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Writer’s block and hospital visits

February 21, 2012

Writer’s block and hospital visits

Er

Sometimes on Sunday nights, I have no idea what to post on my blog come Monday morning.

Since January 2007, I've blogged every week of my life. I've faced many a Sunday night, scratching my head, staring at a blank Typepad composer screen, thinking, "Okay, now what?"

Aside from posts about projects (layouts, step by steps, new products, Project Life—those come very easily), I like to keep a balance here on life, work, chub and scrapbooking.

In fact, my favorite posts are those where when I'm done putting it together, I think, "Why can't I write like this every single time?"

I still get quite a high when I can write about something really inane and still find an angle or a twist that I think, "My readers might actually like this."

So on Sunday night, as I sat there staring, not an idea in my head, I thought: "Well, that's it. The ideas have all run out."

It was bound to happen.

So I decided to just sleep on it.

I didn't know I'd be woken up at 3 a.m. on Monday morning by a girl in excuciating pain. I didn't know we'd be heading off to a first ever trip to the Emergency Room by anyone—knock on wood—in the Zielske family. I didn't know that I would be a very strong and calming force in Aidan's hour, or five hours as it were, of extreme need. I didn't know she could be as stoic as she was, keeping her cool for the doctor's, then falling understandably apart when they left the room. I didn't know just how much she still needs her mama.

I didn't know she would tell me on the way home: "This was a bad day, but it would have been the worst day if you weren't my Mom."

After a goodly amount of tests, she was diagnosed with a small, albeit extremely painful kidney stone. We came home around lunch time, I tucked her into my bed, and hovered over her all day and all last night. She is still asleep—pain free, thank God—this morning as I type.

In her lighter moments yesterday, we laughed when I said, "Well this'll be something to liven up the Project Life album, won't it?"

I'm going to take the week to nurse this girl back to full strength. Look for my regular Project Life post this Thursday.

Thank you for all of your well wishes for Aidan on Facebook yesterday. They were very much appreciated.

And don't worry. I'm sure I'll come up with some really good ideas to write about for next week.

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Comments

  1. mary says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:10 am

    Cathy, my daughter Grace and I are knocking heads lately, so your post brought tears to my eyes.

    Am glad you can love on your girl. She is an amazing person. And so is her Mom.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:20 am

    My daughter and I have a special relationship just as yours with Aidan – we are both such lucky moms. (And I share a similar special bond with my son – just as you.) We are truly blessed to have such wonderful children.

    Reply
  3. Barb says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Phew! I’m so glad it’s nothing long-term-serious. I hope she feels better soon.

    Reply
  4. Lee Currie says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:31 am

    What a relief to know the cause and Aidan will be well soon. Poor girl! Poor mum! So glad you have each other to rely upon. Looking forward to your PL post on Thursday 🙂 Hugs to you both!

    Reply
  5. Sally says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:34 am

    Glad Aidan is okay. I’ve had kidney stones, and they are no walk in the park. Lots of pain. I hope this will be a restful week for both of you!

    Reply
  6. Laurie says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:34 am

    Here is wishing Aidan a quick recovery. You two are lucky to have one another.

    Reply
  7. Dar says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Aidan deserves all the sympathy she can get – kidney stones are notoriously painful! Praying for her recovery. Being there for one of our children is a feeling that’s hard to describe, but you do a great job at that, too. Way to go, Mom.

    Reply
  8. Laura says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:40 am

    Glad to hear she is ok!!! and hey, we share the same birthday.. just different year. 🙂 Happy Aries chickys! *grin*

    Reply
  9. Sherry Coleman says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:51 am

    Best wishes and health to all of you.

    Reply
  10. joni a says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:51 am

    Oh, what an ordeal!!! So great that everything’s okay and that she’s resting comfortably! And that she certainly loves her mama!!! Praying that the week will be smooth sailing for your family! Loving your PL posts…I just jumped on the wagon!
    hugs,
    joni

    Reply
  11. Joanne says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:53 am

    Feel better Aidan!! So glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery and have Nurse Cathy by your side! It’s true..the stones in life are hard!

    Reply
  12. MelissaL88 says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Cathy, I’m so sorry the two of you went through that yesterday. Sending quick recovery thoughts to Aidan!

    Reply
  13. Cheri says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Having had two rounds of kidney stones, I can tell you that the pain (for me at least) was worse than childbirth. I hope that Aidan continues to do well and that the stone passes soon. Hope you two find some joy in this week together!

