A Step Backwards

My mother is back in the hospital, the same one she was in from March 4 to April 4. After she left she was in rehab until April 26, and then went home. Now, after less than two weeks at home, she is back in the hospital.

It was odd to be there again. Her room is seven doors down from her old one. Many of the nurses and aides were familiar, remembered Mom, and chatted with me about her. Alan, who brings around ice chips, gave me a big hug of welcome. I know how to get a doctor to come by, how to get a warm blanket, and the best place to make a phone call. It was all a bit too familiar.

It was a beautiful spring day, one that would usually find Mom outside in her garden. As I sat by her bedside, I was struck by the contrast of the dark slats of the window blinds against the lighter colors outside her window, and the way they seemed to be locking us inside.

I hope she won't be here long.