A few days ago, I received an email from my Aunt, saying that Grandpa is going into surgery in a few hours. The surgery was not supposed to be complicated, so all was expected to go well. Except, is there such a thing as a non-complicated surgery when one is 80+ years old? Luckily, 24 hours later, I received another email saying that the surgery went well and Grandpa was recovering.
But my heart did skip a beat. It is simply not physically possible to cross the ocean that fast, and with grandparents in their 80's things are bound to happen. Some days the guilt of being so far away and the helplessness is just too much.
The perverse incentives of academia
6 years ago
9 comments:
Not fun. I'm only 800 km away from my only living grantparent, but it's still a bit too far for me
I can't even imagine. My family is (for the most part) is a short plane ride away. Those type of phone calls still make my heart skip a beat. I'm so glad that your grandfather's surgery went well.
Glad to hear the surgery was successful! I know what you mean -- I lost one of my grandmothers early this year from complications due to surgery. Of course, she was 94! But it was still very sad and unexpected.
Ughh, that must've been a hard 24 hours. So happy that it seems to be working out.
I'm glad he's doing well after surgery. I know this fear all too well... hugs from afar.
So glad to hear your grandfather's surgery went well... *hug*
Glad things are okay. I can relate as well, with EGM's family so damn far away.
I am truly amazed what surgery can do these days. My 88 year old, poor health, stoke-victim grandmother survived a 14-hour long very complicated neurosurgery. Amazing. Glad things worked out for your grandfather.
HGG - even 800 km is a big distance for emergencies, but another order of magnitude makes it simply impossible...
Amanda - thanks! I am sure these are scary for all of us.
Rebecca - the possible complications were really more scary than the surgery itself. I am so relieved he is doing well, thanks!
SM - the extra delay in communication definitely adds another level of stress. I was very happy to get the second email, though!
Cath - thanks! I have noticed that people in our professions tend to be far from their families, unlike the majority that tends to stay in their state or country for all of their lives.
The Bean-Mom - thanks! A hug was the first thing I asked Hubby for when I got that first email!
EGF - we are now further from Hubby's family than we were earlier, and he is starting to have these worries as well, although his side of the family is significantly closer. Still, no fun.
EthBr - it truly is amazing, but sad that only a small percentage of the world has access to this kind of care. I always feel guilty for having access to better care than my grandparents, and worry even more about them having surgeries in Ukraine. Yes, it is still better than most of the world, but one wishes the best for one's loved ones...
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