Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Memorial Day and an unexpected loss

I’ve missed you, my friends. I hope you had a terrific weekend!

I really had a good weekend…

Time with my family

Driving through the Riverside National Cemetery and taking time to really wrap my mind and the minds of my family around the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Watching over 6,000 motorcycles parade through town as they honored those who've sacrificed for their country.
For now, that is all the energy I have at this moment to explain my blog silence.

Yesterday was hard…running my bereavement support group is usually enough emotional exertion for one day. I feel so privileged to do it and thankfully, I have the personal resources to handle it.
But...

Yesterday was different…when I returned to the birth center, I found out that a pregnant mother had died.

A devastated family raced to the hospital after hearing they had lost a precious wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece…

Nurses and doctors attended to their patients with sadness beyond sadness...

Some were at home, tossing in their beds, fighting for sleep, pushing nightmares out of their head, asking God "Why this woman, why me?"....

Oh, how I wish I could give you the details…but it is not the right thing to do

I can tell you this. There truly was nothing that could have saved this poor lady and her baby.
It was beyond human intervention.

Prayer. Presence. Listening.

These are the only human measures that can benefit the people who mourn this lovely lady and her unborn baby.

Today, I am hurting.

But my pain is minimal compared to that of a family who eagerly anticipated the joy of a new baby, but now plans a funeral.

34 comments:

April said...

Oh, Julie...such a sad story! I can hardly stand the thought of it. May God be with all who were left behind.

Mrs. M said...

Oh, my heart is breaking. That is so sad and I can't even imagine what that family must be enduring right now.

He & Me + 3 said...

Wow. I am so sorry. That is just mind blowing. What a tragedy. I will say a prayer for them today.
Hugs to you too!
Mimi

Miranda said...

I am so sorry for the family, for you and for all you work with. How awful. That breaks my heart.

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

Oh Julie, I'm so sorry to read this! My prayers are with you, the family and all the care providers. Such an indescribably hard experience!

Anne said...

Losing a patient is never easy. In my line of work, the sadness is often balance with the knowledge that they've lived long lives, and often arent' in pain anymore. But I think we would be missing something vital if we didn't grieve loss. After all, we become nurses to help and care for people. You have to have your heart turned on to do that.

I'm so sorry for the loss to the family, and to those who cared for her. *hugs*

Casey said...

Oh, Julie! I'm so sorry. I know how hard that can be.

(((Hugs!)))

Jen said...

My heart goes out to you. I too know this loss.

Tricia Nugen said...

I'll be thinking of you honey ;)!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a sad story....will be praying for you and the family.

Eyeglasses & Endzones said...

Oh man...your stories really make me thankful for my simple life sometimes...that is soo horrible! Im glad that you are back to blogging!

Rachel said...

So very sorry. I know it hurts when there's nothing anyone can do and it still ends up like this.

Thank you for caring about her and her baby.

Elaine at Matters of the Heart) said...

This gave me the chills all over again. I can not even imagine...

Tina said...

The pictures are beautiful...

How very sad and I will say a prayer that this family will find some peace!

Carolyn said...

Oh hun, I'm so sorry. I'm thinking of you.
Don't forget to take time to grieve/re-balance yourself when you need to.

Meg said...

I am glad you had a good memorial day weekend. That picture from the motorcycle parade is insane!

I am sorry to hear about your pt. I wonder what could have caused it, I am sure you know, but it is a guessing game for me. :) I hope you are able to support your co workers and her family as much as possible.

Unknown said...

How sad. I've said it before & I'll say it again, I don't know how you do what you do.

renee said...

so sorry!!!! hugs!!

Beth E. said...

What a terrible tragedy. Saying prayers for the family and friends of this woman and her baby. Also praying for you and the other doctors and nurses who are dealing with this loss.

Blessings,
Beth

-stephanie- said...

I pray God gives the family and you, strength.

Lori said...

I'm so sorry, Julie. I will keep this family in my prayers.

Gracie said...

I'm sorry, Julie

Kelley said...

You do such an admirable thing being there for those families. I can't imagine how you do it. I am so sorry for you and for that poor family. Prayers for you all!

mama's smitten said...

Your words are so comforting and kind! Thank you for the words of encouragement! I definately want to see it all the way!!!! This is going to be a CRAZY time but I have so much support! Even from friends I have not even met! Thank you friend ! And yes an invitation to come.....!:)

mama's smitten said...

Oh my !Your post! I am so sorry to hear what happened! I sense God in your presence. Prayers for all involved.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry for the pain that you are feeling. I know that you feel out of sorts right now, and there is nothing that can be said to ease you through this time. I so admire you for the work that you do, because you do "take on the pain" of your patients. What a blessing you are as a Nurse, a healer and a confidant...your patients depend on you to be strong, and you are, but God has given you the greatest gift of compassion and love. So, my friend, take care of you, grieve for this family but remember each day to count the blessings of your own, as I know you do :)

May tomorrow bring you sunshine, happiness and the gift of laughter.

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

How do you do it? God has truly blessed you with special gifts...I hope that today is a better day and that the family who lost their loved ones.

E @ Scottsville said...

=0(

I wante wanting to know more... but knowing I can't. So I'll just pray!

Paige Hinrichs said...

Unbearable sadness. Praying for that family.

Love your pictures. I took tons that day, but you got the one I wanted of the cycles coming down the blvd. Good job!

jennykate77 said...

What a heart-wrenching and sad thing to happen. I feel horrible for that family and for all of you wonderful medical personnel that have to experience the loss as well. Praying for comfort and peace for everyone effected.

*hugs*

Five Moms & A Blog said...

Julie, I'm so sorry. Such a sad story. I say a little prayer for her family and the medical staff as well.

Thinking of you,
~ Miti

Elyse said...

Hey sweet mama...I tagged you on my blog...check it out when you can!
~Elyse

Morgan said...

oh no, how sad! I've never known anyone (in the last 20 years) to die during childbirth. I hope her family finds healing and comfort during this difficult time.

Mishel said...

Indescribable pain. My prayers are with the family as well as you and the caring staff at your hospital.