Disclaimer: I own ONLY AnneMarie, Fabiola, Madam Velosomikh, Madamé Císerosa, K.C. Anderson, Amelia Herrington,
and baby Mariah.
Summary: This may be out of order in whatever way, but hey, its my story, I get to decide how it goes. ;-) Sorry if it takes a while for me to get it posted, but I've been writing it in whatever time I get between classes and stuff and I'm laptop less so its all scribbled down on paper and I've actually gotta find time to type it all up. But hopefully I'll find enough time somewhere. =) Also, I've decided to make it easier on people to let me know what they think, and give me more ideas of what to write. If you would like, I can be reached via email or Yahoo! messenger at AdorableKittens2002@Yahoo.com or via AOL instant messenger as PrincessSpzMnky . Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like. =) Happy Reading! =)
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Dedication: I am dedicating this chapter, as well as the next few, to my Grandmother whom I lost to Alzheimers on
December 6, 2003. I actually wrote these the other day when I was having a really bad day, but didn't understand why until
just before going to bed, when I looked at the calendar. It was also the same day I ran into my grandmother's friends at the
grocery store. Its amazing how depressed you can get completely by accident. But anyway, to my Grandma Ruth . . .
These last 4 months have been very hard without you, but I know that you are watching over all of us; helping us to heal
and to move forward. Thank you for all the years of endless love and support you have given our family. We all love &
miss you more than you know!
For more information on the horrific disease known as Alzheimers, please visit alz.org
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Author's Note: After spending HOURS in the hospital with my grandmother, several times in the few short weeks before she died, I can honestly tell you how much stress runs through your body as you scared and very anxiously sit, waiting for any news. And let me tell you, while you're stuck sitting there, you sure as hell don't feel like eating! Anyway, my advice? . . . . . Its something my uncle (on the opposite side of the family) told me just a few weeks before my grandma passed away. It is something that he learned the hard way after my other grandma passed away when I was just a little kid. This is something that I am VERY glad I listened to, and I hope that you can all take to heart too . . . . .
Cherish your family while you still can, because one day they won't be here anymore, and you will spend your entire life wishing that you could just have one more day. I am very glad I listened to my uncle and spent the time with my grandmother while I still could. I only wish that I had done more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
These next few chapters are also dedicated to my bestest friend in the entire universe, who has been there for me through everything, from day one. You know who you are. Thank you for always letting me be my witchy self and running up a MASSIVE phone bill through all those late night talks. Thanks also for always smothering me with chocolate. Somehow you always manage to mail it, so it arrives just when I'm really depressed. (If I didn't know better, I would think you plan these things!) LOL Anyway, thank you for always being the bestest, most amazing friend and "sister" I could ever ask for. I don't have any idea what I would do without you! (Its your fault this stupid story is here anyway, ya big Butt Head! ;-) Tehehe!) I love you! =)
WARNING!!!!!
IF YOU AREN'T CRYING ALREADY, I CAN JUST ABOUT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL BE VERY SOON. SO STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND IMMEDIATELY RUN FOR TISSUES! YOU WILL BE NEEDING THEM! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Waiting & Waiting
~ ~ ~ 2 Hours Later ~ ~ ~
Christine walked into the hospital emergency room to see her son sitting in one of the chairs, his face buried in his hands. She sighed and headed toward the check in desk.
"Hi, my name is Christine Oliver. I'm a nurse over at Angel Grove Memorial, and I need to check on a patient please."
"What is the patient's name?"
"Kimberly Oliver."
"May I see your ID please? I can't disclose any information without it."
"Sure." Christine answered, reaching into her purse for her hospital identification tag. "Here you go. I work mostly pediatrics, if you would like to call for further verification."
"Thank you Mrs. Oliver. What did you say the patient's name was?"
"The last name is Oliver, first name Kimberly."
"Is she your daughter?"
"Daughter in-law, yes. Can you tell me her status?"
"It looks like Mrs. Oliver is still in surgery."
"Is there any way that you can go check her chart for me? I would appreciate all the information I can get."
"Sure. I know her husband is here somewhere . . ."
"Yes, I saw him when I came in."
"I will go see if I can get some information for you."
"Thank you!" Christine said as the nurse got up and headed away.
"Mom . . . . ." Tommy said a minute later, as Christine sat down next to her son, giving him a hug.
"I've already requested information, and it is on its way. The nurse told me that Kimberly is still in surgery."
"Mom, she's been in surgery for over 4 hours!"
"I know Honey . . . You know what, let me see if I can get myself back to the surgical room. Mercy Hospital usually lets me, and so do a few others. I think the Chief of Staff here is an old friend of mine anyway."
"Nurse Oliver?" the previous nurse said approaching the duo.
"Yes." Christine answered, standing up and taking a few steps away from her son.
