It’s been five years since my radical change in perspective. Every now and then I catch myself slipping back into old habits but I try very hard to appreciate every single day. This morning’s gentle breeze reminded me why.
My older sister stayed in ICU (intensive care unit) for more than twelve weeks after the liver transplant as her body tried to accommodate a poorly matched organ. Progress was slower than molasses through a feeding tube and the ICU staff had a hard time hiding their concern. But we were incredibly optimistic, busy making plans for the future. After the surprise of a transplant at the 11th hour (11:58, more precisely) we knew that miracles were possible.
It had been several weeks of being confined to a bed by countless machines to help her eat, breathe and keep all bodily functions going. Kilo* was eager for a taste of the outdoors. She had already managed to invite the sun into her room by finding the perfect angle to hold a pocket mirror up to the window above her bed. She wasn’t able to speak yet but I knew that she always felt better when she could see the sun. When news arrived that a trip to the parking lot was planned I thought we would both burst with excitement. It took 2-1/2 hours to unhook and rehook the various tubes and machines. It took another 45 minutes to get her into a wheelchair, followed by a 20-minute rest and an excruciating 30-minute convoy of nurses and machines until we reached the outside door. Everyone was exhausted.
But then I saw the slow smile that gently changed Kilo’s face and the single tear that escaped when she felt the cool wind against her cheek. And I knew that it had been worth every minute.
Kilo, Tango and some other morose-looking Bravo (from L to R)
This post (and most of this blog) is in memory of Kilo Romeo Bravo (May 27, 1966 – May 26, 2005).
.tNb
* Names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent
PS: Obrigada to DaddyP, Esta(!), penfold, daisyfae and KPX for their totally awesome comments on Because it’s, like, Thursday.
thanks for the reminder that i take much for granted. extra hugs to ms. tNb today….
Thanks daisyfae, hugs are always welcome
Life can be very complicated ….. I hope that we can all try and simplify it for you …. *hugs*
I’m not allowed to laugh at that photo of you I suppose ……. shame
You may laugh loud and long, especially at the morose-looking Bravo on the right.
tears, tango. nice one.
Cheers, Emma. I wasn’t intending to write that but it just came out.
Thank you for sharing, T. I’m grateful that I can only imagine how much you miss Kilo – and thank you for being a sister who knew that she needed the sun and the wind.
Thanks Shan, I still miss her like crazy but every now and then I’ll pay attention to the sun and the wind and I know she’s there. x
I think we would all want a sister like you in a time that must have been very difficult for all. Thank you for sharing. I try each day to find something, anything, that makes me stop, take a breath and remind myself of how precious life is. It’s not always easy, but I try. Thinking of your Kilo – and you – this evening as the summer breeze blows through my boat x
Alice, I know that Kilo would have adored your fanciful ways. She was always able to see what blooms long before I could. *hug*
That’s a sweetly poignant memory. x
[I've got some photos of DP at about that age which ARE allowed to be laughed at...]
You mean they had cameras back then? *hugs* xx
Am I allowed to laugh at relations if you can’t remember their name…? xoxo
Yes, especially the morose-looking ones. xxx
Holy shit. You look exactly the same.
Just taller.
You mean slouchy and pouty?
x
lols @ tshirt.
Are those doc martins?
I was too cool for Doc Martins. Obviously.
a beautiful post – i read it and can feel the sun and the wind – and it is so true, sometimes that is all it truly takes to feel alive and appreciate life. thank you for the reminder. love, sue
Thanks Sue, I’m thinking of your gorgeous West Coast sun and missing you. x
Sorry for your loss, I didn’t know… Beautifully writen, a nice tribute to father time leaving its mark on all of us…
Thanks stinkypaw, I think Father Time has some explaining to do …
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