Sister Act: The Reality Show

Martha and Deanie have been constant givers of care

This might be a mushy (mushy-er) post. I know I can get pretty maudlin and navel-gazing, but those of you who know me, get this.  My sisters,  Deanie and Martha have been in Chicago with me this week.  This next sentence is a hackneyed sentiment ; I don't know what I would have done without them here.  (See?  Powerful sentiment, flimsy sentence.)
     I have fallen into both of their arms in a massive puddle of tears as the doctor(s) have found "no breath leaking through the tube."  I mean, really, HOW does a mama hear something like that and still stand up?
They have listened non-stop to my detailed accounting of what each nurse or resident said and how I tried to read between the lines (always filling the space in with some worse case scenario self talk.)   Even at dinner, as I sat paralyzed with exhaustion and fear, they humored me and told me that I had 52 more seconds to complain about the way the chicken was cooked.  (Who else can talk this straight with you?)
     And, most importantly, even though I do not have a picture of Deanie holding Taylor's hand,  both she and Martha  have stood by Taylor's bed for long stretches soothing and loving on my very own son.
And they have brought me tea and Vita-muffins and toothpaste and fingernail files.   And they have continued to listen intensely and carefully alongside me  to the words of every resident--hoping to squeak out hidden messages of hope and healing.
     To my sisters, Martha and Deanie, I love you.  I love you.

Deanie was thankfully able to take a few hours each day to see Chicago.