    Reply
  14. Ronnie Crowley says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:41 am

    Golly your first visit to ER and you have a teenage son! Glad to know Aidan is on road to recovery – enjoy your time together

    Reply
  15. Rita says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:46 am

    Not a Facebook user so was in the dark as to your ordeal… was wondering what happened to my beloved cz blog. So sorry for Aiden’s painful experience. I’m sure the worst of it was during the moments of not knowing what was wrong. Another bonding moment… but I’m sure one you could have done without. All the best.

    Reply
  16. Dolly says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:54 am

    Oh so thankful that the worst news is a small kidney stone! Seems like such a little thing but from knowing friends/family that have had one it is one of the most excruciatingly painful things to have. Glad that she is resting and that she has her momma right there by her side. The Cathy, Clean and Simple line of yoga pants and real women’s clothing can wait till next week k?

    Reply
  17. Susan in MD says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:55 am

    Ouch! I’ve heard those can be painful. Hope she never has to experience it again.

    Reply
  18. Robin G says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Hope she feels better soon! I have had several kidney stones and my first one was about at her age. Very painful. You two are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  19. DanaMK says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:15 am

    Poor girl! I hope she gets feeling better soon!

    Reply
  20. Lindsay Moreno says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:21 am

    I got my first kidney stone in high school. The docs had no idea what it was. I almost suggested it when I saw your tweet but didn’t want to jump to conclusions. So painful and not a lot to help til it passes. Poor girl. At least she’ll know what it is next time if she gets it again (which for me was a few years later in college).

    Lindsay

    Reply
  21. Erika says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Having done the whole kidney stone thing, I hurt for her. I told my husband later that I’d rather give birth to a 10 pound baby naturally than go through that again. The very next year I did just that…(really need to watch what I say aloud)…

    Hope you and your baby girl get some rest. You’re an awesome mom!

    Reply
  22. kris says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Wishing your daughter a quick recovery ……..and looking forward to blog posts and your pl…

    Reply
  23. mary says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:38 am

    having had kidney stones myself, I feel her pain!! Lots of water Aidan 🙂

    Reply
  24. Amy says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:42 am

    ugh – been there too with the kidney stones. No fun. Best wishes for a fast recovery!

    Reply
  25. christina rayevich says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I hope she feels better soon!
    xo

    Reply
  26. Radish says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:59 am

    Get Well Aidan!

    Cathy, I think it is amazing that I can put out a blog at all, because it seems I have said everything. Days off can be good. Then just sitting down after a break, you fingers find something to say. You are a huge inspiration with PL.

    Reply
  27. Jennifer Serrano says

    February 21, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Aiden, Get well soon!

    Reply
  28. Aimee Maddern says

    February 21, 2012 at 10:16 am

    I had 2 kidney stone surgeries last year… I feel her pain!

    Reply
  29. Leslie B says

    February 21, 2012 at 10:18 am

    Here’s to a speedy recovery for Aidan. I think it’s awesome that she actually told you how grateful she was that you were there with her. Its’ a testament to your relationship. Medical emergencies are scary for sure – no matter your age. Hang in there!

    Reply
  30. madeline St onge says

    February 21, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Cathy you are a great mom and your girl is always going to need you no matter how old she gets, remember that
    Feel better sweet girl

    Reply
  31. Lori P. says

    February 21, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Years ago my hubbie had a kidney stone(s) attack throughout a weekend. After Friday night (first night to the ER) I told him that I totally forgot I had a camera in my purse. Saturday night (yep, back to the ER) he reminded me about the camera and I snapped some picture’s. Sunday night another visit where they finally gave us pain meds to take home, I asked him about a page title and guess what he said. How about “rolling stones”? That is just what I did. He laughs about it now but did not think it was funny when I made the page. I should have taped or videoed our conversations. Oh the fun you can have when they/we are doped up.

    I hope Aidan is better soon and back on her feet.

    Reply
  32. Connie says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Poor Aidan and scary for you until you received the diagnosis. I am the mother of two and have also had kidney stones and found them worse than childbirth. Rest and drink lots of water – this week and ongoing. Hope she feels better soon!

    P.S. I missed signup for your Type class at BPC due to a family illness. I am hoping it will be offered again as this is something I really wanted to learn about!

    Reply
  33. Rita says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:15 am

    OMG – Cathy … I just realized that I misspelled Aidan’s name.. so sorry!

