Blog Post of the Week! will return next week.
I was riding the elevator this morning at Crittendon Hospital in Rochester, Michigan.
What was I doing there, you ask?
My daughter, who’d come to the Intensive Care Unit with us, wanted to get a drink. I could have used a strong one….but it was only a coffee shop and I wasn’t about to be the drunk guy at the hospital….
Autumn and I were sharing stories about my father-in-law, “Papa Dave,” as we have all week. He’s one my best friends. Last Saturday he fell while walking the dog and suffered a closed head injury. As I write this from the family waiting room, he’s expected to pass away any moment.
While we were talking, remembering, and thinking about Papa Dave’s last moments here, the elevator door opened to let more people onboard. A grandmother and three freckled kids, all between the ages of four and eight, piled into the elevator. One held flowers and another clutched a brand new teddy bear. They looked pensive and it appeared they’d been instructed to be on their best behavior.
I sickened. I’m sure Autumn had the same thought as me: they’re here to see a loved one die, too.
Autumn wiped away a tear and smiled. The grandmother couldn’t keep it in any longer. She spoke quickly.
“We’re getting a new baby brother this morning!” she beamed, nodding toward the girls.
The oldest one blushed.
I asked if they were excited. Each nodded.
When the elevator door opened, they piled out, rushing to see the new member of their family arrive while ours leaves.
There’s irony all around me today.
So, because I need a laugh, I’m going to provide one. Here’s one of my favorites….again, not suitable for little Jimmy or Julie, unless you want to show them what really goes on with Elmo Behind the Scenes.
Go hug somebody today.
j.
Joe is a former financial advisor and media representative for American Express and Ameriprise. He was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. He’s also appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers and numerous other media outlets. Joe holds B.A Degrees from The Citadel and Michigan State University.
I’m sorry to hear about what you guys are going through – it’s never easy.
“…sits on Elmo’s furry, red…” LOL. It’s good you can maintain a sense of humor through the tough times.
Make sure to do everything your wife wants over the next few days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joe.
Sorry to hear what you guys are going through. My thoughts are with you.
Oh my goodness! Very sorry to hear what you and your family are dealing with this week. There is not much anyone can say to ease the pain, but my thoughts are with you.
*hugs* to you and your family. And if you need anything, you know how to find me.
Hey Joe – just wanted to know that I’ll be thinking of you during this tough time. Take care my friend.
Hi Joe,
There’s nothing I can write that will make things better, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and and your family at this time.
I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Wow, this sounds rough. I’m sorry to hear about your difficult situation. I’m glad you’re able to keep a smile through this – the Elmo video had me laughing so hard. BTW – If the situation was different, I’d ask to meet up. I’m only 10 miles away in Troy.
Wow, MMD! That’s where my practice was. I was on Long Lake Blvd.
Sorry about your difficult situation. I love my father. So, I can imagine who your wife must be thinking. These events ought me make us do something better for the humanity as we are all destined to go away from this world stage one day.
Thank you, Shilpan. He was a great man. Some day I’ll write a post about how awesome hospice was. Those people rock.