Family

This picture is kind of old (think back almost 24 years). But, remember we moved & I'm tired & I don't know where more current pictures are! This was in a wedding day scrapbook. My mom is sitting, my brother, Tim, is behind her. My other brother, Jason, is behind Tim. Dad is the only guy still wearing his tux. Tim & Jason are such slackers. 
As many of you know, my parents & I are estranged. For over a year now. Although my Dad did call on Christmas day this past year. Haven't spoken with my mother in over a year. Today is not a day to discuss details, for those resentments have been gone for a long time & it serves no purpose now anyway. In February my Mom turned 80 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage. In May my Dad will turn 80. Both are in fair health. Both my mom's parents died of stroke/cardiac problems. My uncle (her brother) died young of a heart attack. Not a good history.
Last night during dinner, my mother suffered a massive stroke. So bad, the volunteer ambulance people called in the Medivac. She told my sister-in-law that her fingers felt tingly & my SIL said give the phone back to my brother (who was at my parents). She was slurring her words & my brother called 911. She was flown to a heart hospital in Austin. Didn't meet criteria for clot buster. 
She had regained some of her motor skills before the helicopter ever took off, but her BP was not coming down. At the hospital her right side became immobile & her speech was not understandable. Amanda met my Dad & brother at the hospital. She was there until 2:30 this morning & back up there at 11 this morning. She said G'ma was startled she was there. If you are estranged, then so are the children. My other brother has also been estranged, but for more like 3 years. They were all there today. I will be there Saturday.
I am flying out in the morning, but it will be 10:45 before I get to Austin, so it will be Saturday before I get to the hospital. 
My grandmother had a stroke & my mother cared for her at home for just over a year. It took a toll on her & my dad. From then on, we knew she wanted no heroic measures. No feeding tube, no vent. Been there, done that. She is not swallowing or speaking. Amanda did say there was a small response of foot movement. She is extremely ticklish on the bottom of her feet & she responded to that. She is awake & aware of her surroundings. Amanda said they finally had to turn the monitor away because she was craning her neck to see if her BP was coming down. That's a retired RN for you! There is talk of hospice care at home. My sweet RN SIL is staying with her tonight & my other SIL is finally leaving for first time in over 24 hours. 
Will update as I can....