Mothers

Kayley Hospital Watch

Mothers It wasn't supposed to be this way. No, no, no -she was supposed to be the one sleeping on a real bed as opposed to a hospital sofa. Yet I am currently laying on a king size mattress that's softer than the down on a goose while only 2.9 miles down the road, Missy lays on blue vinyl cushions. This pretend hospital hammock is barely wide enough for a cat- let alone a queen.

Earlier today Kayley was moved out of ICU into a regular room; as if there were such a thing. Since my daughter is making some improvements I pushed for Missy to commit the unpardonable sin tonight. I have recommended this transgression several times over the last 15 days. However it was deemed so grievous, so unthinkable, so out of the question that the mere mention of it brought immediate resistance.

When Kayley was first admitted I took on the responsibilities of homework and taxi service for our youngest son Graham. Every moment in between, I spent with Kayley and Missy. During the day Kayley had both of us but the nights... the long merciless nights... she had only Missy.

I knew Kayley wanted... needed...her mother in a different way than me. I understand this. Missy has always been the one the kids ran to first when pain or boo-boos showed their ugly face. A very small part of it is attributed to the fact t