If you’ve been following along on social media, you’ll know that this has been a WILD WEEK. Making two visits to the ER when we are typically in very good health and very lucky. So, all of this time at the hospital feels different and weird. I’m having a hard time processing emotions and finding sense in them.

On Sunday, I went to the ER for an excruciating pain that I thought was an appendix. Turns out it was a 6mm kidney stone that created a blockage, which led to both a kidney infection and a blood infection. After an emergency surgery to put a stent in, I stayed in the hospital until Tuesday. 

Let me just take this time to talk about how incredibly painful a kidney stone is. Worse. Than. Child. Birth. Yes. I said it. I had two natural, unmedicated childbirths, and this was worse. The pain was equivalent to someone literally stabbing me with a rusty sharp knife in my side. And it doesn’t let up. This pain is indescribable, and this is your sign to go drink a big gulp of water. Morphine didn’t even take it out. Multiple doctors said that a kidney stone is just about the most pain a human can endure. So. Now, I feel like I possess even more superpowers. But also, I never want to feel that again. *taking a big gulp of my water.

Through it all, everyone at Rush was so thorough and professional.  But unfortunately, I had to miss the biggest EYT day of my year. What crazy timing. The amount of people from the event that reached out praising my staff really made me proud, though. I know they are amazing. But, I am so happy that EVERYONE sees how amazing they are. The end of our biggest EYT of the year went off without a hitch. I am so grateful.

Less than 24 hours after being released, I was back in the ER. This time in the guest chair pulled out into a bed. I was no longer the critical patient. Madden was in the patient bed, which felt way more scary than me being in that bed from Sunday to Tuesday. Madden had been hit with a line drive to his forehead at batting practice.

As I walked back into the ER – Madden’s gigantic arms wrapped around my shoulders as I tried to steady him while we walked in – I felt so scared. Blood was dripping from his nose. The welt in between his eyes kept swelling. He was loopy.

The ER also looked so different than it had Sunday at 6:30am. There were 10 times as many people, and I overheard the nurse say it would be a 10-hour wait. I couldn’t fathom waiting 10 hours.

The front counter nurse at the ER registration was the same guy who had been there days earlier. The same guy I told I was in unbearable pain and needed to see someone immediately. I reminded him he took care of me the other day in hopes he would find a way to push Madden through to be seen sooner. He did. We were seen immediately. (Thanks Rush ER!)

Madden looked like he got in a bar fight. He just wanted to keep closing his eyes. It was an obvious concussion, but I was hanging on for dear life that it wasn’t more than that. Any head injury is scary. 

The same woman who gave me my first IV also gave him his. She also remembered me because the other day, I had told her about how, on Sunday morning, I had miraculously found a way to shower and put on makeup despite all the pain. (Before the pain hit unbearable levels, I had somehow thought I was going to be able to work my EYT Battle Royale that day).

Madden was rushed out for a CT Scan. Within the hour, we got good news that there was no brain bleeding, but he had fractured the two sinus plates between his eyes. They admitted him into the pediatric ICU to keep a close eye on him, checking in on him and waking him every hour. Looking at him in this pediatric bed made me giggle, as he really did look like Buddy the Elf. Even though he’s still a “child” he is so adult sized.

Despite the concussion, his spirits have been very Madden-like. He never did get a headache, and he remained super chill – and always kind. The number of times he whispered thank you to the nurses checking in on him really made me proud. He couldn’t eat the entire last day he was in the hospital because they needed to do another CT Scan 24 hours after his first one, which was at 9:30 pm. Just in case he needed surgery of any kind, no food or drink. Despite how hungry and thirsty he was, he handled it like a champion. He didn’t complain once and fully trusted the process.

We’re both home now, and my neighbors have also been on another level, stepping up to offer me a meal train (even before the Madden incident) even though they know I don’t like to ask for help because I fully realize everyone has their own stuff to work out. When we finally returned home yesterday afternoon, our doorstep was full of get-well cookies, cards and an edible arrangement. Another sweet neighbor dropped off homemade muffins this morning at our doorstep. So, to all of them – thank you so much. We truly, truly feel the love. 

During this rough week, my entire community has shown themselves more prominently than ever. I’ve always known I have a great community. Beyond great. So many beautiful friends from all areas of my life. Life-long friends. Friends I’ve never met. Bowling friends. School friends. All reaching out to send their love and thoughts.

As Madden and I both rest at home now, I want you all to know I totally feel it all. Like, in my bones. I feel the support, and it matters.

As I write this, Madden continues to improve, and I am still waiting to pass this kidney stone. I’ve been drinking insane amounts of water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and dandelion root tea. And while I’ve been looking for the message in this, I keep coming back to the same question.

What is the universe trying to tell us?

Maybe it’s the need for a reset. 

Or a step back. 

And slow down. 

Maybe it’s giving us this time to throw away the to do lists and smother ourselves in all of the love we feel.

Oh, and likely it’s also to drink more water.