The Trimmier Life

Just as I was driving to get a much needed (and well deserved (in my opinion)) massage on Monday, I got a phone call that my grandmother (Nanny, my Dad’s mom) had been care-flighted to the hospital in Fort Worth. Although all was in order and she was recovering from several ailments (that turned out NOT to be a stroke) in ICU, there were bigger worries on my family’s minds. You see, my granddad recently had a total knee replacement and was now at home by himself. Usually there are a few pairs of aunts and uncles to juggle the madness when the relatives get sick, but this time everything came crashing down at once….just Friday my cousin Jon (who is fighting cancer) was readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia – his parents were taking turns being with him. My other aunt and cousin had already taken several unpaid days off of work to be with my granddad after surgery and now everyone was spread way too thin. So, off I went to DFW to see where I could help…except there was one snafu on the way. Monday morning I threw some new protein powder into my morning smoothie (what, I’m training for a ½ marathon and need my protein!) and within 20 minutes of doing so I was having severe stomach cramps. Soon after, my face and throat started swelling, I started having shortness of breath, and agonizing chest pains – when the pain caused me to double over the steering wheel I decided that I needed an ER…quick. On my way to the medical center area I had to pass my doctor’s office so I decided to stop there and see if they could help me. When I walked in, crying and hunched over, the receptionist immediately started asking me questions…one of which was ‘when did the hives appear?” Hives? I didn’t even realize I had hives, but they were there all over my body (even on the bottoms of my feet, weird)…just lovely, I was having another allergic reaction. After nearly 2 hours, 1 shot, a few oral medications and a breathing treatment, I was finally on my way. Thanks to Austin traffic I made it to Fort Worth in a grueling 5 hours (usually a 3 ½ hour drive).

I’m in Granbury now and my time here has been well spent. I’ve even been able to work an almost normal workday (thank goodness I work for a great company and bosses that allow for flexibility and understand the importance of family!), while also taking care of my granddad (Paps).  Nanny is recovering slowly but surely and should be moved out of ICU by the end of the week. Jon is a fighter and I know he will continue to  battle whatever is thrown at him. I can’t relax just yet, but I’m glad that I had the opportunity to come and help out for a few days. I know that my family living here in town does a lot of work to keep everything and everyone in working order. I am blessed to be a part of such a loving and giving family and to have such wonderful friends who kept us in their prayers these past few days. Don’t stop – much healing is still needed, but we are on the road to recovery.