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We’ve laughed and we’ve cried
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If you are unfamiliar with my marriage story thus far, I’ll just give you a brief update. On March 19th Scott, now my husband, was helping out a young mom with her car. There was gas. There was ignition. There was a trip to the ER. On March 20th we were married in a very short ceremony that my husband barely remembers because of the pain medication he was on. A few days later, my son was in the ER for dehydration and the next night my husband was admitted to the Burn Unit because his 2nd and 3rd degree burns were infected.
My husband was in a lot of pain for two weeks. The first day without pain meds, we took the kids to the river for a short ride and walk on the sand bar. It was wonderful! That night he flopped around in the bed like a fish out of water.
The kidney stone required a trip to the local ER, a CT Scan and of course….more pain medications. Um…yeah. Without really putting this into un kid friendly terms, pain meds and the pain itself have really made sure we didn’t die of consumption (you know what I mean, if you’ve ever watched Fool’s Gold, if not, drop me a line and I’ll explain in more adult terms).
I’ve cried. I’ve tried not to show how hard this has been on me. I’ve cried. We’ve argued. We’ve tried to make the best of things.
After Easter and spring break with 5 kids, we decided to make another trip to the ER , hoping to be admitted to the hospital for Lithotripsy. (Where they use sound waves to break up kidney stones small enough to pass).
We arrived at the same hospital with the Burn Unit, where we were a few weeks back. Walked in, they took him back and told him…NO UROLOGISTS HERE! We went on referral of 2 others who had their procedures done at another hospital, yet thought it was at this place. Um no.
You can only imagine his aggravation level, especially being without his pain medication since the morning before.
Now imagine when you walk up to your vehicle, get the keys out of your pocket, and realize you don’t have the right set of keys and only have an ignition key. No door key. No keyless entry. Nothing. Well, not nothing, we had a hatchet, a pipe wrench and an antennae.
That, didn’t work. Well it did, but only when the hatchet went through the driver’s side window.
*sigh*
So off to the next hospital ER. Urologist? Check! Security guard watching over our now unsafe to leave in the parking lot truck….well he was there, but no check ïŒ
Off we go. Another 2 hours of driving to change trucks, to the one that doesn’t fit in the parking garage or that I feel comfy driving with anyone else on the road beside me. Yeah, its jacked up, drives strange and we are in the downtown congested area where the streets were made for horse and buggy. Great.
More poking and prodding, x-rays and CT Scans were made.
When my husband was called back to the ER for the final “ I’m gonna get to see a doctor, trip to the back, not just for them to him a cup and tell him where the restroom is†trip, we were put into triage, where they pretty much treat the worse case first. Apparently my husband’s illness wasn’t as bad as others, or something. After about 30 minutes of trying to sit on a very very squeaky, slippery stool we started hearing voices.
The nurse was asking the man 2 beds down from us about his symptoms and such. Hearing voices was the one of the main ones that concerned me and my husband, along with schizophrenia, drinking a case of bear plus ½ to 1 gallon of whiskey a day! Within minutes, he was out of there, no doctors talked to him…nothing. Quite interesting while it lasted though. The voices were having fun with him is all I’m saying. And a very important part of this story is that he was moved to the 2nd floor. Remember this 2nd Floor is the psych ward, mmm-kay?
So the doctor comes in. Cool guy really. I liked him a lot. He drew pictures before the night was over and used the words “Tool†and “Johnsonâ€. Not sure what he was talking about, but I don’t think those are medical terms for parts of the anatomy. Wish I would have kept the pictures he drew to show you guys, really…it was fun. Anyways the best part was that my husband was on pain meds from that point. He slept a couple hours, and I watched cable! George Lopez rocks!
Well that’s until we turned the boob tube off. Paramedics brought in this guy that had been working on the hospital cafeteria. He’d collapsed outside. Yeah they called and ambulance to take him about 100 feet to the ER. He needed that.
The man came in talking, answering questions. They asked his name over and over, he answered or his boss answered. The 57 year old man named Mike answered the first 5 didgets of his social security number with no problem, but the last 4 he hesitated. Started moaning in pain. Then we heard the doctor telling him calmly to be still and breathe normally because he was having a heart attack.
About 6-8 feet from our “room†that had curtain walls. A man was having a heart attack.
There was moaning, running, nurses and doctors calling out orders, repeating themselves.
“5,000 volts, clearâ€
In about 25 minutes from the time the man entered the ER. The man had electricity run through his body 4 times.
We heard it
We felt it…in our hearts.
We prayed and tried to keep each other calm and not cry, especially when we heard…
“Oh God!………..I’m going!….I’m going!…..I’m going!….â€
The pumping of his heart, the blood splattering, machines moved in and out, carts moved around, footsteps of at least 10 people…..the sounds….of a man in so much pain….he died.
