The positives of life

I just came back from the hospital. Dad's being really taken care of, and his nurse's name is Ben....just like my little brother. Coincidence?? Maybe not. Anyway, he's sleeping for at least 10 minute intervals. When his legs twitch he grimaces in pain. They aren't giving him much for pain relief I think. He has a head injury, a broken shoulder blade, and a broken cheekbone. It was kinda weird to go in and see him so still. I have always remembered him as a very active guy, except for NASCAR races on Sundays when he'd fall asleep in his chair and snore through at least 300 laps. That's ok, it is really the last 10 or so that really matter. Anyway, to see him lying there like that was strange. You'd never know it was him until he opened his eyes.

I got there just as they were ending a series of brain scans. Sounds like he's been through a lot of those in the last day. Vicki, her mom, and Grandma were all there. I stayed for a little over an hour, but I figured i couldn't miss my last class of the day. I stayed up until 2AM because I knew that I wouldn't have any cushion time between my visit and class. I was right. He was awake a handful of times in that hour and he knows I was there. I plan on going back tomorrow for a bit longer. I'll probably take some work with me in case no one is there.....his nurse Ben is kinda cute.. :D

Anyway, I do have some happier news to report. Day before yesterday a nice guy walked me from German class to Education Hall. We talked about UW Madison and the History department and how sucky Humanities is. I haven't gotten to talk to him since (his name - I found out after I "Stalker"booked him...aka Facebook which I use to put pictures on - is Josh) but it is a positive step in the right direction. I have now proven myself able to hold a non-work, non-class conversation with a real live human being. Yay!

I'm also doing well on the Hilton job front...I think. The head Food and Bev guy likes me, so does the Catering Director. Just gots to get past my cruddy HR interview and I'm employed! If employed I'll be able to stay in Madison. I'll keep you updated.

Anyway, I'm using a public computer and class just let out so there's a line. I'll let you know what's up when I know. Hugs and lots of love, Christi from Van Hise Hall

Nightmares do come true

Growing up as a city slicker, I still knew the stories about how people got hurt on the farm. And I feared for my family, what would happen if they got hurt? Would they be killed? Left alone for hours until someone realized they were missing? These are things that happen.

Today I got a phone call from Mom and my fears came back again. Dad fell off of the barn cleaner and hit his head. He's at UW Madison, alert but sleepy with a concussion and some cerebral swelling (me thinks I watch waaaay too much Grey's Anatomy, I'm starting to pick up medical jargon). And my fears came true. They don't know how long he was out there (probably not too long though). They don't know what exactly could even be wrong with him. He's in for tests now.

I feel so helpless and lost. I don't know what I can do. I don't know what to say. All I can think about is how much worse it could've been, and I wouldn't have gotten to say anything to him. We haven't spoken since I left for Ireland, and it was a short conversation. I plan on seeing him tomorrow afternoon. I can only hope that he's well enough to remember me.

Hugs to all, I could sure use one. Lots of love, Christi and Ollie