Sort of random… January 8, 2008

Hospitals are funny things. For those of you who don’t know, my Mama’s baby sister is expecting her first baby. She started having some problems about a month ago. Her blood pressure keeps spiking too high and that kind of stuff. She’s far enough along that the baby would be just fine if she were to have him now, but the Dr. does want to keep him in a few more weeks. *smile* Uncle Stephen is out of town right now and Coo Coo (this is what we call my Aunt, it’s a long story…*smile*) is supposed to stay off her feet and take it easy and no matter what, “not get stressed”. So, I was staying with her for a couple of days to help out. She woke me up last night and told me her blood pressure was way too high and the Dr. said she better get to the hospital. So, the big pregnant lady and a half sleeping niece loaded up and headed out…*smile*

Poor dear. Having to deal with the stress of the health problems on top of a first time pregnancy AND away from her husband all at the same time. (this would also be a first for them.) We got her settled in and they checked everything out. Baby’s great, she’s stable and they’re keeping her for observation. She seems to be just fine minus the weird blood pressure spikes and a complete lack of sleep. And the sleep part would go for both of us. Sigh.

Anyway, there is always something going on in a hospital, no matter what time it is. You knew that of course, and so did I. But there’s something interesting about coming into one at 2am and seeing all the different kinds of people, each with a different problem, some with exhaustion written on their faces, some showing fear through their eyes, some that smile at you when you walk past and it always makes me wonder….what is the reason for the smile?? Did they get good news? Is it something exciting like waiting for a baby to be born, or maybe it’s just their faith that puts a smile on their face even when things are hard…??

I don’t know what it is that fascinates me. I’ve always been a people person, I’ve always loved people. Watching them, and often times, before even realizing it, I’ve made up a whole story of their life and who they are. Now, how true it is in all reality I’ll never know in most cases. My mind just seems to do it automatically. I guess it all goes back to my vivid imagination and all the stories I came up with as a child.

I wish I had the time to sit and listen to every story. Hear about each life and how they ended up at the hospital on the same night as me…what brought them here? How are they handling the difficulty? Where will life take them from this point? Did they get news from this place that will change their lives forever?? It’s all so intriguing…

I met a lady in the waiting room today who was here with her son. He was having severe stomach problems and while the Doctor’s were doing their tests she was telling me her own diagnosis. “He’s worried about things….something is bothering him that he won’t talk about. He has anxiety attacks…He needs to give it up and give it to God.” I asked her if he was a believer. She wasn’t sure. She thought so. He wasn’t in church for a long time but then he got married and now he goes with his wife. (Amazing what we women can do to a man!!!! Kidding…*wink*) They go to a Bible study, they want to learn and strengthen their faith. I talked to her about the fact that church and Bible study won’t really change a heart or a life. It can be a tool for sure, and it’s great that they’re going and have that desire, and God’s Word won’t return void, but his life and his heart won’t change until he has a personal relationship and walk with Jesus Christ. She agreed and said she would keep talking to him about it. I could tell by the glow in her eyes and the things she said that she has that personal walk. Such a sweet old lady…

I told her I’d pray for her son and his wife. She said “Oh thank you Honey, I’m just glad I had someone who would listen to me talk…” You know, there is such a mission field in hospitals. You could just come and sit all day, everyday and never run out of people to talk to, encourage or pray for. I enjoyed talking to her and hearing part of her story…She is just one of many older Mothers in this world who have faith in the Lord and a daily walk and is worried about children who don’t…anyway, he’s lucky to have a Mom so concerned with his Spiritual condition.

You know, I have to say, walking out of the elevator and seeing “Labor and Delivery” and “Nursery” signs and seeing the baby beds lining the hallway sent chills up my spine. It’s been a long, long time since I was in that part of a hospital and I forgot how happy a place it is and how sweet. Everything seems prettier and softer and quieter in that area of a hospital, the nurses seem kinder and something about it doesn’t smell so much like a hospital. (No, I’m not just imagining it!!! And no, it’s not a mental thing!!! Humph.)

I can’t wait to welcome this little cousin into the world and hold him and love him and squish him to death!!! We weren’t sure if we’d have anymore babies in the family until it was we kid’s turn (Even so Lord, bring babies quickly!!! What?!? I’m perfectly happy with the babies I have now…even though they aren’t exactly mine. Ok?? *smile*) so anyway, this is an exciting time for all of us as witnessed by the 12 handmade quilts, 10 handmade blankets, 6 handmade diaper bags, baby clothes and various other items lying around our house. Mama’s been busy…and you know what I say?? I say, wow, if she’s doing all this for her sister, imagine what she’ll do for her DAUGHTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *smile*

You can pray for my Aunt and for our sweet little one as we walk through these last few weeks. Prayer that the baby will be able to stay in just as long as he can and that when it’s time things will happen naturally as well since she really doesn’t want to go the C-section and drug route. Thanks guys!!! We appreciate it!!!! *smile*

Well, I guess I should pack up this computer and go back to her room to check on her. She might be hungry again!! *smile* It’s not good for me to hang out with a pregnant gal….I wind up eating every two hours with her!!! Hey, moral support!!!! *wink*

Love and hugs your way dear ones!!!!!!!!