ruth and Walter,
Was surprised and sorry to hear about Ruth’s hospitalization. You are all in my prayers. Hope the infection gets booted out!
Love you all.
Grace