Quick News from My Life

In a nutshell:  One of my nieces (22) gave birth to a baby girl.  My nephew (18) (with whom I've had quite a troubled past) moved to Missouri on a whim last week.  He was supposed to be going on a two-week vacation with his girlfriend but instead he decided to never come back.  For now.  Another of my nieces (20) found out this morning she is pregnant.

I'm going to choose to believe this is a blessing, this latest pregnancy.  Earlier this year, my sister was hospitalized with Spinal Meningitis due to an infection near her spinal cord that allowed the virus to enter her bloodstream.  The infection spread to her brain.  After six weeks of intense antibiotics and surgeries the Meningitis cleared up and she was able to go home.

She has permanent brain damage affecting her short-term and long-term memory.  She suddenly can't remember what she was doing (which can be dangerous if she's cooking or even showering).  She can't remember what she was saying.  She can't remember her childhood.  The doctor says her short-term memory will probably right itself.  But her long-term memory may be gone forever.

It has also been recommended that she have plastic surgery to repair the hole in her back causing bacteria access to her spinal cord.  If she does so, she will have to enter a nursing home for six weeks, and she will not be allowed to sit up for the first four weeks.  If she does so, it will at least cut the chances that something as life-threatening could happen again as easily.  If she does not do this, infections will continue to weaken her immune system.  She is, of course, refusing to have this surgery.

So, time is slipping away.  Memories are slipping away.  Maybe a little bit of happiness is what she needs, and maybe a grandchild will bring her some happiness.  I'm choosing to believe this.  Her other daughter (18 this week) will most likely never have children, so this may be my sister's one shot at ever seeing her grandchildren.  Maybe, knowing that a baby is on the way, one she'll want to watch grow up, maybe she'll change her mind about having the surgery.  I'm choosing to hope for this.