Bethany's grandmother, Viola Rathsam (Grandma Ola), is an inspiration. She is a positive, funny, nuturing, and caring person. She continues to exhibit these qualities despite having one of the worst weeks a person could have.
1. Her lymphoma (cancer) returned for a third time and she began receiving radiation and chemo last week.
2. She had an irregular heartbeat and was admitted to the hospital for tests. Bethany went to visit her then returned to St. Louis to take her home from the hospital last Wednesday.
3. After having been home for only 5 hours, Grandma bumped her left leg on a doorway braking her left femur which caused her to fall and bruise her right hip. Luckily, Bethany and Alex were there to help her. Alex witnessed the fall and told his mommy that he was going to call 9-1-1. Bethany told him to get Grandma some pillows while she called for an ambulance.
4. As Bethany and Alex drove to the hospital, Alex had an asthma attack. Bethany called me to hear a familiar voice and finally began to break down. Unfortunately for her, she missed the exit to the hospital because she was so upset.
5. When they finally arrived at the E.R., they had to wait three hours for Alex to receive treatment for an acute asthma attack! Thankfully, his condition improved while they waited. In some instances, the strain on the heart and lungs is so severe during an attack like that that the patient can die. Apparently the DePaul Medical Center in St. Louis didn't think the possibility of dying was a high priority.
6. Grandma had surgery on her leg and is resting comfortably at the Missouri Baptist Hospital now. She will have a difficult road ahead of her toward recovery, but her spirits are still high. Alex helped take care of her by getting a sponge wet and dabbing her parched lips when she was thirsty. (He also reminded her not to move her legs before her surgery.) Bethany said he was amazing and a great comfort to her.
Viola's daughter Glee and granddaughter Bethany are living testaments to her positive attitude. They, as well as Grandma's daughter-in-law Sharon and her daughter Heather, are an amazing group of women. (The men folk in the family aren't too shabby either.) A finer group of human beings you will not find. It is no mystery from where they derive their wonderful qualities- Grandma Ola, an 89 year old gem.
We love you, Grandma Ola.
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