    Reply
  34. Kim says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Wishing that it passes quickly for Aiden and for mom. Make sure they test it to find out what the cause is. My husband passed three this summer and found out that his kidney’s are full of small ones. He is on medication to keep them from getting bigger and the dr. suggested getting some real lemon every day. Good luck!

    Reply
  35. dawn says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:21 am

    So glad it turned out to be ok, how awful for her. You are a good mama to those kids and they know that. All of you are lucky to have each other. Enjoy this time with your daughter, they always have snuggles when they aren’t feeling well. This will be fun to read in PL years from now.

    Cathy, I enjoy all your posts. They didn’t need to be huge life events or anything like that. Even just the hey hello and this is what we did over the weekend is good enough for me. Thanks for all you share here with us!!

    Hugs for you and your girl!!

    Reply
  36. Marge says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Hope everyone is recovering well! Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way!
    Blessings~

    Reply
  37. thepellerins@msn.com says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Been thinking of y’all. Glad she’s pain-free. It’s so hard to watch your child suffer!

    Reply
  38. cathy says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Thank you Connie. I am planning on offering it again in September!

    Reply
  39. cathy says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Oh Rita, how COULD you? ; ) No worries matey.

    Reply
  40. Kary in Colorado says

    February 21, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Hugs to Aidan. No fun at all. (But nice to know that they never outgrow their need for mom!) I hope that the worst is over and the recovery is swift.

    Reply
  41. Pedroza says

    February 21, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    I hope she feels better soon.

    Reply
  42. ale says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    so sorry to hear about aidan’s pain, glad she’s better now. my young sister’s been dealing with kidney stones since her early teens, too, and always says they are worse then getting into labor…

    Reply
  43. Design Editor says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Oh gosh, poor Aidan and poor you! What an ordeal. Hope she’s feeling better now.

    Reply
  44. Teri says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    Poor Aidan!

    Reply
  45. Laurel says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    You’d better! (Come up with more to write next week.) What would I do without my daily dose of Cathy?

    Reply
  46. RobynS says

    February 21, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    Prayers for Aidan. I have also been though to include 4 surgeries in one year to get mine out. They say to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of fluid each day. So 120 lbs is 60 oz of water or other fluid. We have also had our fair share of visits to the emergency room. (one of them was Dec 2010 we were visiting from Savannah and landed at the Childrens Hospital in St. Paul for 4 days)I know it was very scary for her and OK for you to have a few tears too. A whole other set of emotions. Stay strong with that big S on your chest for Supermom.

    Reply
  47. RobynS says

    February 21, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    Obviously cannot spell…Through kidney stones…..

    Reply
  48. heidig says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Hope she feels better soon!

    Reply
  49. Heather H. says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    So sorry your baby is going through this and you had to suffer through the ER, which in my opinion views *emergencies* much differently than we do! And I firmly believe that as Mamas we Bring It when we need to and we don’t know the depths of what we can bring when we are called to do so.

    Reply
  50. Karen Peterson says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Ooh…the thing that touched me the most was your portrayal of the relationship between a girl and her Mama! It is such a testament to the power that we have has moms to nurture these young girls into women that are tough, stoic, and brave yet still knowing our little girls are still in that body. Makes me think of and miss having my daughter here at home; yet so proud that she is out living and learning life; she still calls when upset and calls me Mommy!

    Hope Aidan heals quick and that is the last ER experience you have for awhile 😉

    Reply
  51. Nancy McM says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Oh my… I am glad she is home and you are with her. Take good care… hugs to you both 🙂

    Reply
  52. Brooke says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Get well soon Aidan!

    Cathy, I love the way you write. You make any topic fascinating.

    Reply
  53. Tracy L says

    February 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    Wow you have had your share of sick kids this year! Hang in there and it doesn’t matter how old they are – they still need their mamas when they are sick!

    Reply
  54. joanne smith says

    February 21, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    Cathy, I’m so happy to hear Aidan is alright! Take care and hugs to both of you! 🙂

    Reply
  55. Lee says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    Aidan is a fine young woman.
    You are a fine mother.
    Wishing all of Clan Zielske well and a permanent absence from ERs!
    ;o)
    – Lee

    Reply
  56. Teresa says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    I hope Aidan is feeling better soon. I know you will take excellent care of her. Will add you both to my prayers.

    Reply
  57. scrappysue says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    Oh gosh, what a horrid experience; wishing Aidan a fast recovery and {hugs} to you all!

