Was it God?

It's been a long morning, just trying to pass the time and stay hydrated.  It rained in Chicago, but is clearing up now at 3pm, just in time for the Bears game.  I've had a painful morning trying to get more EleCare Vanilla formula (I guess I should use the word pain a little less loosely!).  I had made 6 calls to Apria to get the right thing; it's really hard when the hospital wants you on a certain formula diet, but can't supply it, and Apria can only supply it when I'm released from the hospital.  Six calls later, I finally called the sales rep, and I apologized greatly for calling her on a Sunday.  She listened to all the headache and how I couldn't digest the other flavors, and said she had 5 cans with her and she would bring them right over to me at the hospital.  What a huge relief.

I webcammed with the kids, and couldn't come up with anything to do.  I'm not really ready to focus on anything - even TV seems to "taxing" on my brain. I think with all the activity, I just enjoy the peace of nothing - at least for a short time, and then I get bored.  So, I finished some more liquids and decided to start my laps around the hospital floor - anything to prevent a blood clot shot.  I didn't want anymore stuff going into my body!

I started doing my laps and passed by a sweet shorter African American/black woman named LoLeeta (or something like that).  She looked like she was in her 40s. We waved when we passed each other in the first lap.  Then on the second lap, I mentioned she looked like she was moving along well, and she said she was doing ok considering all the GI issues.  On the third lap, I stopped and asked if she had surgery and she explained her last week struggling with diverticulosis - with her stabbing pains, blood, and now a liquid diet.  She was a consultant at McDonalds, just starting the job a few weeks back.  Her son, who was 13, was staying with her parents, and she talked about her "baby" with great joy and pride.  So, we chatted and just figured we would talk and do laps together.  We shared our stories, at least the short/short version.  Her IV started to beep and we called it quits after about 6 laps (1/2 mile).  It was nice to have someone to talk with.  We shared the same diet (well she wasn't on the "formula" but at least liquids), pains, medicines, testing - we had quite a bit in common.  However, she continued to have shooting pains, despite her pain meds, diet and antibiotics.  I felt bad as she tensed while we walked; she pushed through but I knew how she felt.  Even with me on a major formula diet change, I actually felt I was in better shape - mentally and physically.  I was really grateful not to be in pain anymore.  I told her I was happy to have met her, and I'd come get her later and we would walk again.

I went back to my "room" and thanked God for meeting someone and having someone to talk to.  I had some more nutrition drinks, texted a few friends, and got bored again staring out the window.  My stomach was still a mess and rumbly from this new infection; but I wanted to keep pushing the nutrition drinks, to ensure I could stay hydrated if I went home potentially tomorrow.  I webcammed with my husband and Lucy again, and I knew they were getting busy.  They were planning to go out for Mexican for lunch; Mom had a craving for grande nachos.  Sounds good, but really not all at the same time.  I still didn't have an appetite; I think I more craved just wanting to be with the family - even watching people eat was fine by me for entertainment.  I told Adam not to come up today, as the Bears game would make things miserable and he or my parents had been up every day since Monday.  I was basically waiting for Jessica, the Apria rep, to deliver the formula.  I reread my blog and corrected some typos.  I checked emails, and was bored.  So, I figured I'd go find LoLeeta and see if she wanted to walk again just to pass some time.  I pulled off my hospital gown, and just wore my cami and my favorite Jockey pants and Adidas sandals.  It was comfortable and more me than the sickly looking gown.  I walked into her room, and said hi behind the curtain so she couldn't see me.  I heard sniffles and dragged my IV around the curtain to find LoLetta in tears on her bed.  I asked if she was ok, and if she wanted to go for a walk or to talk.  She said she was really glad I came, as she was having a rough time.  She got up and we started our laps.  I could see her mood lift as we walked and talked together.  Her deacon from her church called, and I could tell she was religious.  Our talks then became about God and finding the good in all that has challenged us; and to be open that He will take care of us, no matter what is.  I told her she needs to be patient, and not worry about work - it'll be there when this is over.  Take the time to relax and heal and let things go.  The pain is easier to manage when your stomach isn't tied in knots - I know... I was like that in the first 2 weeks too.  Things didn't get easier, but there's just some things you can't do anything about - and to worry about them just makes it harder to get through each day.  After about 3/4 mile, we stopped and went back to our rooms; I needed an ice pack for my potassium IV and was getting tired - that was more walking than I'd done in 26 days, but it still felt good (and we certainly weren't fast).  Jessica dropped off the formula; I was so grateful for her to get what I needed on a Sunday - what a blessing after so much hassle this morning!

I figured I should blog about this, as I really felt that God called me to go in LoLeeta's room right at the time she needed someone there.  Coincidence? Fate? I think not.  I said a quick prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to help someone and to find a nice person to meet.  I'll probably check on her again after dinner tonight.  It's good for me to have someone to talk to, but I think she needs it more.