| My
experience in "Hades" began when, one day, out
of the "blue," I had not the strength to dry
myself or get dressed from my bath. I was so weak I could
barely think and was shaking like a leaf. It ended up
with an ambulance trip to the emergency room, a 6-¬hour
wait and back home again. This jaunt was repeated the
next day and ended up with another extensive wait before
being put in the hospital with pneumonia and a urinary
tract infection. It was two weeks before I left the rehab
center and returned home.
 Why
do I refer to my time in the health facilities as "Hades?"
It's because I still have keen hearing and cannot sleep
unless it is quiet and dark. Those of you who have been
in hospitals know of the 24-hour noise and awakenings.
This means I went for about two weeks with only short
naps. The last night was the absolute worst as I listened
to the dreadful sounds of a man dying of emphysema. All
I could think of was the few grandchildren I have who
still smoke. How I wished they could hear this poor man.
I must pray for those who still battle this terrible addiction.
I appreciated the caring helpers at the hospital and rehab
center. They worked long, hard hours and were very kind
to their patients. It was no one's fault that I could
not sleep; it was just one of those things. But, I became
so sleep-deprived, I felt like I would lose my mind.
"Heaven" was experienced when I arrived home
to find my family had remodeled my sleeping area and given
me a warmer place to rest and added safety features. I
awakened to the sound of chirping birds and breathed in
the sweet smell of citrus blossoms. My sleep was once
again undisturbed and restful.
 My
children were very kind and caring. Meals were furnished,
transportation was provided; no one could have asked for
more caring attention. Friends and neighbors were also
thoughtful with their cards and calls. Having never been
hospitalized for anything except a short stay when having
babies, I had not realized how tiring it would be to even
talk to other people. I knew prayers were being offered
in my behalf. It seems that was what I needed to help
me pull through. Now I will be more understanding of those
who are ill. When they cannot see me, I will know they
are trying to heal, and leave them alone as I pray for
them.
They tell me that both of my ailments take a long time
to heal. Not being inclined to be patient with my afflictions,
I must now take better care of the prime stewardship of
my own health. Meanwhile, thanks to all who have prayed
for me!
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