Alone

So my girl is back in the hospital. She's got another respiratory infection of some sort. It led to another seizure and the fun really got started. It's been a huge mess. The best part is we called down asking for motrin to help with her fever so she wouldn't seize. My favorite part was when she started seizing, I went to get a nurse while my wife held her. The nurses just sort of shrugged and walked toward the room. When the first one reached the room, a look of panic went across his face. He immediately started running around, causing the others to run. Of course, they didn't do anything (six showed up, none did a thing). She finished it off by throwing up all over my wife and the bed. Did anyone stay to help her clean up or to change the bed linens? Nope.

We know our little girl. We have gotten pretty good at predicting when a seizure is coming. We are not over-reactive parents without a clue. Treat us with a little respect and things will be a whole lot easier. Another example: tonight, they said to keep her up until they could get her evening medicines to the room (they were at the nurses' station). We mentioned that she needs to go bed at 8, or it gets ugly. They said no problem. Meds came about 9:30. We finally got the girl to sleep two hours later, after two solid hours of screaming.

Back to the subject of the post. My wife and I realized today that our lives here are pretty sad. We were in the hospital for two days, and did not get one call or any visitors, save from long-distance family. The only two people that came to the hospital were my parents. It gets very lonely in a room for that long. We've lived in this town for over three years, and we don't have any friends that are close enough to us to visit in the hospital when our daughter is sick. I needed support today. I thank God for my long-distance friends (shout out to the SC).

So what next? I must take an active interest in the lives of those around me. We are those people. The ones you smile at and carry on small-talk with at church, only to "Bless our hearts" when we're out of earshot. We must be proactive in reaching out to others. This whole day has shown me how self-centered I am. All I could focus on was why hasn't anyone called? Why hasn't anyone stopped by? That is so egotistical it hurts. I MUST get a better attitude. The question to be asked is how can I serve others while being at the hospital. The woman across the hall didn't have a visitor these last two days either. Why didn't I stop in for two minutes and say hello?

I am honestly ashamed of myself right now.

Dear Lord,
Grant me your peace. Help me to see your will for me. Help me to lean on the unexpected blessings that you have given us. Help me to always see the big picture, and never lose sight of a home with you.

Through Jesus we pray,
Amen