Time of death was called. Prayers were lifted to our Lord for his soul, his wife that could not be reached and his daughter.
You never know do you? All of our discussions later came around to his salvation. In 57 years, did this man take Jesus as his savior? In the last moments of his life, he was calling his name but….
Hours went by.
Finally we were being moved upstairs. A urologist would be up to see us by 7am. I jokingly told Scott that I’d arranged to have him placed in a special room, with pillows all over the walls. Ha! He laughed! The orderly didn’t…I didn’t notice it at the time at all.
We were on a strange hallway. There were a lot of smaller nurses stations. Hmm…maybe they changed things but more nurses is a good thing, right? Around the corner, down a bit and a sharp turn into a room that looked like the burn unit wound care rooms, or those special rooms on House with the glass wall so ur like a fish in a fishtank and everyone can see you.
Except there was more stuff in there, crammed stuff. It was so small. Like the size of my largest, but still small bathroom. My husband asked where the potty was, and the metal toilet was pointed out…that you pull out under the sink.
Talk about a bad feeling when you have to poop!
Of course he let his feelings be known that he needed a bathroom, a real one, and soon. The new nurse said there was a public toilet down the hallway, and something about that Mr. I hear voices from the ER was his new neighbor! WHAT!
Our “special†room was for those “crazies†that like to hop out of bed all the time. That was almost a direct quote from the night nurse. Um yeah….he was in a “special roomâ€!!!!
So we were being moved, to a better room on the hallway within 5 minutes. Great thing I tell you! Great thing!
He walked out to find a more private potty, then the nurse came to show me to our new room.
I walked in. Put my things away. Scott was down the hall at the public potty, so I was gonna run potty myself.
You know how you have those flashes of ideas? No? well I do. A picture of a “crazy person†crouched down in our bathroom hiding from the nurses was all that I could see.
I just knew that would never happen, right?!!!
I opened the door and….
A BIG HAIRY, NAKEY MAN WAS SITTING ON THE POTTY!!!
OK, now I’ll tell you that the room I’d told my husband about was a joke, I was teasing him. When I thought that the man in the ER wasn’t just kidding around and really had Schizophrenia, I was just guessing…thinking how weird would that be. When Mike was coding, I thought ….what if….nah!
Seriously, I had to do a double take! The BIG HAIRY NAKED MAN SITTING ON THE POTTY, looked at me. I looked at him. He was kinda crouched over so I didn’t see HIM, but I was only about 2 feet away from him at this point.
The man said “Do you mind?!â€
I closed the door….and cracked up! I was crying I was laughing so hard!
My husband was told what room to go to first, before I got there without my knowledge. There were no locks on the door of course…it’s the Psych floor…
He didn’t think it was quite as funny as I did, but it was funny.
****************************************************************************
Sometimes you have to laugh at all the things going wrong in your life. I know that I do, if I didn’t…..2nd floor here I come.
Friday morning at 10:30 they are gonna blow his stone to bits…I hope. I really pray we are at home safe and in no pain in a day or two. I’ll let you know. In the mean time, don’t listen to those voices in your head, especially if they tell you there is a crazy person in your bathroom….
The saga continues…..
Hi, Mom Bloggers Clubbers
I wanted to say hi to everyone from MBC! You guys are great. I’m trying to keep up with all of you that are connecting via Google Friend Connect, and following you back. If for some reason you don’t see me follow you back within 24 hours, just come back and remind me because its an oversight.
Visit Mom Bloggers Club:
I <3 reading blogs from the MBCers. I’ve found quite a few blogs that I just can’t resist reading all the time.
For those of you that haven’t joined this group, I suggest that you do. There is a ton of good information for Mom Bloggers all in one place, and to me that’s the really big thing. You meet all kinds of new people and will get involved in a lot of groups that will help your blog thrive. So go check it out and come back and thank me when you are making the big bucks online! lol
Randomness from a foggy headed beast
So I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m sure it had something to do with the fact that I took no pain meds for my shoulder, someone throwing the cover off of the bed, changing sides of the bed, being woken up constantly for one reason or another.
So tomorrow is my last final, and well I can’t concentrate on anything right now. So what to do, but catch up on some blog reading. Make a list of emails that I need to follow up on. Make plans for after finals.
This weekend we are going to try to start fixing up my middle bathroom. I hope this happens, because it looks like crap now. We want to start taking one project a weekend to work on until the house is back to normal…well kinda, nothing with me is normal.
Next week Mama is coming to help me with curtains for the kitchen, then we will pick out paint colors for the walls and cabinets, then add some trim and we should be good to go. (I want ball fringe, I just thought of that)
My fans need to be cleaned, I don’t think plain dusting is going to help.
