PRIORITIES

    I woke up recently and thought I was having an asthma attack.  It is a condition I carry from the Fire Department.  After taking a treatment I made the  night in good shape.  I was not feeling real good so went to the clinic to just have things checked out.
     We have a rotating doctor that comes to our local hospital to give ours a little break.  She did something that never happened down here before and put me in a wheel chair.  They did tests and to cut it short I found myself in the back of our ambulance running hot to the Kansas Heart Hospital.  I am not used to being on that side of the cot and I can say that gurneys have not gotten any more comfortable.
     Turns out I have blood clots in all 5 parts of my lungs and behind my right knee.  There has been an ongoing effort by all involved to tell me how close I came to not doing any more blogs.
     When you are in the ICU you soon shuck your priorities down to the most basic level.  Of all thing things I hold in esteem I did not appreciate the fact that going to the restroom, by yourself, is the ultimate in freedom.  I do believe that the invention of the bed pan is that of a sadist.  The view out the window of the gas service reminds me of prison, if I were ever there.
     The simple pleasure of a simple meal not designed by a 'dietician' is  another thing that we take for granted.  I do know now how the kids in school feel about food.
      I do know that I was just plain spoiled by the nurses and staff of the Kansas Heart Hospital.  There was a great level of care and service that I will always be grateful for.  I am not recommending that air bed, it tried to throw me out several times.
     I do think that those who make the buying decisions at the hospital spend a week sleeping in the beds and setting on the chairs.  I think things would soon be upgraded.
     It is amazing how things can change in a moment and we are reminded that we are not in charge but do have limited control as to how we recover from these things. 
     I do not like the split tail gown.  It is a fact that your dignity is left at the door but the people make the fact such a non issue that it is easier to concentrate on getting well and not how you look.
      I am overwhelmed with the numbers of well wishes and prayers sent my way.  I was not aware as how many friends I have out there.
     I want to thank everyone at the Medicine Lodge Clinic and Hospital, Barber County EMS, the Kansas Heart Hospital, and the closest pizza place that I threatened to order in while I was there.
      I am afraid it will be a while before I am on stage again but I am still working on new things in western music and running the family B&B.  This will give me time to work out the OH YOU COWGIRL TOUR to come to a historic theater near you soon.