My mom and me.
In my last post I wrote about some of my experience at INBOUND 2014. This marketing conference in Boston was inspiring and rewarding in more ways than one. First, it was great to see and hear so many wonderful people sharing their insights. I also connected with others who feel the same way I do about our role in making the world a better place and the amazing work yet ahead. It also confirmed that I’m on the right path.
I was on an extreme high after that experience. I felt energized creatively, spiritually, and emotionally. I was happy to share the experience with my friends and family once I returned home.
A few days after my return my mom got sick. Real sick. She had a severe case of pneumonia. Then the phone call from my sister, “you might want to think about coming up here.” Her tone said it all. I left with my wife within the hour to head to Tomah. It was a long two and a half hour drive to say the least. I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to mom yet, but that was a possible scenario once I arrived.
We surprised mom at the hospital. She seemed to be okay. The next day she was doing worse and was transferred to the Mayo Clinic in La Crosse. By the time she arrived she wasn’t breathing on her own and needed 100% oxygen. She was also heavily sedated. It was gut-wrenching to see my mom incapacitated with all the tubes, IVs, and machines hooked up to her.
It reminded me that life is fragile and to appreciate life; every second of every day. Thankfully mom is is on the road to recovery after spending six days in the ICU.
I was with my sister’s family and was able to spend time with my three and a half year old niece and three month old nephew. I thought about everything they’ll get to experience growing up and how I hope they appreciate life as it happens.
The time I spent up there wasn’t taken for granted. It was a reminder to appreciate life and soak up each and every experience. You never know what could happen next.
Speak Your Mind