Fred Carter
In times of crisis it’s amazing what you remember and what you don’t. For me – and maybe for us all – the things that reality etches to a fine point are weird. At 5:00 a.m. in the ER Christmas Eve it was the Doctor-on-Duty’s earring. A strange focal point when everyone was hustling to get Nyel stabilized! Days later in the Critical Care wing of Good Samaritan, it was the long, long hallway leading to Room 372 and back to the maze-like parking garage.
All the while, of course, I was totally focused on the numbers flashing on monitors, on Nyel’s breathing, on what the doctors were saying, on what the nurses were doing. I know I was – but none of that stands out. It’s all a blur.
Sydney and Nanci Main
Also a blur are all the days leading up to our rush to Portland. That Marta and Charlie arrived in time to put the finishing touches on tree and house; that we scurried around to get ready for our bi-annual Christmas party; that guests came in their finery – I remember very little of any of it. All fuzzy and all raising the questions, “Who came?” “Did they enjoy themselves?” “Did I have a good time?”
Cyndy Hayward and Kenny Tam
Interestingly, it’s Nyel who provided some of the answers. Nyel being Nyel, he refused to give up the party or even to take to his bed. He wanted to be there. Period. He dressed (with difficulty and a buttonhook – don’t ask!) and sat in the same spot all evening, not eating or drinking for the full three or four hours – visiting with people and, important in the aftermath, taking pictures! So far, they are the only evidence (except a bit of necessary cleanup) that we even had a party. Well, maybe not quite. But close.
(Sister) Sue Grennan and (Brother) Bill Grennan
Since his view was limited, he only got a bit of what was happening and hardly any of me. But, evidence is evidence, and it looks like a party I would have enjoyed! In fact, I probably did.
It was a great party, and you had a great time…we all did!!! You told us all to eat crab…Erik helped a lot! The food was fabulous as always…the guests were joyous and the house was a delight in all of its holiday finery. Thank you for hosting us…I didn’t have a phone with me or I would have snapped some pics too.