My wife is in the hospital on her birthday…

She entered the hospital last night, for an ailment that is hers to disclose. Not life-threatening, but perhaps life-changing. She’s the best person I’ve ever known, so it was agony to see her writhing and shifting for hours in emergency room pain. I would have taken that nerve-lashing unto myself if I could.

And today is her 63rd birthday. I should be making her a favorite dinner, but she’s in a hospital bed on Opiate Street. “Time’s passing so slow” morphine-she said to me this morning. We both have less time than we used to have, but its savory quality has increased as we’ve aged.

I could’ve grown old with myself. I will likely grow old longer because of her. Not knowing what to do, and being a poor hospital tourist, I took some photographs when my wife didn’t need my attention. There will likely be more; but on her birthday when she can eat no cake on the inpatient ward, these will do…

KaiserMyBaby 2-4

The admitting technician was a fine fellow of compassionate demeanor.

Sunday night at Kaiser, South San Francisco, California 2016

A dinosaur-child in the hallway as my wife was moved from the ER to her room.

KaiserMyBaby 012-2

No names on the screen means no pain in a hallway for healing professionals.

KaiserMyBaby 017-1

She’s in bed and waiting, and monitoring time.

Kaiser Permanente, South San Francisco, California 2017

8 Comments

  1. Reply
    Tony Press January 9, 2017

    Wonderful photos — but a miserable occasion that prompted them. Take care, take care. And this: “We both have less time than we used to have, but its savory quality has increased as we’ve aged.”

    • Reply
      Dan Ryan January 9, 2017

      Much appreciated.

  2. Reply
    denys carrillo January 9, 2017

    wishing you both all the best, and a speedy and thorough recovery to her… i’m so sorry this is happening at all… but, the timing… !@#$%

    • Reply
      Dan Ryan January 10, 2017

      Yes, the timing is wretched. Thanks.

  3. Reply
    Nancy Lydon January 10, 2017

    Get well soon Michele, sending good healing vibes.

  4. Reply
    Kevin Wood January 11, 2017

    sorry to hear you are going through this. hope she has a speedy recovery

    • Reply
      Dan Ryan January 11, 2017

      Thanks.

  5. Reply

    […] 2017 has been a rather shitty year for me. Two big reasons why are my wife was hospitalized in January, then we lost our beloved cat Indy on Valentine’s Day. Being the life-long cat ladies […]

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