Happy Birthday to ME

I figured it was time to do a little catch up.

Since our last episode, I've been in the hospital two more times, once with kidney failure, amongst other fun and games, and once for an overnight sleepover, just because the food is so good and the beds are so comfy.

I actually spent my birthday there. I thought it was going to be a really crappy day, but it turned out to be one of the best birthdays I've ever had.

The day started with an ultrasound. I had been placed in a private room, because I was supposed to have a little extra observation, which didn't happen...more on that later.
I was suffering from Royal Disease, (you know..Up,Chuck, and Di) so the trip to the lab and back was eventful, to say the least.

When I was returned to my room, the transport guy threw a blanket over my freezing body and took off. That was the last human I saw for nearly an hour. This was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I had spent 3 days with Nurse Ratchett and I was tired of it. 3 times she had walked out of the room while I was asking her a legitimate question. Words were still actively coming out of my mouth as she left. Then she swore she gave me a pill that she did not give me. I know, because I counted. But this last day...45 minutes of freezing under a thin blanket, no call button, and with urine on my leg and vomit in  my ear (sorry) was all I could stands, I can't stands no more!

I did NOT hesitate to call her charge nurse and make a complaint right in front of her.
 I thought this was the start to a really crappy birthday. But then...

I got a beautiful plant delivered from my sister Pam, with a note that had our special message on it.

Then my daughter-in-love, Michele, arrived with flowers and honeycrisp apples, which she knows I love. She's not my blood daughter but I wish she was, and I thank her mom for sharing her somewhat with me.

Then my Dave arrived, all decked out in his Santa outfit, with huge balloons. He had ridden his powerchair 3.3 miles to get from our place to the hospital.He even had an accident on his way home. He hit a low spot in the street and fell out of his chair, bruising his body literally from head to toe. Nothing says love like ice packs and ACE bandages.

Then my caregiver, Michelle, came with more balloons.

Then Nurse Ratchett, who had since become the most solicitous person you ever saw, brought in 6 staff members who sang to me.

The kitchen sent me a fruit tart that I shared with Dave and Michelle.

Cards from friends out of state.

Then the phone calls started. My brother who shall remain nameless, my best friends back home, both my sons....then.....the piece de resistance:

My grandchildren called and sang to me. Well, Jacob and Moosie sang, while Jamie made precious baby noises in the background.

Siiiiigh. I was happy but exhausted at the end of the day. I snuggled into bed with my good  buddy, Vic Odin, and counted my blessings.

I hope you all have as wonderful a birthday as I had....without the hospital and Nurse Ratchett, of course.