I have a cool color picked out for my bedroom walls, but No idea what I would put on my bed to match. I should start looking, because I like to change too often for it not to be neutral I think. Maybe I’ll rethink the whole color of choice.
I will have 5 kids in my house this weekend, and beds for 3. Well really only for 2, because one isn’t up yet, but that isn’t a huge problem.
I will be kidless this school year, during the days at least. What will I do with myself? Projects are being planned and replanned.
I really hate when I support someone with everything that they do, and they just overlook everything that I do. I help rally the troops and then when I need help on something, they just drop the ball…or never even pick it up. I think its all about jealousy. I know I’m smart and sexy, but hey…don’t let that get to you! ROFL!
There was an email from the Flylady (or Kelly or someone) a little while ago about fitness. Bascially I need to stop thinking that I need a cookie cutter workout schedule. Just do something when I can. That’s so much better than nothing at all. Now my excuse is my shoulder. everything hurts when you have an injured shoulder…what to do now?
I think I need to remember that with my blogs too. Maybe I shouldn’t try to post daily, or every day for every thing I like to do..um like memes and carnivals. Sure I like to do them, but If I don’t plan accordingly, it doesn’t get done, or is just not done well.
I’m looking at changing cell phone service. I want to keep my number, but I also want to try the service out for the first 30 days to see if it actually works. If it doesn’t…can I change my number back to the old service? I’m leaning toward one service, and the bill payer is leaning toward another. I don’t care as long as it picks up really. And Do I want a blackberry or a smartphone/PDA that has the Windows OS? Decisions.
Can I plant roses now? What’s the rule on that? I want to order some roses, but I need to know when I can plant them.
Can someone clean my house for me, cause I don’t feel like it. The kids rooms and laundry room are all a big wreck. The rest of the house would really only take a few minutes to get back in order. Culling clothes is still on the list to continue on, but I haven’t in a few days.
I really like facebook. I never thought that I would, but I do. I’m pretty addicted, although I haven’t been on there all day, that I remember.
I’m on the emergency contact list of my future neice – in – law. Thanks future – brother – in – law. I feel important and accepted.
STOP THE PRESSES
I lost my camera.
NO pics of the first day back to school.
Or the 2nd.
Or 3rd.
Maybe the 5th, because I hadn’t unpacked it. It was with my swimsuits in my luggage. What was I thinking?
I need to write a list of things I want for the house, and a wishlist for myself. This needs to be a prioritized list. Does satelite internet go on my list of the house? And is it more important than tile or a dishwasher? Ok someone help me out here.
Ok I’ve put it off too long, I’m going to shower, and then pick up a book. By then it will be time to go get the kiddos from the bus. Then I will find a project for them since next week starts on their homework.
Oh yeah, if you have ever used one of the blog to book services, can you let me know which one and how you liked it. Septemberish I’m going to start blogging some family recipes so that I can turn them into a cookbook for my mom and family members. If you want a copy just let me know before I order.
Just because I’m in a hotel…
I can wash dishes with tiny bottles of off-brand dish soap that doesn’t work.
I can have 2 computers running at once, and another on the other side of the room.
I can have lots of bottles of medication everywhere, and stuff all of my things into Scotts shaving kit.
I can write notes, wear my cute new sunglasses and eat lemonheads without any kids distracting me.
I can crochet, and play games with my honey.
Or even take funny pictures of myself when I’m bored.
I can sneak around the hotel and take pictures of the housekeeping carts while the housekeeper isn’t looking.
And drink tomato tea, even if it makes the room smell like garlic.
And watch Scott shave his head, but only from afar, because he will cut the $%^& out of himself if he knows I’m doing it.
And yes he knew I took this one, and didn’t care at all.
And finally, I can try to look sexy and goofy all at the same time, and only me and a few others know. 
Welcome to Polka Spot Farm
Thanks for stopping by from Blog Hop 09. I’m Christi. I’m a single mom of 3, and girlfriend of the best man on earth who has 2 kids also. I write about the day to walk down the simple life road. Lately I’ve taken the 30 Posts in 30 days challenge to improve my writing skills. I find that the more I write the more natural it sounds. To get a feel for what I do check out my blog and tell me what you think.
*Warning Rant in Progress* Single mom’s CAN make it work.
If you don’t know, I’ve been a single mom for over 7 years. This is minus a man living with me for about 8 months of that time last year. I’ve lived with my parents, or in my parents home for that amount of time.
I NEVER thought that would happen.
Now I live by myself, along with my kids, in a very rural area on a small farm. I am unemployed and have been for over a year and a half. (I removed myself from a bad position at work that was taking a toll on me and my family)
I do not get child support. I repeat, I DO NOT GET CHILD SUPPORT.
