Major Setback – But not on the house.

At times, we wonder just how much we can take, and what forces are out there that are preventing us from finishing one of our "life dreams." We were all ready to do some final work in preparation for the concrete pad for the front door, and the re-route of our driveway, (which were two confirmed contractor appointments!) when we got a very bad call from Sandra (Don’s sister) on Sunday morning at 7:30 am saying that Margaret fell and needed to go the hospital. We raced to the hospital and by late afternoon it was confirmed Margaret had fractured her hip. Talk about getting a sick feeling…. And, the doctors said it was really important for her to have surgery as soon as possible. Next thing you know she is in surgery and out about an hour later plus another hour in recovery…. She did well and so did the doctor. But that was just the beginning…. Margaret went into “hospital psychosis” which she has done before at the hospital and that was the start of some horrible stuff. I can tell that that is one ugly and sad scene to see your mom in that state. wow. It takes a toll. As of today, she is better.
Per us, well, we are a bit better now although I wonder how we are holding it all together. Must be love heh? We didn't sleep at all for 2-3 days... and I mean none. Debbie and I spent the first two nights on a pull out sofa in Margaret’s hospital room. But really never slept on it to attend to her constantly - constantly! Sandra covered the day shift, which is no picnic while we worked or worked at the house. Then my mom had a sitter on tuesday night, and last night so we did get to sleep at home. Of course with the record heat here, it was 95 degrees in our apt - with the only window about the size of my laptop - and we had a fan. Not kidding on the 95. It was like an attic. So, not the best sleep. But believe it or not, in between being at the hospital, where Sandra was "covering" for us, we did pour our pad for the entry way, and worked with our neighbor Tod to excavate / re-route our driveway..... first pic shows some of it... when we worked with him, it was really hot....even in the shade.... driveway is now ready for gravel and looks great. It will be very neat. And Deb is going to run home and seal the concrete pad, while I go to the hospital after work.
We all have been busy trying to find Margaret the best place to get her rehab and am hopeful it will work and she will work to make it work. It really is a life decision on her part so to speak, and not a whole lot we can do to sway it other than being incredibly encouraging and supportive - which we really are..... honest. I always envision a success story and hope she can see it and try her best. Boy, it's really hard for her and I give her so much credit for her toughness and will. Heartbreaking at times too mixed with tears of joy.

Again, pics show some of the progress but it clearly has slowed again. Not a big issue given the circumstances, but it does hurt the house “enthusiasm…” at least temporarily. Hard to work with “Mom Stuff” on our minds. Pray for a successful recovery please.