Grateful April 23

So we are entering the Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon.  Amazingly natural, there are no electric or water hookups, no big lights anywhere, just the absolute basics for the nature lover to camp.  Our relatively small RV is the largest the park can accommodate so maneuvering was a bit tight in a lot of spaces but we made our way to Site 255 on the Maple Loop.

255 was not exactly a great spot for our girl.  With a tight entrance and a tight curve in the spot and broken edges on the concrete, getting in and getting situated was quite the challenge.  Rob was having a hard time with the tight spaces and when I went in to check on how level we were (remember the broken jacks?)  and found Rob with his head on the steering wheel.

If you know Rob, it takes a lot for him to show weakness so I knew something was up.  I tapped his shoulder and he sat up complaining of a cramp.  I mentioned being level to him and, well, let’s just say he had no recollection of why we even needed to be level.  As a matter of fact, he had no recollection of pretty much anything beyond our being at the Grand Canyon. 

THIS IS NOT LIKE ROB, folks!

Having heart and stroke issues in his family, being the recipient of an artificial aortic valve and still not recovered from the flu – I knew I needed to get help right away.  EMS came within minutes and, before I knew it, we were driving away from the RV in an ambulance!  The only hospital with adequate facilities for possible heart or stroke care was 75 miles away.  It took 2 ½ hours and 3 ambulances to get there!

After the night in the hospital including countless tests and consultations, it was determined that Rob had some kind of migraine, flu or blood pressure induces amnesia “event”.  Not that it’s easy not to have a definitive diagnosis – this one is better than most alternatives.  The recovery plan was to RECOVER!  We were directed to get Rob stable on some BP meds and adjust some migraine therapies and simply GET SOME REST from the flu.  That required a 7 day hiatus from travel – besides, it’s really not smart to get behind the wheel quite yet!

And the next day we were in a shuttle back to the park.   After it all, I can feel nothing but grateful.  For Rob’s AMAZING cardiologist in Charleston, Steve Miller, who has never been anything less than an exceptional doctor and friend and who made himself available at every turn.  For the EMS techs who professionally and sensitively got us where we needed to be.  For the nurses and support staff at the Flagstaff Memorial Center who made us feel safe and comfortable.  For the testing professionals who showed skill and talent in their specific field.  For the docs at FMC – the ER, internist, cardiologist, neurologist.  For the park staff who worked magic and found us a way to stay in a site for the week – nothing short of a miracle considering they book 15 months in advance.   

For all this and more – we are Grateful, Grateful and Grateful.