    Reply
  58. quinna says

    February 22, 2012 at 12:31 am

    Wow! It is amazing how fast things happen. Thinking of you!

    Reply
  59. Jane says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:33 am

    Wishing Aidan a speedy recovery and all the best to the Zielske clan.

    “.. you must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think ..” – Winnie the Pooh

    Reply
  60. Kendra B says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:52 am

    OMGosh! Scary! Here’s to a speedy recovery!

    Reply
  61. Toni from says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:21 am

    I hope and pray that Aidan gets through this with little pain and that you can be a source of strength and comfort for her. We will miss you on blog land, but completely understand-family always comes first!

    Reply
  62. Jenny B. says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Oh, no! I’m so sorry about Aidan’s kidney stone. I was glad to see your post today… I’ll admit that I’ve been a little worried about you! 🙂 You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she recovers well and never has another one! Ouch!

    Reply
  63. Connie says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:28 am

    I am so happy to hear that – good news! Again, hope Aidan is getting her strength back and having less pain. As I recall, it took a lot out of me and awhile to get back to 100%.

    Reply
  64. Laura says

    February 22, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Hugs and wishes for quick recovery to the lovely Miss Aidan and hugs to you, CZ, for being her rock when she needed you most.

    Reply
  65. Laura says

    February 22, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    P.S. Leave it to you to find interesting typography while you’re at the hospital. 🙂

    Reply
  66. Amy says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    Get well soo Aidan! I am 39 and still call my Mum when I’m sick!

    Reply
  67. Mari says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Happy to hear she is doing better. Maybe a blog about all we have to grateful in this world.

    Reply
  68. Annette says

    February 22, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    I’m so happy she is feeling better. That is one awesome girl. You are one awesome mom. Thanks so much for the update. Take care of both of you!

    Reply
  69. Karen Freeman says

    February 23, 2012 at 4:08 am

    Oh that bought tears to my eyes. So loved the comment from you about the realisation that she still needs her mama – she’ll always need her mama! And then her lovely comment about being such a bad day but it would of been worse if you weren’t my mom. man woman how did you not cry at that! Lol. I’m so glad you are both tucked up at home and taking some time to rest and care for your girl. It will do wonders for you both. catch ya when we can. Sending From New Zealand lots of restful thoughts for Aidan’s recoop.
    Karen/Mudgie

    Reply
  70. Missus Wookie says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:19 am

    So glad that Aidan is home and feeling a bit better – hope she continues to heal smoothly.

    Reply
  71. breeoxd says

    February 23, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    oh dear. I started gettin kidney stones last year. I wasnt even thirty, and I thought I was dying from a heart attack. Ive broken my back, my leg, my hands, and never, EVER have I felt like that. My heart goes out to your girl. With a lot of diet modification (goodbye caffiene sniffle) I haven’t had a stone in 6 months. Hugs to you both.

    Reply
  72. Emma says

    February 24, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Oh, poor Aidan! I’ve had kidney stones a couple of times, and they really are excruciating, I’d say the level of pain is even maybe on a par with giving birth, but without the lovely baby at the end! Lots of love to all of you, and get well soon Aidan x

    Reply
  73. Janna says

    February 25, 2012 at 3:02 am

    Aiden! I am SO SORRY for you!!! I have had kidney stones and am here to tell you THEY ARE WORSE THAN LABOR! AS IN BACK LABOR WITH NO EPIDURAL!! And I’ve had 4 kids;) So – girl – pat yourself on the back – you’ve made it thru probably (I sure hope) the most painful thing you’ll experience physically. I am so sorry! And good for you Cathy for being such a wonderful mom thru it all! Liven up the Project Life indeed! Just keep those to a bare minimum;) Take care – all of you!

    Reply
  74. Gypsy Chaos says

    February 25, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    Coming late to this post…. NOW I understand things you’ve posted after this one.

    I haven’t had any experience with kidney stones. But Emergency Rooms? Sheesh! Your family has been blessed if this is your first encounter. Our first was when my 5 yr old kindergartener was jumping on her new friend’s bed. My daughter broke her elbow! In the 20 years since, we’ve made many a visit to the ER.

    There are at least two visits we didn’t make – simply because I refused to spend three or more hours to get a broken bone casted – only to have the orthopedist remove the ER cast and redo it the next morning. Again.

    There is something quite satisfying and amazing about hearing from a loved one that your mere presence made a bad situation tolerable. Those moments don’t come often – fine with me, the less opportunities to help in emergencies, the better!

    Reply

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