Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Eating Pop-Tarts at Home


Dave is home! He was discharged yesterday afternoon. I went to the hospital to pick him up and accompany him back to the house, helping him carry his meager bags. The move was a huge undertaking for someone who hadn't walked farther than the bathroom for the past week.

But he got home just fine, and he's been eating yogurt and a little bit of green pea soup and even Pop-Tarts. (At this point I'm happy to get anything into him, even if it's nutritionally suspect.)

It feels so good to have him here, to come back to some semblance of normalcy. I think even Olga is relieved. She's still in bed at the moment, sleeping off her nervous exhaustion like Joan Crawford.

And not to make this all about me, but I'll be happy if I never have to go to that hospital again. Not that Dave didn't receive great care there -- he did. We're thankful for the NHS and the hospital staff and the facility itself. I've just seen way too much of hospitals during the past three weeks or so!

Throughout this experience of Dave's illness and surgery, and my Dad's concurrent illness and surgery, people kept asking me, "How are you?" I've never known how to answer that question. I mean, day to day, I've been fine -- a little harried, but I just get up and get going and do whatever needs to be done. I  haven't had time to be too emotionally rattled! How am I? Well, I'm not sure.

I think I'd have been much worse off if I ever had any doubts about Dave's ultimate recovery, but I didn't. Knock on wood.

People at work have been great, I must say. They've offered to bring us food and buy us gift baskets,  they've sent roses and cards. (It's amazing how much water a vase of roses can suck up, by the way.) It's trite to say we're lucky, but we are.

(Photo: This mysterious office, which advertises visa services and property management, among other things, never seems to be open. Yet there's always a huge mound of garbage piled out front.)

11 comments:

John Going Gently said...

In this bad ild world people can be very kind.......thank god!

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Welcome Home Dave!...All I know is that it must have been pretty serious to be in hospital for so long. The NHS try to get people in and out as soon as possible. Fingers crossed for a full recovery.... I am now intrigued by "The White Room". Damn you Steve!

Ms. Moon said...

The White Room is probably a door to a burrow where secret things we cannot imagine occur.
I am SO glad to hear that Dave is home. Let him eat ALL the Pop Tarts if that is what he wants.
Now. Nest. Rest. Healing.

ellen abbott said...

glad to hear that Dave is home and life is returning to normalcy.

Red said...

It's great that Dave's home. Hospital life doesn't cater to one's fitness when they limit movement. A few days at home will make a big difference.

e said...

So glad Dave is home and eating! I hope his recuperation continues to go smoothly. Best to you both. How is your Dad?

37paddington said...

So glad to hear Dave is home. I think you are like my husband; you just roll up your sleeves and do what's before you. None of this beating your chest and asking why. I admire it greatly.

Sharon said...

I'm so glad to hear that Dave is home and doing well. It sounds like you have been very positive throughout both Dave's and your dad's illnesses. I'm a believer in keeping a positive outlook. I think it's the best way to handle things.

Jennifer said...

Welcome home, Dave! I'm so glad to hear things are improving for you both.

The Bug said...

Oh man, poptarts are the best thing! I might have to get one so I can join Dave in recovery (not that I've had surgery or anything - it would just be solidarity with him. Heh.)

So glad he's home!

jenny_o said...

I'm glad Dave's recovery is progressing. And I'm sure being home will be much more comfortable for all of you. Keep on truckin'!