Update (4/9/07): I just wanted to say I'm still alive and kicking (well, not kicking much lately).  I'm glad to report my dearest is doing a little better. So those good vibes are doing a great job! And, though late, I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! I used to color eggs and bake pies (well, buy pies later) and we always had a great family breakfast and visits from friends. Then we added church visits and exchange of chocolate eggs to that. Do you have Easter tradition?

First, apologies for missing the entry last week. When it comes to choosing between sleeping and blogging, well...

Second, highlights and downsides of hospital life (visiting, not working). Highlights: seeing the dear one, obviously, friendly international staff, and a gorgeous garden. Have you ever noticed that one can study the world just by talking to the nurses? Recently, I've met medical personnel from Phillipines, Vietnam, Japan, Iran, India, France, Germany, Kenya, Ivory Coast, etc. Many have been here for years, still miss their families, and can talk wonders about their countries. And, as a former linguist, I simply love listening to different accents. As for the garden, it was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Though the birds taking baths and walking around (I called one Prima Donna for a proud posture, and the other one Pharaoh, sp?, because it was walking like an Egyptian) and squirrels coming for nuts stole the show from the plants. I was warned not to let squirrels bite me because sometimes they might have rabies. I had a persuasive, IMHO, though totally illogical answer, "But they are so cute!"

Downsides: seeing your dear one suffer, atmosphere, and smells and sounds. Somehow, no matter what you do, even the atmosphere in the hospitals seems to be filled with - no, I wasn't going to say "Germs" - sadness. I'll spare you and won't say about smells. As for sounds, I guess, the good part about the sound of drilling the hole in the nearby wall was that it overcame the noise of IV beeping, and water dripping. But even after the years hear people moan tear at my heart.

So you know what my week-end will be like. Tell me about yours. Any plans?

(((Olga))) the garden sounds lovely and nurses are a special breed of people. Let me know if I can help in any way.

PS. No plans. it is just me and my four year old son so I'm figuring the movies and maybe swimming.

Toni, thank you, sweetie! People like you keep me going. And movies and swimming sound dreamy. Have fun!

*hugs* I know how awful it was spending 13 hours at the hospital when dad had his shoulder surgery. You're strong for sticking it out! Don't think I could. Its why I could never be a nurse.
Weekend plans, hoping to make more progress on sabrina. Coming down with a cough so be nicely medicated

My weekend plans fell through - I found out my cat isn't well (he seems to be happy enough but I think he's got thyroid problems)

Hugs to you Olga. My mother was a nurse so I got dragged to hospitals quite often. She worked at a county hospital, isn't wasn't the most cheeful of places. But the nurses were all nice and intersting.

Yesterday was little league and housecleaning. Today maybe a trip to Costco.

I'm glad that you are finding some brightness in your days, Olga. I'm sending you both lots of strength and good wishes. It's not easy, but we're thinking of you.

The weekend has passed and I wrote, cleaned house, sold Girl Guide cookies, talked with my mom and did some running.

And now a new week has begun. I hope yours goes well. (((Olga)))

Lis, hugs about the cold. As for nurses, I think they are a very special kind of people, caring and extremely patient.

Claire, lots of hugs. It's terrible when the pet is sick. I hope the thyroid problem could be cured soon

Rene, thanks for hugs, much appreciated! Yes, hospitals are not the most cheerful of places, and I've got to know. Lots of respect and admiration to your mother!

Meretta, thanks for good wishes! As for the new week, I try to live from a day to a day. I like the ending of GWTW, and try to believe that there's always another day.

I admire how you find the sliverest of linings...and appreciate that they find ways to make beauty in a hospital. My mom was (is) a nurse as well, and they are a special kind of person. Hugs to you, thinking of you and yours.

Marty, thanks for kind words and for hugs! I do try to see silver linings, but sometimes it's so hard... And words of admiration to your mother!

More hugs, Olga!! It's spring break in our household and very busy! Hope you are able to enjoy your holiday, Olga!

Kelly, thanks sweetie! And what holiday? The last time I really had a holiday, let me think, I don't remember!

Olga, God Bless you! I have spent many hours in a hospital..know what you're talking about. Going to Borders this weekend, maybe do some shopping.

Jerri, thanks! And hugs on spending many hours in the hospital. I wouldn't wish it to anybody. Have happy shopping!

Leave it to you to have more bright sides than downsides! HUGS HUGS HUGS!

(((Hugs))) No plans, as usual. My weekends are a bit boring.

The garden sounds nice.

Mary, I'm certainly trying! And thanks for hugs!

Bailey, thanks for hugs, and you have no idea how I miss my previous week-ends, which I used to consider boring!

Claire, those are so cute! Happy Easter to you, too!

Hi Olga! I loved reading your post today - and the reason probably sounds weird but reading about the sounds, sights and smells one encounters in the hospital is soooo true! It brought back memories and I thought... now here's a writer who knows how to bring the senses alive! Not to mention, nail the entire scene smack on. :) LIke I said, probably not what you were expecting to hear. :) I'm glad you had a good easter! Take care!
Cole

Cole, I loved your comment! Frankly, I just tried to be optimistic, but your words made my day!