Mom? Bea? Helloooooo?
Hollie
Mom didn’t answer my call.
Estelle
Or mine.
Estelle
Bea’s not picking up either.
Me
I’m here. Sorry I’m at the hospital.
Peter
Please fill us in.
I tapped record and set the phone on my chest.
“Okay, hey guys. First of all, I’m fine. I got a bump on the head at the ranch. No one’s fault—a spooked horse knocked into me. I ended up in the hospital because I didn’t realize I had a concussion and took a Benadrylbefore bed last night because I was a little restless and couldn't fall asleep. Apparently, sleeping meds plus concussion is a bad mix. I woke up in the night, throwing up, and super dizzy. The owner at the ranch took me to the ER. They did some scans. I don’t have any bleeding or head trauma. I didn’t lose consciousness so the doctor doesn’t feel like I need to stay overnight. So, that’s good news. Mom is trying to come because I need someone to look out for me for a few days. I can’t drive, need help showering, things like that. Overall, I shouldn’t really be alone and I need to take it easy. The doctor advised against traveling home in a couple days as I had planned. I’m still pretty dizzy and the risk right now is falling again. I’m going to be fine after the dizziness wears off completely. The meds they gave me are helping with that. After we get discharge instructions, we should be able to get out of here.”
The thread stacked withkeep notificationsas every person in my family listened to the message.
Estelle
I’m so sorry, Bea! How dramatic!
Hollie
Can anyone else go if Mom can’t move her schedule?
Mom
I’ll quit my job.
Peter
Mom! There you are!
Estelle
Send Ben.
Me
Don’t you dare quit your job. I’m not dying.
I beg of you. Do not send Ben.
Ben
Rude.
Mom