that's what family is for

Why is it that someone has to be in a serious condition to get the whole family together in the same room? 

As we sat in the ICU waiting room of the hospital, I looked around the room and saw Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, other relatives, close family friends, and Grandma. Everyone was chatting. Everyone was nice. No fighting. No arguments. Everyone in the same room with one thing on their minds - Grandpa. 

Two by two, we all took turns stepping in to see Grandpa, who at this point is sedated, hooked up to machines, and not breathing on his own. It was hard to see him like that. Such a strong man looking so frail. 

Earlier that day (Saturday, Aug 17 at 4:00am) Grandpa had had a stroke and fallen out of bed, hitting his head on the end table. He was rushed by ambulance to the nearest hospital and attention was given right away.

Back in the waiting room (now about 1:00pm) the mood isn't happy but it is warm. Warm with the love of the whole family. Together. 

I look at my son, who is almost 3 years old, and he knows where we are and why we are here, but I don't think he fully understands. He must be so confused. Seeing Grandpa in the bed hooked up to all these machines. Seeing Grandma crying. Seeing all his elders very sad, some crying, some holding it in. 

I tried my best to be open and honest with him as this is the first family member he has witnessed in this condition.

Fearing the worst and hoping for the best. Although we are not all together at this moment physically, we are all still waiting, still hoping. I know that each one of us is in each others hearts as we wait for more updates on his condition. 

Having everyone together and cooperating with each other was humbling but at the same time very depressing. I'm just glad that when it all boils down, we all have each other to lean on. It's how Grandpa would have wanted it. 

everyone has it, no matter what the size

Do you ever feel like you have so much information and ideas stored in your brain, so much that it takes over your day? Maybe you've even gotten around to writing everything down, maybe not. Sometimes its the rush of new ideas or projects in your mind that get you so excited you can't concentrate unless its on that. I'm not talking a couple ideas. I'm talking about every where you look, every thing you see, everyday, sparks a new idea. In some cases those original ideas spread out into many more ideas. 

Well that's kind of what goes on in my head. Everywhere I look I see something that sparks interest in me. Anything from a new DIY project, fashion statement, home-reno project, cooking, photography, the list goes on. 

And for those who have no idea what I'm talking about there is hope for you yet. I hope to take even the most outrageous projects and show you that you can do it too. That with just a bit of hard work and determination, you too, can make it happen. Just reach a little higher. Move out of your comfort zone a little and build your confidence. That little creative spark. That ah-ha moment. There is nothing greater than taking pride in your work, especially if done well. 

I hope to inspire that creative spark in someone, anyone. I like to believe we all have at least a little, even if it is teeny-tiny -- it's in there!

Enjoy your weekend :) 

(a long weekend for my fellow Canadians)