Did you know that “stress” spelled backwards is “desserts”? Me either.
I’m not sure how much it would alleviate our current predicament but if it helps, I’m voting for Macadamia Nut Clusters. Or pie. As David Mamet said, “We must have pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.”
Even more helpful, though, seems to be when you can squeeze a laugh out of it. Let me explain . . . .
It hasn’t been a good week here at Kartar Ridge Ranch. Son Matthew’s peritoneal dialysis is currently being performed by his caregiver – my daughter Susy – for a rigorous 12 hours per day, in an effort to stabilize his chemistry and reduce his body’s retention of fluid.
At present, his right lung is filled with a quart of fluid that isn’t supposed to be there. If Susy can’t bring about the miracle the doctor is hoping for, Matt will have to have the lung “tapped” and drained on Monday.
In the meantime, Matt doesn’t feel good; Susy is masterfully making breakthroughs but is hopelessly overworked; I am busy wringing my hands; and son-in-law Curt is trying to keep the household from the brink of disaster.
As part of the treatment, the doctor prescribed massive doses of a medication, warning us that if effective, we may be dealing with some massive – and “explosive” diarrhea.
It hasn’t happened yet . . . but it could.
This morning we were having a discussion in the living room. Susy, Matt, and I usually go to Mass on Saturday at 5 o’clock, and Matt still wants to make it happen today. “No,” I yelped. “We can’t go to church with what we’re expecting to happen! It could be a monumental mess!”
To which Curt responded: “Well, at least you could be sitting in your own ‘pew’.”
Amazing what a good laugh can do for stress!
P.S. Other parishioners at Sacred Heart parish should be glad to know that we will be missing Mass today.
What a great read! Well Matthew, if it makes you feel better, it’s happened to the best of us!!
Hoping for that miracle mine s the “pew”
God bless Curt Warden, what a gift! Take care Matt, Susy, Mom, and the Warden clan.
Fortunately, Matt has lots of support at home. I like to call it “Team Matt”. Curt and Mom and I all share a part of his care. And he really has amazing support from his doctors and nurses. They are calling every day to guide us through this bump in the road. Soon he will be back to his normal schedule and we can all relax and enjoy the rest of the summer!
Since the church is a place for caring and sharing I believe they would welcome you with open arms. And a mask. But it probably depends. They would want to share through voice and have everyone turn to song number two and join in singing the whiff and poo song.
The Fords are once again leaping tall buildings in a single bound as a single unit. What a powerhouse you all are! Matt, I want to be just like you when I grow up (minus any potential explosive stuff)! Susy, you inspire me! Patty, I admire every little thing you’ve done to show your children by example your entire adult life.
Laughter is the best medicine! When I was in the hospital for an intestinal obstruction, Corey happened to call. I quickly explained what was going on and he says “So Mom, they are telling you that you’re full of s@&#!” Matt, so sorry for this bump in your road, hope you’re feeling better soon and your medicine does its job without the unpleasant consequences. Love 💕 to you and all your amazing caretakers on Kartar Ranch.
All of us who love Matt profoundly appreciate you and Susy and Curt for your grit and devotion to him–deep love to all of you. Our heartfelt blessings to Matt.
It’s Tuesday today. I’m wondering if Matt is better. Thinking of you all.