Me with my mom in late May.
AS THE DAUGHTER of an aging parent, it is the call you do not want to get—that your mother has fallen and is being transported 130 miles via ambulance to a metro area hospital.
That exact scenario played out earlier this week when my octogenarian mom fell in her assisted living room and suffered multiple severe injuries that landed her in a trauma unit.
It’s been a difficult week. Worrying. Waiting. More injuries added to the initial list. Questions. Tests. Rest, recovery, therapy.
So many emails, text messages and phone calls have been exchanged among siblings, other family members and friends that I’ve lost count. And prayers, lots of prayers, prayed this week.
In the end, Mom, who has faced many medical challenges throughout her years, rallied. Today she is back in the care facility where she moved earlier this spring. She is happy to be home. The staff in this rural small town facility welcomed her with open arms. I am grateful for their concern and care.
And I am thankful for answered prayers. I believe strongly in the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. So many times this week, I found myself requesting prayers for my Mom and asking for God’s healing hand upon her. Those prayers continue now for her recovery.
I have not seen my mother; she did not want visitors. She realized her need to focus on rest and recovery. That was difficult, but for the best. However, I have seen photos of a woman who appears to have been on the losing end of a bar brawl. She claims to have been scrimmaging with the Minnesota Vikings. It’s good to laugh in the midst of challenges.
And my mom faces the challenges now of recovery, of ongoing physical therapy, of regaining her strength. Her goal is to attend her granddaughter’s wedding in a few weeks. I have no doubt she will achieve that goal. She is a strong woman.
FYI: The online news source, MinnPost, published an interesting story today in a late-in-life healthcare series. The piece focuses on options for those living in rural Minnesota. I’d suggest you read it by clicking here. With families today often living far apart, rural elderly face challenges unlike those of previous generations. I live about 125 miles from my mom.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Glad to hear she is rallying! Sending thoughts and prayers and good vibes 🙂 Take Care
Thank you, Renee.
I love that she has her Viking colors on – purple t-shirt with gold flowers on her other shirt 🙂 Go Vikes!
I didn’t even notice the color of her clothes. She’s not a big sports fan. But her comment about her injuries resulting from a football scrimmage struck me as so humorous and appropriate for this time of year.
Having a sense of humor is key!
Thinking of you Audrey and your amazing Mom.
Thank you kindly, Dee.
Best wishes to your mother. I live about 500 miles from my aging parents, and I’ve been worrying more every day about what’s best to do. They are in a condo at this point, but I’ve been thinking it may be time to make the move to assisted living. My father, especially, faces serious health challenges and caring for him will wear my mother down too, I’m afraid. My thoughts are with your mother, and with you.
Five hundred miles are way too far. It sounds like you have every reason for concern. I’d encourage being proactive rather than reactive.
Thankfully, my mom has adapted well to, first, nursing home care and then assisted living. But then she always makes the best of every situation, always focuses on the positive and does what she must.
Sending thought and prayers of healing for your mom and peace for you knowing she is being well cared for!
Thank you so much, Laurie.
Oh no, that is a dreadful call to get, thank goodness she was where she could get immediate help. AND on the road to recovery.. So hard to be so far away! Take care darling girl.. c
Oh, C, thank you.
We are truly thankful she was in a place where she could get help right away and that she was able to push her call button after a bit of maneuvering. Although her injuries are very serious, they could have been worse.
Continued prayers for your mom, glad to hear she is settled back into her home. 🙂
Thank you, Jackie. You know how grateful I am for praying friends like you.
What a tough time, Audrey, and I certainly do believe in the power of prayer. It must be hard having your mother in a hospital so far from home! This week my husband’s octogenarian father had to go to hospital in an ambulance. They live a 14-hour drive away (moved away from us nearly 10 years ago which was totally silly), and so it’s hard for us to know what’s going on with them. We were told he had a major stroke and was suspected of having alzheimers and so we were very worried. Then at the end of the day we found out he’d been discharged from hospital and they didn’t think he’d suffered a stroke at all and have no idea what it was but my MIL says ‘he had a turn’. I hope your mother recovers quickly xx
Oh, my, Charlie, I am so sorry to hear about your FIL. And your in-laws being 14 hours away is simply too far at their age. Are they near any family?
I hope some answers are sought as to what caused whatever is going on with him.
Yes, the power of prayer is such a blessing at all times, but especially in time of need.
Glad to hear she is improving! And out of the hospital.
It is remarkable, given the severity of her injuries, that she is already out of the hospital. Thank you for your concern, Stacey.
I’m very glad to know Arlene is on the mend.
say “Hello” to her from Jan.
Thank you, Jan, and will do.
So glad for good healthcare, modern communication systems, and the power of prayer! In my family siblings and other family were nearby when my parents were going through end-of-life events (thankfully no falls for them just cancer for Mom and diabetes/renal failure/dialysis for Dad). I’m stuck on the other side of the world. Both are enjoying a blessed eternity with Our Father now. I’m praying for you and your family.
You say “just cancer” and diabetes/renal failure/dialysis. Those are major. Blessed be the memories of your parents.
And, yes, I agree–so thankful for modern medicine and communication.
At home they are…
After meeting your mother last summer, I’m not one bit surprised by her ability to bounce back. She is strong, but womanly;gentle and pleasant, all in one small package. She is truly an amazing mama! I can see why her daughter turned out so beautiful and gifted (“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!”) smiles and prayers, Rena
Ah, Rena, thank you. I love your description of my mom. She is exactly as you describe.
So sorry to hear about your Mom but so glad she is doing better. As our parents age, it’s like having children again; we worry about their well being, wanting the best for them, while they mostly want to stay as independent as possible, for as long as they can. My parents are both gone now; Mom 33 years and Dad 8 years, but I still remember the panic I felt when the phone would ring and I’d find out they were in need. My heart goes out to you Audrey and I will pray for you and your Mom. Our God is there to provide you love and strength, he never leaves us…
I am beyond appreciative of your encouraging words. Thank you.
So glad she is on the mend. I don’t’ think I would have been able to respect my mom’s wishes to not visit if this had been me. I am just defiant that way, I guess, but you knew what was best to do in this situation. Glad that she is strong and getting stronger every day and that she is in a place that folks will take good care of her. Of course she continues to be in my prayers. As well as you.
Thank you, my friend.