Sydney’s Birthday Dinner
On balance… but that was part of the trouble. My birthday began well enough. Almost. It was to be the Christmas we were unable to have with Charlie and Marta but only Charlie could come. Still, Nyel made reservations at the Bridgewater Bistro, Cate filled in for Marta,and we met Patty and Noel for a marvelous dinner with visiting by Tony and Ann thrown in. And Dave Drury and his trio played Happy Birthday! To Me!
Andrew Emlen of the Skamokawa Swamp Opera
We got home about nine – pitchy black outside. Nyel took the flashlight and went to check on the chickens. It seemed to be taking him a long time. I looked out the east window and could see his light but it wasn’t moving. Just then my phone rang. “I’ve fallen. I think I broke my hip.” I called 911. Charlie grabbed blankets. (It was below freezing but, fortunately, the grass where he had fallen was fairly dry.) Aid Car. Ocean Beach Hospital ER. X-rays. Bad break. Yes, hip.
Charlie Visits Nyel at St. Vincents
Nyel was ambulanced to St. Vincent’s in Portland where he had surgery on Friday morning. Blood pressure plummeted. Much concern. Charlie and I feeling helpless at the hospital. Sunday, no improvement. Charlie and I went home to host an SRO House Concert for the Skamokawa Swamp Opera. (Fabulous!) Phone calls to the hospital before, during, after. No improvement. Transfusions.
One Step at a Time
Monday Charlie and I caravanned into Portland. Nyel feeling lousy but sitting up and actually walking ever-so-slowly with a walker. I am staying until he is ready to go home; Charlie said his goodbyes and back to L.A. “I think we have to stop celebrating Christmas – no matter what time of year it is,” he said. And we both remembered Christmas of 2016 when Nyel went into congestive heart failure and this merry minuet of hospital stays began.
Damn! Damn! Damn! This gentlest of gentlemen has had way more than his share. We’d gladly give up Christmases and Birthdays, too, for Nyel’s good health.
I just knew that something was wrong !! No Blog for days. Tell Nyel we are thinking of him and if I was out that way I would bring him some of my
pea salad that he liked. So sorry about this !!
He says he’d love that! I’m amazed that both of you remember that! I only remember Dancin’ Roger! Obviously, I’m not the foodie! I’m the party girl! (Like mother like daughter, eh.)
Flabbergasted!! Let me know if you could use chicken help or anything else.
Thanks,Erik! Right now Tucker and Carol have it all under control. When we get home, if that Killer Black Rooster gives me any grief, I will enlist your beheading skills!
Well, this is a sorry story. Agree. You and Nyel have seen your share of hospitals for a while. Hope all goes well.
So sorry about Nyel, it’s just one thing after another. I wish I could do something to help, let me know! Hugs and Love to you both
I am REALLY sorry to hear this. Do all of Nyel’s falls,
leg issues, etc. have to do with the surgery that failed? Sending healing
thoughts, hoping for the best. For both of you.
So very sorry to hear this news about Nyel! I’m sure he will pop back up once again as he has a strong will and lots to live for. You both are real troopers but what else can a person do! We will be so happy to hear that you both are back home where your hearts are happy.
So very sorry! Will be spinning the prayer wheel! Te is in Swedish Hospital here. I’ll explain in email. My love to you both.
Thanks so much, Linda. Please give our love to Te! Damn! Damn! Damn this aging thing.
Breaks my heart to hear this:-( We all have to agree that he has had his share of bad things. My thoughts and well wishes are with both of you. Caretaking can be as hard on a person as being a patient. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Thanks, Rita.