Being in a hospital, sandwiched in the sterile passage between Theatre and ICU has a way of putting things into perspective, heightened by sharing stories with other people waiting anxiously for their loved ones. This was my reality for quite a few hours this week, while I waited for my husband to emerge from his cochlear implant operation. Dave’s decision to do it happened fairly quickly a few months ago, following years of accelerating hearing loss.
It’s an intricate procedure, in his case taking 7 hours plus 3 hours to come out of the anaesthetic. Thankfully Dave’s brother and his wife came for lunch at the hospital coffee shop, helping a whole lot to pass the time. His beautiful daughter also had this operation, over 20 years ago when she was a young girl. It’s been wonderfully life changing for her and was extra special to have her reassurance and love to support him through the decision and subsequent stages.
Back to the passage . . . it became disconcerting to keep jumping up in the hope it was Dave, as another semi-conscious person was wheeled out. Their eyes were closed so they didn’t see my disappointment but it still felt somehow mean. So what matters most? Those nearest and dearest to our hearts, surely. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from 23+ amazing years married to Dave, it’s how precarious life can be and how every moment together is deeply precious.
Despite being epic, this op wasn’t in essence life threatening, but he’s been close to the edge a number of times before, with his background as a pro superbike racer and breaking over 70 bones along the way. Stressful as they can be, life’s fragile moments can keep us close – as close as breathing it can even feel. Have you experienced this too? Please leave a comment below to share what you’ve learnt about what matters most. I’d love to know.
In the meantime, do you know how to find flattering lighting for your selfies? In the pic above, Dave and I were sitting on his hospital bed, just after he was admitted around 7am. We were close to the window and facing towards is, so that it illuminated our faces like a giant soft box. This is a simple example of the wealth of practical tips in my new online courses, which have been in beta testing for the past month, gathering fabulous feedback!
P.S. Watch this space for my FREE Rock That Lens Intro course as well as special launch offers to follow soon! XO
4 Comments
Nomalanga Sitole
What matters most is loving people whilst they are alive, apologising and forgiving them. I was raised by my grandparents and after school my granddad passed on , leaving me as an 18 year old to look after my grandmother – she was my mother more than anything else . A year and a half later she passed on – the day she stopped talking after a long struggle with diabetes , after granddad passed on – id shouted at her in the evening when I got back from work because she was not eating and as a young girl it was worrying me and a little frustrating – I wish I has said i’m sorry for letting it out on her, that was my way of loving I guess – that’s what mattered most then.
Naomi
Thank you for sharing this beautifully profound comment Nomalanga. My heart goes out to you for all that you had to handle at a young age, and I completely relate to your worry and frustration. Dave’s mother also suffered from diabetes and those close to her were similarly frustrated when she wouldn’t eat well. There’s no question in my mind that she, and your grandmother, knew it stemmed from love and concern. I couldn’t agree more with taking the opportunity to consciously love people while we can. Thanks again for being your beautiful self! XO
Alet Koster
Beautiful writing Naomi.
So glad all went well – give Dave a big hug from me! Love, Alet
Naomi
Thank you so much Alet! I really appreciate your lovely comment, and so does Dave 🙂 Big hug and lots of love to you from us both! XX
Comments are closed.