It’s been a tough few weeks for the Draper Girls.
Draper Girl #2 – my sister, Elaine, had what she thought was
a cold. Then suddenly things changed rapidly and her husband realized it was
something far worse. Within hours she was at WakeMed in ICU, on a ventilator,
and awaiting surgery for a severe infection in her lungs. That was 2 and a half
weeks ago. She has endured surgery, chest tubes, scores of tests, plates of
frightening hospital food, 2 units of blood and is patiently awaiting placement
in Rehab so she can get back to being herself.
Draper Girl #1 – my mom has had a chest cold that has gotten
worse and worse and worse. So bad in fact that Draper Girl #3 (me, if you are
counting) took her to the Duke ER last Saturday to sit drenched in germs next
to people with bloody appendages to wait our turn for a chest xray. She was
diagnosed with acute bronchitis, given a script for steroids and an inhaler and
sent back home to wrestle with a beast of a cough, one that manages to win
handily each night when she puts her head on the pillow.
Draper Girl #3? I’ve been running around like Miracle Mike.
(Miracle Mike is not a stripper from a movie. If you don’t know who Miracle
Mike is, part two of reading this blog is to Google “Miracle Mike.” Really.
Beatingest thing I’ve ever heard. )
Anyway – suffice it to say, when I’m visiting my sister in the hospital,
I’m worried sick about leaving Momma at home. When I’m home, I’m worried sick
about my sister in the hospital. In between, I’ve logged miles, many miles on
the I-40/Beltline racetrack, bought and wrapped
gifts, addressed Christmas cards, gotten
my labs done and had my thyroid meds changed again.
So far, it’s been a Christmas to remember, because amidst
the chaos, the Christmas light of love and remembrance has shone on my family.
And blessed us.
My friend Nancy brought us not one, but two complete dinners
– one was a delicious spaghetti feast complete in every detail. The second, on the very eve of Mom’s “visit”
to Duke, was Brunswick Stew, one of her very favorite dishes, one that harkened
to home and hearth and warmth and love. To see Mary Frances eat something she
genuinely enjoyed in the midst of being so sick she couldn’t dress herself was
a gift I won’t soon forget.
The following day, a Sunday, my son, Nat, and my
daughter-in-law, Lilly came to help decorate our tree. That was a gift in
itself, but when Lilly asked for a handcart, I couldn’t image why. Those two
wrested a giant box of books from be back of their car and somehow trundled it
in the house to lay at the feet of my mother. They had gone to the Wake County
Library Book Sale and spent an hour and
a half selecting large print mysteries that they thought she would like. Mama
was ecstatic and a week later is still oohing and ahhhing over her hoard. She’s
read 3 so far of the 39 titles and I’ve never seen her happier over ANY GIFT,
EVER. The price tag – 3 dollars.
My sister has also
been the recipient of an unexpected
gift. One of her church friends put out a call to her friends and they gathered
a gift basket of home baked goodies, fruit, candies and cards and got it to my
brother-in-law for transport to the hospital. So in medical terms, she received
a bolus of love from her church family back home.
My next unexpected gift was one I had secretly wished for. One I had
not mentioned to anyone. My artist friend and former roommate, Jeannette,
created a coloring book earlier this year in time for her studio tour. I had
hoped to go, but time was not my friend. She posted a few shots of her work in
progress on Facebook and I was simply smitten. I hardly ever see Jeannette in
person and our relationship exists these days as kindred FB spirits so I couldn’t
imagine getting a chance to purchase one of her limited editions before they
were gone.
After a visit to the hospital, I came home and collected the
mail. Inside was a package – addressed in – why it was Jeannette’s handwriting.
It…felt…like….and…it…WAS… a copy of the coloring book! I stopped in the middle
of my 1001 Things To Do Before Christmas earworm and sat down and simply drank
in the charming, delightful, calming images. It’s a promise to myself that when the furor dies down, or
possibly even sooner, I will sit down and simply color. I can’t wait! Jeanette
said she was thinking of me and thought I’d like copy. She is kindness itself.
And finally, on Friday – I returned home and found a half
gallon of Bojangles Iced Tea on my doorstep – something I heard once described
as Housewife’s Crack for its potent blend of sugar and caffeine. So this gift,
from my friend Jo, who had no idea what I’m soaking in, has powered me through
the busy weekend.
Because that’s what Christmas is all about, sustaining one
another with love. It's what all three of the Draper girls have felt in spades. It’s not about the trappings – the decorations, the parties,
not even the paper and bows. It’s to
know that someone who cares about you has held you in their heart. It’s to hold
someone you care about in your heart. It’s to celebrate the Birthday of the
Christ child who came to remind us to love one another. It’s all about Love. Actually.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
