How To Ensure The ER Will Talk About You

As I mentioned previously, my father suffered a stroke not too long ago. 16 days ago to be precise. And because we like to make sure that we will be remembered (good or bad), my family takes certain precautions upon entering the ER. It is of the utmost importance to make a lasting impression on those who give so much to making the welfare of the community better. My family does our part to make sure we are not forgotten. This includes:

• My 71 year old father denying he needed ANY medical attention. Of course, as he was saying this, he couldn't hardly open one eye, limped, slurred every single word that exited his lips and had one side of his face drooping. Nah, Daddy, I just didn't want to do my homework this afternoon and decided that I'd druther run you to the ER instead.
• Daddy telling the ER physician we accused him of forgetting his own child's name. (While en route to the hospital, he couldn't come up with my sister's name. I asked him mine, and he thought and thought before saying, "Dr. Robin". Told you he was funny, even during a stroke.) When the doctor asks you what your kids' names are, reply without missing a beat, "Nosy and Busybody". That'll show 'em. [FYI-I informed my sister that she was Nosy and I was Busybody.]
• Make sure one member of your party wears the LOUDEST flip flops in the county. While your father may not be complaining or bellowing in pain, we need to make sure that everyone knows you're there. Noisy shoes will remind them to come and check on you.

Thought we were finished? Ha!

13 days later, Daddy was sent back to the ER under doctor's orders for a CT scan after experiencing several hours of mental confusion (including making my sister go to the mailbox at 7:45 a.m. and trying to make me check the mail even earlier, thinking I was my mother despite our nearly 30 year age difference-that made Mama's day).

Of course, thinking only of the comfort of our parents, my sister stayed at the house, ready to transport my mother to the hospital once she arrived home from work. So I took Daddy back up to the ER and awaited the diagnosis. He had been doing so well, that all the confusion was such a shock.


In walks the ER doctor and nurse. "Well, sir, so you're confused? What seems to be the trouble?"


My father replies without missing a beat, "You just wait until my wife and other daughter get up here. Then you'll see why I'm confused."


Needless to say, the medical staff laughed (as did I). They ran a bunch of tests and said that he was going to be okay. The confusion could be with him for a few months, or indefinitely. However, Daddy still has his sense of humor, and we are so grateful.


Explaining this whole mess to everyone though-once we got home, one of his sisters called. Daddy tried and tried to explain it. Then finally, he called Mama to the phone. Mom listened for a moment, then burst out laughing. "That's pretty much it," she answered. I asked her later and she said, "Your dad kept telling them, the girls felt bad so they put me in the hospital."


Any wonder Daddy won't let me help him with anything?


"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22