Transporting

I've sat in the back of an ambulance for "business reasons" in the past, after a car accident, but never been inside one that was in motion.  That was an experience I was hoping to never have.

After N received a full bag of iv fluids, and was on her second, the ambulance showed up to transport us. I had been in text contact with my husband, and asked him to meet us at Children's, instead of the original plan of him getting a ride to urgent care to pick up my van and follow us - the ambulance team was faster than expected. By now, N was talking again, and asked to use the washroom. That was a bit of a gong show, but then we got her loaded onto the gurney, and into the ambulance. The paramedic who sat with us in the back was amazing, and worked really hard to keep N talking and awake - which wasn't easy at all.  The drive wasn't too long, especially as it was now around 11am, and past morning rush hour(s).

Once we got to Children's hospital, we were brought inside the ambulance bay, and then into a trauma room.  That was when a larger team of medical staff took over her care. Again, I stood back and just watched, and hoped my husband was going to be there soon…and then my phone battery ran out of juice. I had spent a large part of the ambulance trip texting people who were praying for us, concerned for us, and especially a good friend who has been through quite a few hospital visits with her daughter (who, coincidentally was born on N's due date, and N on her daughter's due date).  I again answered question after question, and felt totally unnecessary to the whole process.  N was able to answer more questions herself at this point, but was visibly fading fast, energy-wise.

I have never felt so relieved as I did as when my husband walked in the door.

My husband, R, is a pastor, and is more used to hospitals, and visiting. It's never hit me how comforting his calm presence can be, until that moment.

It was around this time that I really was so very thankful that we were in a Children's hospital. We moved to this city last July, after 8 years in a small town, with an understaffed medical team. Most major medical issues were shipped out of town, at least a 3 hour one way trip. Here I was, sitting in a Children's hospital less than 40 minutes drive from my home. Thank you.  Just thank you.