The Fragility of Life
Sunday, Feb 18, woke up with a sore throat. Drank some water and it got better.
Monday, Feb 19, woke up with a sore throat. Drank some water and it got better, but was still there. Headed out for my annual physical. On the drive, my ear started hurting. Got worse by the minute. By the time I saw the doctor at 1:30 p.m., it was excruciating. Received an injection of an anti-inflammatory drug, anti-nausea drug and pain killer. Sent home with antibiotics. And then my life took a turn……
Tuesday, Feb 20, I was in the Jasper Memorial ER receiving fluids–and then sent home to continue my antibiotics.
Thursday, Feb 22, I was in my Ear, Nose & Throat doctor’s office with a ruptured ear drum. By the time he was done he gave us 3 options: 1)go home, 2) go to any ER, 3)take a wheelchair ride from his office directly to the hospital for admission. We chose option three and I don’t remember much after that until Saturday.
The ear infection had triggered a bout of Diabetic Keketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. Signs and symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, deep gasping breathing, increased urination, weakness, confusion, and occasionally loss of consciousness. It can occur due to a simple infection. It’s like the body ran a marathon without actually doing it.
For several days, my world was confused, painful, and scary (seven days total in the hospital). My memories are of a variety of calm voices with a symphony of accents saying: “Good morning Mr. Long.” I don’t know how many times it was actually morning. And the sight of many colors of brown hands as they carefully attended my situation, drew blood (so much blood), and tended to my IVs.
As my brain finally began to come on line, it occurred to me, these people had no relationship with me other than I was in need. They were kind, compassionate, gentle, gracious and so much more—to a total stranger.
And the poor nursing students! I met three students on their very first day at the hospital. Their first task was to deal with an older, white, fat, sick guy that needed to be taken back and forth to the bathroom. What a beginning to your training. And yet, they were kind, gracious, and did what needed doing without complaint or comment.
I think about us in the Christian Church, and in community groups. How many times have we been asked, or needed for some task and we had something to say about it, or some critical comment about it, or just wouldn’t do it? How many times could we have just been kind, gracious, and willing and in the process been a blessing.
I am thankful for those who cared for me when I was in crisis. I am thankful for those who have called, emailed, texted, or visited. I am grateful for those that have offered to help and those that followed through when I actually needed something. I have learned new names from foreign places and met people who have chosen America as a place to live and work.
Who knew, that an ear infection would put me in such danger and in such a vulnerable place. I have some time yet in recovery. But I have family and friends who are here for me. Friends, life is fragile—make sure you have your life in order. You never know when stuff will happen