Page 396 - She's One Crazy Lady!

October 9t“
way on this unwanted and unknown journey.
One thing that did upset us was that with Covid raging, she had to
travel from Irthlingborough to Nottingham (many times) for a Covid test – a simple Covid test! With technology as it is, we had to ask – WHY? All that way to have a stick put up your nose and down your throat – not even getting out the car before making the return journey! Did they not realise the extra stress this caused patients and their families – not to mention the cost of fuel!
h– Marilyn still in hospital – she rang me early in the morning to sing and wish me
Surgery was set for September 24th. We were unaware at that time that Marilyn was eligible for Patient Transport so, for a few times, we booked taxis which were, of course, expensive. On this day we set off at 5.15am. My heart went out to her again and there was much ‘small talk’ on the way there. I was dreading saying ‘Goodbye’, knowing that none of us would be allowed to visit. Leaving her was hard – very hard. We weren’t allowed a hug. The nurse who met us could see this and promptly took charge – she’d had to do this many times, I’m sure. Later in the day, Sophie, Marilyn’s daughter, rang me to say her Mum was back on the ward, the operation, taking approximately four hours, having gone well. About 10.00pm I received a one word text – from Marilyn – ‘Hello’. She was awake. I texted her back just to say ‘Well Done – it’s all over. Sleep well. xx’ so relieved she’d made contact.
Marilyn was in hospital for eighteen days – it seemed an eternity. We spoke often on the phone when she felt well enough and between us we sent her packages – Red Cross Parcels – treats and a few essentials to help cheer her up. So many of the Crazy Hats ladies had sent in cards which we made a big feature of on Marilyn’s lounge wall when she got home. We missed her dreadfully and worried about how she was coping mentally, being there on her own and not able to have any visitors. Covid had a lot to answer for, for so many people across the nation, across the world, had loved ones in hospital or care homes in the same position.
How lovely it was that on October 9th – Marilyn still in hospital – she rang me early in the morning to sing and wish me a happy birthday! Four days later she told us she could come home.
It was like meeting up with a long-lost friend! I will always remember watching her walk towards me – we were both grinning. But still no hugs – just ‘elbow bumps’ allowed. We had spoken on the phone – a lot – but it was SO good to be able to see her for real. The nursing staff had looked after her well. It was clear to see that Marilyn had undergone extensive surgery and as we sat in the waiting area, waiting for her discharge notes and medications to come through, she showed me her heavily bandaged chest
a happy birthd”
ay!
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