The Gift ( Continued VIII)

As we drove out of the slick parking lot I asked Ann, "Did you notice anything about that desk clerk just now?"
"No." She answered.
"Ann, I swear that was the same woman from last night! If It wasn't, it was her identical twin and she's was totally playing us!" I said.
"Well now that you mention it, she did look familiar." Ann commented. "Weird!"

"So I say no to the free coupons for the breakfast buffet. We don't have time and just our luck, we'll end up with food poisoning!" Ann announced. "Let's just get gas and get outta Dodge!"
"Amen to that sister!" Robert yelped.

We headed to the nearest gas station, which was just next door and I tried to pump.
"AHHHH!" I yelled. "What the heck is going on?! It's going super slow!"
"Try another pump." Ann suggested.
I did. Saying a prayer as I pumped. YES IT WORKED!
We filled up and zoomed out of Mountain Home as fast as the Suburban would take us.

"I'm never stopping there again!" I squealed.
"What a night!" Followed Robert.

"We'll stop for some fast food as soon as I see a road sign." said Ann.

We took an exit about a half hour later and went through the McDonald's drive through. Ann ordered three egg McMuffins, hash browns and orange juice.
I politely reminded her that she was allergic to eggs.
She said, "Ya I know, but I haven't had any issues with them just lately."
"Okee Dokee! Don't say I didn't tell you so." I laughed.

Robert paid and we headed back to the freeway.
We ate and chatted trying to stay focused on our journey.
But before the next gas stop IT hit!
Yup, Ann was still allergic to eggs!
From then on we stopped about every half hour at the closest bathroom. Poor Ann! Not fun!

We finally arrived in the Ogden area and Ann was fooling around with her GPS on her phone while driving in the snow. It scared me to death and I grabbed it reading it out loud to her. She was confused as to what exit to take. I know this sounds silly, but it's like exit 32nd St N or exit 32nd St. So even though we've taken this exit hundreds of times, it's hard to remember. So I called Glory who gave us the correct information and directed us to the hospital, since it was new to us.

We arrived mid morning or so, at a small Catholic Hospital on the south side of Ogden. We drove around the hospital looking for the front entrance, but alas another call went out to Glory.

Finally we parked and went into a beautifully decorated lobby. Christmas was in the air, but we weren't feeling it. We followed the signs that directed us to the ICU waiting room, where we entered a beautiful refuge with over stuffed leather couches, a large flat screen on the wall and gorgeous art work. The room was dimly lit giving off a very peaceful vibe.

Glory, her two daughters Audria and Debra, Karen and her daughter Shaunta, and Courtney were all there ebbing a somber attitude from there looks. They up-dated us on Mer's progress, which was good. She was off the respirator, conscious and stable. PRAISE GOD! But they were still nervous about moving her from ICU.

Mer's Pastor had been by to pray and comfort the family the best he could. We just huddled together to support one another.

The next visiting schedule to Mers' glass cubicle was in about a half hour and the family decided that I should go in with Courtney to listen to the Doctor and the nurses discuss Mer's orders for the day and ask any questions.

While we waited we nibbled on some homemade chocolate chip pumpkin cookies that Shaunta had brought everyone and caught up on each other. The clock finally drifted to the half hour mark.  Court and I headed down the hall to the shiny silver ICU doors. We sanitized our hands and called the ICU desk on the bright red phone hanging from the wall. The nurse asked who we were and how we were related to Mer, then buzzed us in...

Those who know your name trust you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10

Love You Mer