Hospital

I have never enjoyed surprises. I guess that part of my hyper vigilance in life is due in part to surprises that came early in my life. They were not the kind of fun ones like a surprise trip or surprise party (which I had one horrid one on my 16th birthday which is an entirely different story). They were the ones where you are playing at your cousins house and a neighbor drives up and they go talk to your Aunt who goes white and then they tell you that your dad or mom is in the hospital but everything will be all right and how about an ice cream before we head to the hospital. Or waking in the middle of the night to a siren and then being packed off to a neighbors until family can come get you. I like to try and always be ready so I don't feel that shock and dread. Scott and his brother and two sons had headed off on an extended backpacking trip when early in the morning I found out my father in law had quit breathing and been rushed by ambulance to the ER. They live far away so there was nothing I could do except pray and help make phone calls to the rest of the family. Luckily my sister in law was in town visiting them. But Scott brother who lives near his parents is far away with Scott. When he was conscious again he was able to understand jokes which is good. This is the first year he has not gone with his sons to the Wind River range. He is getting older and has been having operations for prostate of late and has heart issues. I really feel like everthing will work out but it remded me of not liking surprises or unexspected phone calls. Yet if given the chance I guess knowing in advance of events that are not desired whould not really be wonderful. This one of the times I wish family was closer than 14 hour drives.