Of emergency rooms, night rides, solstices and equinoxes, stars and stones and herbs

[darkemeralds]

Got one of those phone calls last night that you don't really like to get: "Hi, I'm at the hospital."

My sis, avventura1234 took a fall while working and either bruised or broke a rib. She said, "I was being so careful, too, because I know I'm tired."

She's tired because she has to work two jobs to keep a roof over her and her kids' heads. She went to the ED at Emanuel Hospital (her birthplace, and mine, incidentally) because she was in enough pain and fear to overrule her almost complete lack of healthcare coverage.

Upshot: the rib is probably not broken. The owner of the company said he'd pay for everything, which puts her at a significant advantage over a lot of people. Her kids are self-sufficient, I live across the street, and am easily able to help out.

avventura1234 left her phone in the emergency room, so my 17 year old niece and I rode our bikes back over there in the drizzle at 10:30 to get it. It was actually kind of pleasant out on the empty Sunday-night streets.

Today is the first day of summer, but that fact has not been communicated to the skies over the Willamette Valley, which remain pearly gray. It is...mild. Kind of timeless-feeling. Not actually raining today, so that makes a change.

I got word this morning of a an act of solidarity and support from a friend who could little afford to offer it, and I'm feeling very grateful. My sis is much better today, and now all I have to worry about is my appearance as a witness before a grand jury on Thursday.

Comments

[bluemeridian]

The 'upshot' is full of small mercies!

[darkemeralds]

It is indeed! Cause for gratitude at any time, but in these times, I feel extra thankful.