"I've managed to borrow your daughter's medical chart for a few moments. Doctor Fowsler said you are an old friend."
"Oh! I wasn't sure he was still here!"
"He's in the surgery. I told him she is your daughter, and he offered to have you survey."
"Oh! Ok, just give me a minute to look over Kimberly's record."
"It looks like her seatbelt saved her life . . ." the nurse said softly.
"You're right . . . . . You know, would it be ok for my son to wait in the staff lounge while I'm away? He's been through an awful lot, and I know your lounge is a lot more comfortable than this busy waiting room."
"I don't think that would be too much of a problem. I will escort him there myself."
"Thank you so much Nurse . . ."
"Houser. Jodine Houser."
"Thank you Jodine. You have been very helpful tonight."
"Thank you, I try to be. I can not even begin to imagine what your son must be going through; this is one of the worst accidents I have ever seen."
"It sure looks that way, doesn't it?" Christine said, still studying Kimberly's chart.
"Mom?" Tommy said as he started to get up.
"Sweetie, Nurse Houser is going to take you back to the staff lounge. I want you to try to relax. I am going to go survey the rest of Kimberly's surgery."
"How is she?" he asked, his voice desperate.
"Tommy . . . . . I love you . . . . And I would never dream of doing anything to upset you . . . . ." Christine started, as she closed the chart.
"Mom . . . . ." Tommy pried.
"I really don't know Sweetie . . . I'm sorry, there isn't much here . . . . . But Kimberly is very lucky. Her seatbelt probably saved her life . . . . ."
"She's a fighter Mom . . . . ."
"I know . . . . . Honey, I'm going to go survey, but you call me if you need me. Even if its just for a hug."
"Ok . . . . ." Tommy said softly.
"And don't give any one a hard time. You don't need us getting kicked out of here."
"Mom . . . . ." Tommy sighed.
"Tommy, you're scared and upset. I know how you get . . ."
"Ok . . . . ." he consented in a soft voice.
"I love you baby!" Christine said hugging her son. "I'll come get you, just as soon as I have any news."
"Thanks Mom. I love you too."
"Mrs. Oliver, I'll show you back." Nurse Houser said as Tommy sat back down in his chair.
"Thank you . . ."
~ ~ ~ 5 Minutes Later ~ ~ ~
"Mr. Oliver? I'll show you to the staff lounge." Nurse House said, stepping in front of Tommy. "Mr. Oliver?" she said again when he didn't respond, reaching a hand out to touch him.
"Oh!" Tommy jumped, knocking her hand away. "Oh, I'm sorry . . . . ." he said softly.
"Your Mom asked me to show you to the staff lounge. She thought you might be more comfortable there . . ."
"Thanks . . ." Tommy mumbled, as he got up to follow the nurse.
"How long have you been married?" the nurse asked as they walked in silence.
"13 months . . . . ." Tommy answered softly.
"Congratulations! How do you like it?"
"She's my best friend . . . . . I can't lose her . . . . . Our daughter can't lose her . . . . ."
"How old is your daughter?" she asked, trying to keep Tommy's mind away from the surgery.
"She's 9 months . . ."
"Wow! That is very exciting! My baby is just 6 months old. He's so amazing! I bet you love having a little girl! They're so much fun!"
"She's wonderful." Tommy said softly. "There's nothing I love more."
"Is she walking yet?"
"She's getting there. She can pull herself up, and hold onto the furniture . . ."
"Do you have a picture of her?"
"Yeah . . . . ." Tommy sighed, reaching for his wallet. Tommy slowly pulled out their family Christmas photo, and handed it to the nurse.
"She's beautiful! She looks like you."
"She looks like her Mom . . . . ."
"Your wife is gorgeous!"
"Thank you."
"Is that your niece? I would guess another daughter, but you look a little young . . . . ." the nurse said, pointing to where AnneMarie stood in the picture.
"That's my sister. She lives with us."
"She's beautiful too!"
"Yes she is."
"You have a very beautiful family! Congratulations!" she said handing the picture back.
"Thank you." Tommy answered, as they stopped in front of a large door.
"This is the staff lounge. Make yourself at home. If you need anything, pres *542# on the phone on the wall, and ask for Nurse Houser."
"Thank you . . ." Tommy answered flatly as the nurse held the door open for him to enter, before turning and going back to her job. Tommy slowly made his way through the lounge to a seat that looked comfortable at a booth on one of the walls. He sat down as the realization of what was going on began to seep in, with tears slowly beginning a trail down his face.
I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we're grey and old
'Cos I've been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I'm lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel that love is dead
I'm loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call she won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead
When I'm feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
And I know I'll always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead
I'm loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call she won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
When I come to call she won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead.
To Be Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Angels"
© Jessica Simpson
In This Skin 2003