This week was beyond difficult.  My son developed pneumonia from aspiration due to his seizures.  This is a reoccurring side effect of his epilepsy, two years ago he had double pneumonia.  Taking anyone to the hospital right now is incredibly stressful due to covid, but when you go due to respiratory issues it is insane.  They automatically label you as covid. Despite two negative tests the ER doctor sent my son to the covid unit without discussion with either him or me.  Imagine waking up on the covid unit knowing you are negative-knowing you are already medically compromised, knowing the outcomes many have had.  It took 12 hours to get him to a regular floor…. he is safe now and slated to come home today as his pneumonia responded to the antibiotic therapy.  It was indeed just pneumonia.

So that was where we were- and where we are now, waiting for the phone call to come pick him up- I can reflect on all the kindness that was shown to us during this scary ordeal.

First his primary doctor responded immediately when I alerted him to the mix up.  He put the order in for transfer at 9:30am- an hour after I discovered the issue. Bless him.

A friend works in the hospital, since we were not allowed to visit, she went downstairs and saw him and spoke with his nurse and called me back, this eased some of my angst. She also met me outside so I could send supplies to Sean, when you go to the ER the last thing you are thinking about is that. Bless her.

My bosses and coworkers picked up the slack for me at work without question. Bless them.

My friends and family listened and comforted me. They prayed and sent Light and Love to my son. They checked in, asked what they could do.  One sent me dinner to my door. Bless them.

My middle son who lives with us became my rock, an advocate for his brother, asking questions that my poor frazzled mind missed. Bless him.

My Spirit Guides sent me numerous, I mean numerous signs they were around, bombarding me with evidence of their presence and comfort.  Bless them.

Life is incredibly messy; it always has been and will continue to be.  I spend my professional life as a hospice nurse being the supporter of people going through tremendous times of change, it is just my nature.  To be on the receiving end of kindnesses, to be supported during a crisis and being able to recognize the good in the world, in the people surrounding me and my son is a gift in dark times.

Kindness lurks everywhere, available to everyone, wanting to be a presence in our lives.

Kindness is love in action.