I do take advantage of 2 government programs: Food Stamps and Pell Grants.
With this I feed my family, and I keep the lights turned on at home. That’s about it.
For extra money, I do a few other things that are all perfectly legal and ethical. (For a single mom, this is important to say because I’ve been accused of many things)
When I became single I cried, I screamed, I became depressed. That was 7 years ago when my third child was 2 days old. The second time, I went through the same things again, only add anxiety to the list.
I’ve gone through bankruptcy, I still have debt that I cannot pay. Am I proud of this, no! But I have to make sure my kids have what they need.
Under NO circumstances have I ever considered giving up custody of my children, or living apart from my children. It. Will. Never. Happen.
I have relied on my mother to help with money when it was too tight to stretch any farther. I have made bad decisions and supported a working man while he was living in MY home. I still took care of things myself.
Only when I’ve been totally single and things have just gone wrong (which happens a good bit) have I ever asked for help. My mother is that help 99% of the time. Other family members have refused to help me in the past, even if they knew without a doubt they would have the money back within weeks.
I have heard so many comments (not questions) saying “how do you do it?” My answer is, “I just make things work.” They don’t get this, because they don’t understand it.
I’m blessed I know, but I have had to bow my head down and ask for help many times.
If you want your family to wear designer clothes all the time, this isn’t going to work, unless u buy everything second hand. There is NO problem with that at all.
So my rant is that if you are a single mom, stop saying “I can’t make it work!” Don’t say, “My kids would be better off if I were dead!” Have you ever talked to suicide victims? The children of those people don’t agree with you at all.
Don’t tell me that you don’t want to live with your parents. DO IT, if that’s what keeps your family together. Your kids need you. Don’t tell me that you can’t let your kids live with you because they are better off staying in the same school. Move them with you! Don’t tell me that if you move you will loose custody of your kids. ITS NOT TRUE! Go talk to the judge. If you are moving your children into a better situation with you, they will almost always agree.
Don’t make decisions because of your babies daddy may not like it. If you are letting him control your decisions, then you are not the Woman that you need to be for you children.
Get off your behind and DO WHATEVER IT TAKES! Even if that’s living in a po-dunk town with dead end jobs, or sleeping in the same room with your kids, or in the same room you did when you were 12.
Aren’t your kids worth it?
Polka Spot Farm goes on on a Simple Living Vacation
This week I’m in Gulf Shores, AL. We have rented a beach house here for the week, and enjoying it immensely. I know this doesn’t sound like a Simple Vacation, but when you look at things a little closer, we are on our way to a more simple vacation.
One of the biggest things we are doing this week is eating in. Our budget was just bombed with a huge expense that we were not expecting, but the return rate is huge on that expense. We were only planning on eating out once or twice and ordering pizza once. Now we are only cooking. This has helped our budget by at least $200. Eating at at the beach house also allows for more swimming time in the pool, and family conversation even if we have two tables that seat 4 each and a bar that the girls enjoy sitting behind.
The next thing is that we are walking across the street to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf. Ok, you may ask why this is simple? Well it would cost us $5 a day to park at the beach, and even more if we rented chairs and umbrellas.
Laundry is a breeze. All of the towels are hung from the banisters of the many balconies we have here. Yeah it looks a little odd, but everyone around does this, and it cuts down on the electricity use. We do bathing suits the same way, and normally just rinse them in the sink or tub first, and normally while taking a shower.
As always, bring some extra bags. You know, the reusable grocery bags, tote bags and such. These are great for packing a towel and sunscreen and water bottle to the beach, or picking up seashells or hermit crabs. This is all on top of your normal shopping at souvenir shop, produce market or g
rocery store.
WFMWTurtle
Wordless Wednesday here and here.
Menu for May 18-24
Hi all! Be sure to check out my frugal post on Homemade Laundry Detergent. Add the ingredients with your grocery list for this week and add one more step to your search for simple living. Also be sure to subscribe for upcoming stars giving us their best tips for organic gardening.
Now on to the business at hand. This week is the last week of school, so I’m planning some fun things because no one looks forward to the last week, just the week after? right? So read on for a great recipe to add to your collection and fun for almost summer!
Monday: Sausage Dogs with homemade buns.
Tuesday: Chicken and fruit kabobs
Wednesday: Mashed Potatoes (recipe below) for a chicken dinner at church, and a surprise Ice Cream sundae buffet!
Thursday: Pancakes, sausage, bacon Oj and fruit!
Friday: Kids are gone so probably a grilled chicken salad.
For more menus go to Orgjunkie.com
My new alarm clock doesn’t have a snooze button
This is Uncle Harvey being held by Austin. Uncle Harvey is the cutest little guy, and we are lovingly calling him Flash because he runs like lightening. Welcome to the farm Uncle Harvey.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
