The Call to My Mom I'm So Thankful I Made

I usually speak to my mom every day but sometimes the day gets away from me and we don't connect. Saturday around 6:30 Jenn and I were talking about my mom and Jenn had this feeling that we needed to give her a call. When she answered, we knew almost instantly that something wasn't right. It turned out to be the most important phone call I ever made. They say we all have intuition, a sense that if we listen closely enough, it guides us or pushes us into doing something. Well, this happened on Saturday night. I dialed my mom's cell and it went right to voicemail so I tried her house. The phone rang busy which was unusual. Instead of giving up, I tried her cell again. She answered in her usual, "Hi Honey!".

As we spoke a bit longer, I noticed that my mom was hesitating to find the right words to form sentences. Saying things like, "you know" and "umm, I went to...that place". She wasn't acting like herself. My mom is 75 so, at times, she does become forgetful but this was different. I just knew she was off. Jenn and I had her on speaker and after about 45 seconds I told Jenn to keep her talking and I called my sister on my phone.

When my sister Nancy answered I told her to listen to my mom talk, something was off and I think she may be having a stroke. I tried to remain calm and Nancy said she would head to my mom's right away. Jenn and I continued to talk with my mom as Nancy made her way down. I grew increasingly worried because she was getting frustrated that she couldn't get the words out. When Nancy arrived she called EMS and they suggested my mom go to Albany Med.

After some tests, it was determined that my mom had a major stroke. It was hard to hear those words for all of us. My mom is a very active and social woman and this was very scary. Fortunately, my mom just has some speech therapy to do and some follow-up doctor's appointments. She has no physical ailments or visible aftereffects of the stroke.

I am sharing this story to let you all know that I am so happy I listened to that inner voice that told us to reach out. I could have easily just said, well I can't get her on either phone I will just call her tomorrow or when I did speak with her, to say that I would let her go and rest. I listened and I am so grateful I did.

I also want everyone to not wait to call those people that pop in your mind. It is happening for a reason. Make the call and when you do, pay attention to them. My mom lives alone, who knows what could have happened if I hadn't called. Maybe nothing, but I am glad I didn't have to find out. Check on those you haven't in a while. A quick call could be just the thing they need to get them through their day.

My mom is home now and doing very well. I can't imagine what would have been if I didn't call her on Saturday night. I love her so much.