Saturday, October 10, 2009, Nashville, TN., 10:06 a.m., Nashville Memorial Hospital~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  Sorry if I haven't written; been crazy these past few weeks, both at home and at work.  Only getting crazier!

I am here at the hospital:  no, not working (got off at seven, a little over three hours ago); I'm just trying to unwind.  Also waiting for visiting hours, to see several of my children who have been admitted to the hospital with the flu.  Ronee' has the regular "seasonal" flu (she did get dehydrated and needed IV therapy, to get fluids into her); several others have the swine flu. 

I talked to their doctors; the children are doing well; they had a good night.  I am most relieved.

I just pray that Johnny doesn't get the swine flu (or even the regular flu):  it would, more than likely, kill him, as his body couldn't take it.  He is already so weak from his muscular dystrophy, and with him being dependent on a vent to breathe, that would not be good!

Then last night we had some wild weather:  tornadoes south of here; we were under tornado watches/warnings a good chunk of the day yesterday.  The storms came in about seven; we were rockin' and rollin' all night long.  The weather has finally cleared.

There were some casualties from the storms:  south of here, a man died when a tree fell on his car, and about ten others were injured.  I took care of a lady named Meesha Jackson last night who suffered a broken back and neck, when she was thrown into a tree.  *OUCH*  The lady is now partially paralyzed; it isn't known whether this is permanent or not.  She's also in a great deal of pain.

Meesha is probably the most critical out of the tornado victims who were brought in last night.  So is another fellow who suffered a serious head injury; he's still in a coma, unresponsive to commands and all but the deepest pain stimuli.

I haven't been home yet:  don't want to leave my children as they recover from the flu.  Rani, Barbara, Arjun, and Janica have the swine flu; Ronee', Abrahiam, Benjamin, and Camey have the regular "seaonal" flu.  So I have eight children in the hospital at one time; no wonder I don't want to go home!  I want to be there in case something should happen (which I pray it won't!!).

I am sure poor Bill is worried sick over the kids; he (and my parents) are busy playing nurse maids to the children who remain well. 

Later~

Sorry I left; I had to get something to eat; my tummy was talkin' to me.  I feel better now.... LOL

The E.R. last night was a madhouse.  I was working the E.R. last night; no let up in the action all night long.  Between the tornado and flu victims, we also had people involved in MVA's, a man struck by lightning (he died), several drunks involved in fights, and the usual heart attacks, strokes, and even a baby born in an ambulance (it was a boy; mama couldn't wait!).  It was interesting, let me tell you!

Well, I am going to go; going to visit my children, see how they're doing.  Also going to see Miss Meesha, see if she's getting any more of her feeling back in her body.  Hope so!  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Louie signing off!  Take care and may God bless you; say a prayer that no more of my children get sick!  One kid in the hospital is bad enough; I've got eight in at the same time!  NOT good!  I would appreciate it!

~As always, your friend in Tennessee,  Louie May Sandusky.  :(