I am well aware that my posts have become rather sloppily sentimental and even solipistic lately (and I hate solipsism!) I’m also very, very aware that Husband, Son and I are extremely fortunate in so many ways and that our recent troubles are nothing compared to many other people’s situations. I have wanted to say that for some time.
Son’s scoliosis surgery took over seven hours today and tonight he is the intensive care unit attached to a multitude of tubes. As soon as I was allowed to, I went to see him, but he was too groggy to really know I was there, although when I touched one of his hands, he grabbed it and, with his eyes still closed, and with great difficulty (as if my hand were a boulder), raised it to his lips and kissed it.
One of the things the nurses were doing was measuring his height and joking about how tall he would be now. This was a pre-operative joke too which didn’t really resonate with me until today when I remembered how extremely tall Son used to be. He was over 6 feet when the scoliosis went mad and shrunk him; previous to this he had always been ‘the tall kid’. Here he is pictured with two of his cousins who are both four years older than him. Son is on the left.
Okay, moving on now … tomorrow I will see Son, then go home to the birds. One of the funniest phonecalls I made from this hotel room was to my beautiful mother last night.
Me: I’m really worried.
Mother: Of course you are – this is huge surgery.
Me: No, I’m worried about the birds while I’m away. I left heaps of food and water but….
There was a bit of a pause!
jmgoyder 
You know I totally get that. There are a lot of layers to it but I get it. My observations?
1. There has been a lot of torment and worry building in anticipation of the surgery. The surgery was a totally controlled situation and now it is done. Let the healing begin!
2. Your husband is in a safe and controlled environment. You know he is OK.
3. The birds are, well, bird brains. They are home alone and anything could happen.
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I am happy the surgery is done. I love that even through his fog of heavy medications your son kissed your hand.
XO, ~ Lynda
Thanks Lynda – am having to stay another night in Perth because Son still in ICU (but okay) so am even more worried about birds now although good friend, Colleen is going to go over and see to them – phew! Juliex
Forgot to say your observations are spot on!
I love everything you write about. Glad son made it through okay. I’m sure the birds will have missed you and the camera!
You are the greatest!
Sounds like everything went well. It’s a relief. I was rooting for you. Good luck with the healing.
Yes, once the drama is over, the healing is going to take some time – thank you so much for your thoughts, Judith!
Have been thinking about you all … Hope you got my text
Love to you all xxxx Jane
Thanks Jane – am staying another night in Perth as he’s still in ICU – all okay though – Juliexxx
Hi,
How wonderful that your son was able to take your hand and a kiss as well, that is great.
I had to smile at your phone conversion with your Mum. 🙂
Yeah, I think my mum thinks I’m a bit odd!
No matter how serious the moment in our immediate family life, there’s always room for thoughts of others in our surrounding life.
So true.