28.7.11

through the fiercest drought and storm...

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we got a call sunday morning that doug's uncle, also named doug, had been fishing close to where we live, suffered from a brain aneurysm and was on a life-flight to a big hospital within driving distance from our home. a friend had the sense to offer to watch our daughter, overnight if they had to, just before we left town. we got to the hospital before the helicopter landed and were able to talk to doug and hold onto his hands before things took a very critical turn. they rushed us out of the room and we spent an agonizing two hours talking to doctors and anxiously waiting for doug's aunt's delayed flight to get in. once she landed, most of the next five hours crawled by, and yet were a blur of time. while they kept doug sedated, he underwent many tests and an operation so that the medical staff and neurologist could stabilize him in order to get him to a better hospital. he was cleared for another life-flight back to his hometown to receive the care he needed, and be closer to his daughters and a bigger network of support for doug's uncle, aunt and cousins. the last we heard, he's still in very critical condition, but is showing signs of recovery.

in a week consumed with statistics, medical reports, tests, phone calls, anxiety and loss of sleep, the miracle that someone we love is still here calms even our biggest worries.

14 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry to hear this. wishing him and your family the best. take sweet care, elly.

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  2. so sorry, elly. keeping you in our thoughts.

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  3. Sorry to read about this. I hope he will get better soon.

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  4. how frightening and stressful, elly! i am glad to hear that he is showing signs of recovery. thinking of you and your family!

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  5. Elly, I am so sorry to hear about Doug's uncle. I will be thinking good thoughts for him and for your family. I am sure you were an excellent source of support to him in what must have been the most terrifying hours. All the best to you.

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  6. Keeping Doug's uncle and entire family in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him a full recovery.

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  7. elly, you all are in my prayers. that is amazing he is still holding on!

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  8. my thoughts go to you and I hope for the best! it as been a horrible few days here in Oslo too and the waiting is so tough.....the waiting to see if the people you know and love are ok whilst doctors do what they can. love from M

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  9. Oh I'm so sorry, how terrifying for you all. Fingers doubly crossed and sending positive thoughts your way.

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  10. so sorry! thinking of him and all of you. xo!

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  11. I am sending more thoughts and prayer to you, Doug, and all his family. What a scary time right now for all of you.

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  12. "firm through the fiercest drought and storm," such a fitting title. I'm sure life is crazy right now. Hold on and hold your loved ones close.

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  13. so sorry to hear that. my mother in law had a brain aneurysm a couple of years ago. it was a long recovery, be we are so thankful she pulled through. you wouldn't even know that she had so much trauma now! i pray that your uncle in law has the same recovery.

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