A NEW BRAIN

And so yet again we wait.  And yet again at the hour we thought they were finished,  they actually began. Nobody thought to tell us about the delay. Maybe they could just rip our hearts out too, while they're at it. It would be less painful than having to count down the hours again.

In the waiting room outside ICU we met an elderly Croatian  mother and daughter also on a vigil. There's was to be a long wait, as their daughter and sister was due in theatre after ours. The bonding between us all was instant. Bonding due to circumstances no one should have to endure...ever.

The nurse came to tell us the FED was out of theatre and on her way. The husband and I shared a look of relief. She's out!

The trolley passed and there was our daughter, our favorite eldest daughter amidst tubes,  machines and people.  The anaesthetist gave me a thumbs up sign as I collapsed sobbing into my husband's arms.The old Croatian lady was upset by my tears. She came over and hugged me tightly. " From one mother to another " she said.

The nursing staff collected us from the waiting room and we followed into the spotlessly clean intensive care unit. Out daughter immediately registered we were there and squeezed our hand. She slipped in and out of sleep, waking to answer the numerous questions thrown at her. Where are you ? What month is it ? What's your sisters name ? Knowing how much she hates these questions I threw in " Who will win the grand final this year?". " The Eagles" she replied softly. Nothing wrong with her brain.

Fast forward to this morning. The drugs are wearing off and the eyes are more alert. She talks easily and tires rapidly. We can see positive changes already.  Dare we breathe? Dare we hope that finally a corner has been turned? She is full of questions and of course wants my phone to post her first Facebook status, with her new, fixed brain. I ask her if she wants to see her scar. " No thanks " Mum, she says.

Till next time from two very exhausted parents... xxx