My sister Janet, Judy and Trendy Carol manning my tea tent on one of my open days
My last surviving Aunt on my father's side of the family is poorly.
Her name is Judy
She suffered a severe stroke just before Christmas and is slowly recovering.
We, the extended family have just had the ok to visit her.
And today amid the overwhelming cacophony of a general ward, I did just that.
I arrived just as my cousin and his wife did.
We've known each other since we were children and we've never seen our aunt so quiet, so still and so far away vulnerable.
We looked at each other carefully as she only half acknowledged us
My aunt was sleepy. A side effect of stroke
The physiotherapist helpers were waiting to wake her enough to transfer her into a chair.
The noise of the ward was deafening and a knew any meaningful dialogue was impossible.
I told her I would return tomorrow and I will do just that
And I then did , what I've never done to her ever before.
As she closed her eyes to sleep
I leant down and kissed her very tenderly on the forehead
Poor Aunt Judy. I hope she has as much of a recovery as is possible.
ReplyDeleteoh man, aunt judy is so ill and no privacy/quiet. visit her as often as you can.
ReplyDeleteJust you being there will have comforted your Aunty Judy so much John.Trendy Carol has lovely deportment hasn"t she x
ReplyDeleteShe knows how nice that was.
ReplyDeleteNever too late, John.
ReplyDeleteWishing her well.
You should do things like that more often.
ReplyDeleteA tender kiss on the forehead when one is ill translates to love, warmth and comfort. One way or another, you helped her feel better.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that Aunt Judy has the aftermath of a stroke to deal with as that's what happened to my sweet AMIL. Wishing her the strength and determination to work toward recovery, if that's possible. Visits from her family and your visit with that timely kiss are the best medicine for her.
ReplyDeleteI know it's difficult to be so helpless when you'd like to make everything be right again.
Hugs, John.
Strokes are so cruel. Poor Aunt Judy. I hope her recovery goes well. I'm sure she will feel great comfort having you by her side. I recently lost my last surviving aunt. I think all ten cousins would agree she was the heart of our family regardless of our own parents.
ReplyDeleteYou have made me tear up. I didn't know much about strokes until my father had his; now I know too much. I hope your aunt has a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteHow ironic that hospital wards can be very noisy places when sometimes what patients desperately need is peace and quiet.
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse, you knew that this was the right time. Never wait for another day to show a person love.
ReplyDeleteAs you were saying about the importance of touch. And the sweet get strange experience of breaking the generational taboos of physical contact with close and older family members. At a time when love and miss is in such sharp focus. Best wishes to you all as you deal with this and emotionally regroup. God bless.
ReplyDeleteHow very sad for Aunt Judy... strokes are cruel things mostly. A kiss on the forehead when unwell is a silent hug of comfort; she knew you were there. I hope she has a measure of healing and recovery and becomes more with it. Hugs to you John.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
Your Aunt Judy will have been comforted so much by you being there and that gentle kiss on her forehead.
ReplyDeleteMany of my family have gone the way of strokes and I half anticipate it may be the same for me John. If so then I hope for a big one to finish me off rather than that half life your Aunt seems to be in at present. That kiss would be such a great comfort.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you, your family, and Aunt Judy. Oh that frickin’ forehead kiss. So tender and so heart wrenching.
ReplyDeletexx
ReplyDeleteIt's never easy to see someone you love like that. xx
ReplyDeleteWords were not necessary.
ReplyDeletexoxo
A kiss on the forehead I think she knew John.
ReplyDelete