...Since life is chaos!
My grandmother is doing better now, although her back is still in masses of pain. But the bad news is, my stepfather has been rushed into emergency surgery as his retina has detached, so must be operated on immediately or he will be rendered blind. My mother is at the hospital and Partner Unit, Sister and I are taking a care package out to her shortly, and we will provide a constant food and ferry service today and tonight. My mother is insisting that we go to the Dallas Stars game as planned, since she I think she actually wants to be with my stepfather alone and they won't be operating until about 10pm. So Sister, Partner Unit and I will go to said game, but duck out of it after the 2nd period so we can wait at the hospital with them.
The hospital, which sitcks out in my memory as the last place that I ever saw Kim alive. The very same hospital.
Life always comes full circle like that.
Tomorrow morning Partner Unit and I leave for Chicago, and will have to sprint between terminals to catch our flight to Stockholm. We can't change our tickets, the airline won't let us, or we would do to stay and help my mom. So the next time you will hear from me is Sunday. If you're looking up at the sky tomorrow, think of me as I whiz by overhead.
And think of my stepfather, as he has his eyes operated on for the third time in three months. I know I will be thinking of him, and of my mother, my sister, and my grandmother.
God I love my family.
-H.
PS-I chopped all my hair off.
Posted by Everydaystranger at December 26, 2003 11:01 PM | TrackBackHeh...you wanna hear something funny? I was looking at planes in the sky around the time you said you would be coming home and wondered if any of them might be you.
I can't wait...I CANNOT WAIT! to see your new hairstyle!
Posted by: Serenity at December 29, 2003 05:46 PMWhile I had hoped for better Christmas tidings from you, I'm still glad that your grandma is better. And I hope that your step-dad will be better soon, too.
Posted by: Gudy at December 29, 2003 11:42 AMi'm very glad to hear your grandma is doing ok. amazing how a crisis can bring a family together. i hope you had a safe trip home. can't wait to see the new do! ;-)
xoxoxox
Hope your step-dad and grandma are ok. and your folks who are caring for them too.
have a safe trip back. did you tell the airlines why you wanted to change your tickets?
I know in australia that makes a difference.
Posted by: melanie at December 28, 2003 01:15 AMI hope everything works out well with you and your family!
Posted by: Jay at December 27, 2003 10:54 PMWell, I'm glad you have found strength and comfort from the same family you felt so detached from this time last week. Sorry to hear about the illnesses of your loved ones, but am at least happy that you have at last found the spirit of Christmas this year. It's all about "home is where the heart is", girl! And YAY for your new hair cut! Can't wait to see pictures. Safe flight!
Posted by: amy t. at December 27, 2003 04:35 PMH,
As if your family hasn't endured enough this Christmas! We'll keep your family in our thoughts.
How dare you come to Chicago and not stay over! What am I saying? I'll be in Madison, WI anyway.
Have a safe journey home and POST A PIC OF THE NEW HAIR!!
PC
Posted by: Paul USA at December 27, 2003 04:35 PMI hope your grandmother, step-father, the Dallas Stars and most importantly that you're doing OK. It sounds like you've had a pretty traumatic time of it over the past few days.
With any luck you'll get an upgrade on the return flight too and like the others, I think we need a pic of your fantastic short hair!
Posted by: Gareth at December 27, 2003 01:49 PMSorry you're having such a rocky holiday season. Try to enjoy the game and I will send some positive vibes toward your family. Have a safe journey home and I can't wait to see the new 'do!!
Posted by: James at December 27, 2003 11:52 AMI think it qwould have been better if you had not chopped your hair off at a time like this when everything is so hectic. Sounds too much like: if I chop my hair of now, I will be a different person and everything will be better. Better take care of all the other stuff first.
Posted by: irene at December 27, 2003 06:37 AMAww... All the best H! I hope your family gets better soon.
Posted by: Melodrama at December 27, 2003 05:11 AMGirl, can your life *get* any more traumatic? Schwa. Maybe I should send you the evil-eye bracelet for protection!
Take care and get home safely. Hope New Year's is much easier!
Posted by: Kaetchen at December 27, 2003 01:51 AMBest wishes to all your family Helen, nothing like a bit of drama at Christmas, hope everything turns out well...and please post a pic of the haircut :)
Posted by: nisi at December 27, 2003 12:45 AMHelen,
I, too, hope you have a safe trip back to Sweden. You and your family will be in my thoughts today.
Somehow I thought you might cut your hair - would love to see a picture!
Posted by: Sue at December 27, 2003 12:15 AMHave a safe journey back to Sweden. I'll say a prayer for your Stepfather and your Grandmother.
And when you get back, have Partner Unit take a picture of your pretty short hair.
Gee, I just now realized that the abbreviation for Partner Unit is PU! Sorry - puppy just farted, I said PU, looked up, saw Partner Unit there in print, and it hit me.
Posted by: Beth at December 27, 2003 12:05 AM