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“It’s your father.  He’s. . . he’s. . . Come quickly.”

The voice trails off and then a dial tone.  What is happening?  I just saw him this morning.  What do I do?  Thoughts volley like a ball in an intense ping pong match.  I heard myself speak aloud.  “First, calm down.  Second, get there . . NOW!!!”

Moving at a high rate of speed, it seems like mere seconds had pass since receiving the call.  Ambulance in view, I jump out of the car and burst in an all out sprint as if the starter gun had just fired.  Seconds before reaching the ambulance door, it closes.  My mind is racing while gasping for breath.  No!  No!  Let me see him.  Don’t close the door on me. That is MY father.  Let me see him.    

“What is happening?  What is going on?  Someone tell me something PLEASE?”

I look at my mother for answers. She is being physically supported by my older brother.  Question are coming from a Paramedic that no one seems to have answers for . . . except me.  Calm down woman.  You can do this. You MUST do this.  This is what he expected of you to do.  NOW is the time.  I sprang into crisis mode.

“Let me go inside and get his list of medications as well as physicians names for you.”

A Paramedic walks with me.

“His medical records are at Miles Regional Hospital.  He has Farmers medical as well as veterans coverage. What else do you need?”

The Paramedic responds.  “Nothing Mame.  Just follow us to the hospital.”

I can barely bring the words forth.  “How is he?”

The Paramedic repeats.  “Just follow us to the hospital Mame.”

I turn to Mom.  She is limp now in my brothers arms.  I feel tears begin to well in my eyes.

OH NO YOU DON’T WOMAN!  YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR TEARS.  MOVE IT!

“John, take Mom in your car to the hospital.  I will make the calls on the way.”