Like the Bionic Woman...getting stronger, stronger, stronger

Today was an odd day.

very odd.

Lynn update: She has some fluid in her lungs. This isn't very uncommon for someone who has been on her back for 2 and a half weeks, but it still has to be addressed with diaretics and such.

Tonight, a cryptic doctor unfamiliar with her case (admittedly) noted something odd in her heart sounds, and has asked for another ultrasound. This isn't an invasive proceedure, takes about 30 mins and while it isn't comfortable, the tech last time was very nice, and its just the *not* knowing that is most difficult. It is entirely possible that this is a known issue...known to her regular cardio guy, but not the weekender, and her doc will take one look at it, and write it off. I hope they investigate, but the upshot is that they won't be sending her home till they know every tweak, twiddle and ditty her heart makes at all times. I am disappointed that she isn't home, but comforted in the fact that they are taking her seriously. Finally.

Lynn was up walking around today. Lots. That brings us to issue #2 that has cropped up: Nightmares. Lynn has had some and so have I, but they are just the musings of the idle mind that is perhaps better informed.

The girls on the other hand BOTH had nightmares last night. Horrible ones, from the sound of it. I wasn't here. I picked last night to go see my friends and relax a bit with them. No one called me. They both came crashing into my room and found I wasn't there, and become unconsoleable.

Josie has a stye on her eye. We weren't quite sure what it was, and the nurse-line suggested a trip to urgent care to have it looked at. So today we went out to the urgent care clinic. Louisa stayed home with grandma and grandpa. Josie got to go with me (her eye, after all). Hot packs, and an antibiotic (something about evidence about hindering further occurances of same).

On the way home, Josie and I stopped in at the hospital. I dropped her off in the room, and took a leave for some coffee. Really, I just wanted Josie to see that her mom was actually doing *well*, and to be able to see her mother *alone*. Josie sat and talked and talked and laughed, and smiled, and when she left, there was a new spring in her step. It was very very important. Perhaps the most important thing I have ever done for my girls.

After dinner, Louisa and I made the same trek, minus the clinic. Officially, we were bringing along a care package of freshly cooked salmon, jasmine rice and some roasted zucchini, but in reality, it was all about Lou.

When we got there, Lynn scooted over and Louisa hopped into bed right next to her, and you could see the little kid tension melt right away. I took my leave, and when I came back, louisa didn't want to go. we hung around for a while as Lynn ate her care package, and soon, it was time for a walk. Lou and I walked lynn down to the waiting area for CICU, and then back again. Louisa saw some drugs pushed into the IV (and got freaked when she saw the needle used to extract thedrugs from the vial--but relieved when the nurse removed the needle.) We braided Lynn's hair and then she said she was ready to go home.

Leaving Lynn tonight was hard for me, but for the first time since she got in there, the girls are seeing glimpses of the mother that they know and love. For the first time, they are feeling like things will be all right.

i don't think they will have nightmares tonight