So many, many blessings this Christmas morning! I cannot count high enough or long enough or with enough articulation. Nyel is doing better. My two children are with me. We made it safely into Portland last night, only minutes behind the ambulance and despite the dark and the iffy road conditions.
It’s been twenty-five hours now – since four o’clock yesterday morning – when Nyel said in his usual understated way, “I think it’s time to go into the ER now.” 911. Four (or was it five) EMTs. Ocean Beach Hospital staff fabulous as usual. Numbers on monitors. Too high. Too high. No rooms available at Legacy Emanuel. Wait for transport. Wait for his cardiologist’s response. Wait for meds to kick in. Scary medical-speak – “bi-atrial failure” “checking renal function” “25% enlarged heart.” To say nothing of “your heart is looking pretty gnarly.”
Off to Legacy Good Samaritan. Finally. It’s three o’clock. Charlie and Marta packed to go home from Portland. Presents still under the tree. Chicken-sitter in charge for the duration. OMG! Hang on! Hang on! Please god, no ice. Marta navigating while I curse oncoming high beams. Charlie following in his car.
Critical care unit. A colleague of Nyel’s cardiologist on duty. A scurry of professional activity – tubes and electrical cords and flashing monitors. No pain. Blessings innumerable! Doctors and nurses so efficient, so patient with our little family. Nyel cooperative, low-key as usual. Motel rooms ready across town. Late night “dinner” of food from our fridge – packed up by Marta and Charlie while our nerves fray.
Sleep fast. Wide awake at four again. Call and talk to Helen the nurse. Heart rate down. Pacemaker adjusted. Meds tweaked. Nyel awake. Feeling “a little better” he said. So many, many blessings this Christmas morning!
So sorry to hear about Nyel. Bu it sounds like he is on his way to full and quick recovery; he’s in the best of care and has you and your family and the dedicated medical people to help him get back to us. He’s a gorgeous human being, and we need him back very quickly. Prayers and blessings to Nyel, to you and your children, and may you all come home soon to celebrate your lives with Love, Joy, Blessings, all in the best of health. I pray for a happier today for all of you. Please give Nyel our love and support. If you need help with anything, let me know what I can do. Joe Paliani
Thanks so much, Joe. So far each day is better and relief comes in waves of grateful thanks!
Larry and I are so sad to hear about Nyel’s serious health issue! I know for him to be doing better is the best Christmas gift you could receive. So glad Charlie and Marta were with you for support and their wonderful help. We are sending our very best wishes to all of you.
Thanks so much, Marion and Larry! Nyel is doing better and Charlie and Marta (bless them!) are sticking around until Tuesday at least. The doctors are conferring about best next steps and we are expecting more news about their decisions tomorrow. A lot of this medical stuff is like what they say about the army… “hurry up and wait.” But meanwhile, Nyel has his appetite back and is flirting outrageously with the nurses so I’m thinking he’s definitely on the mend!! Again… thank you for your kind thoughts!
What a terrible and scary way to spend the holiday. So glad that Marta and Charlie could be with you. Both so comfortable in their own skin that they can be a comfort to others. Nyel will be in our thoughts for a return home soon. — Nan and Jack
Thank you, Nan and Jack. Your words and thoughts are so precious…