Sunday, September 09, 2007

Numb

I have a niece. She just started school last week. I was talking to her last weekend and she was looking forward to going to 'big school' and making new friends. Yes, she was wondering how it would go and she talked a lot about missing her old school too, about the teachers who were obviously fond of her and the friends she had made and who were now going elsewhere. I admired her for her certainty she would make new friends and for the way she was looking forward to this new experience despite there being scary aspects.

She also explained a million other things to me. My niece cracks me up. She is a little chatterbox. Her narrative is a constant stream of consciousness as she has not yet really learnt to filter things out and express every little thought that comes into her head. She has an idea and she is off again, full of enthusiasm for it until the next one comes along. It's funny and endearing, if a trifle exhausting at times. Then she is up and off outside dragging us with her, to show us how she can spin on the spot. She takes dance lessons you see and has not long ago passed her grading exams in modern, ballroom and Latin American dance. I have no idea where she gets her energy from.

Except now she is quiet and still as she lays in intensive care. My sister rang me late last night. She was knocked off her bicycle by a car. She isn't going to live and there is nothing anyone can do. I had to break the news to my brothers and they can't believe it either. We all want to do something but nothing we do can make this better. Her brain is going to keep swelling until it kills her and there is nothing anyone can do. How can any of this be?

20 comments:

Unique Designs from Zazzle said...

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family members

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear Dear B-K...This is terrible...! Is there no way they can relieve the pressure of her brain swelling? I know I sound stupid---if there was, they would do it, I'm sure. I cannot imagine the pain you all must be going through....this is an unimaginable horror...! My heart goes out to you my dear B-K and to your dear sister and brothers...What a terrible terrible thing to have happened.

Michele sent me tonight....And I am glad she did so I can at least tell you your dear sweet little neice will be in my prayers...I am so very sorry, my dear.

gautami tripathy said...

This is horrible news. Yes, you can't do anything. But You can pray. So will I. Recently one of my closest friend was in the ICU. The doctors had given up but now she has come out it. Yes, she has.

You niece needs your prayers. For that you need a clear mind. You have to support your sister too.

I send my positive thoughts and vibes. My hugs too.

{{hugs}}

Anonymous said...

Oh my - Bob-Kat. I am so sorry to hear your news. I have a neice who chatters half a dozen to me about everything so as I write this, I'm in tears. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I am so so sorry for you all.

Michele sent me.

kenju said...

Oh, Bob-kat, I am so sorry. It is so senseless when these things happen; a small life, frought with promise and love and brightness is snuffed out for no apparent reason. I pray there will be a miracle for her, and if not, that you and her family will be able to deal with the pain of loss. I'm so sad for you.

BreadBox said...

Bob-Kat: this is terrible. I am so so very sorry to hear this -- you and your family are in my thoughts... and with everyone else I'll be hoping and wishing for a miracle to happen.
[ hugs and hearts ]
N.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Oh, what can I say? That when I get on my own bike, I have fears of winding up right where your niece is? That we need more bikers on the roads before more of us drivers will treat us bikers with the respect we deserve?

None of that helps right now, I know, except for maybe someone who reads these comments and hopefully becomes a more aware driver. Maybe we can save future bikers.

I am SO feeling your pain and horror, bob-kat. May a miracle happen here and may we all give each other big, huge hugs and remind each other of how valuable we are. Each one of us.

I wish I could come give you a hug and sit with you in person.

Anonymous said...

Too many heartaches for you. Again, my prayers this day for you and your family. Know she is being held by Him who counts the sparrows.

MaR said...

Oh, Bob-kat, this is so awful, it just can't be true...I am so deeply sorry, I have a 9yo niece... wish I could find some words to comfort you. My thoughts are with you and yours...
((hugs))

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. The numbness protects you as best it can. Even that is not enough to blcok the magnitude of this awful situation. You, your niece, your family and the doctors are in my prayers. And may your own prayers bring some semblance of peace.

The Dachsies Mom

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are so sorry. Sending purrs and hugs to your whole family.

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you and yours. Thank you for sharing this heartache with us.

Anonymous said...

Was sent over here via Randall's Hinterland...

My prayers are with you and your niece, in particular.

Anonymous said...

I am hear by way of Mar's blog. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you on such a terrible loss.

Sincerely,
Connie

The Aunt said...

Referred by Sherman. So sorry for your loss.

Hugs to all concerned.

Pat said...

Deae Bob-kat there are no words i can say that make any sense. I can only send my deepest sympathy to you and your family and pray God gives you comfort and the strength to cope with this unbearable blow. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Br strong for each other.
Love Pat

JAM said...

I am so sorry to read of this.

My blog visiting has been spotty, and this is a shock.

I am sorry for your family's loss. You all are in my prayers.

Honey said...

I read a little on Randall's Hinterland and just had to come over to offer you a hug, what horrific and shocking news, I am so very sorry to hear it.

diyadear said...

its really terrible bob.. times when we feel so helpless n small.. all is in the hands of the almighty alone.. my prayers r with u ur family dear..

Nea said...

I have a 7 year old who talks non-stop, like your niece she hasn't learnt to "filter" thought. Thanks to your post I now understand and will show her the patience she deserves.

Bless you.