Matt didn’t look good. I was thinking it was those damn 49-cent frozen burritos he insists on buying, but this was a jumpier not-looking-good. The burritos are more of a sluggish can’t-get-off-the-couch not looking good.
I admit, I was thinking it was nothing, or just nerves, or something that required a good, long shit. Spreadsheet at the ready, I began to pack. The next morning, we were to begin the long trip to Ethiopia to pick up 10-month-old Akeyla and bring her home.
But then little beads of sweat appeared on Matt’s gray-to-white face and it seemed like maybe a good time to go to the ER. Being the supportive spouse I am, I called his mom. I mean, the spreadsheet had me PACKING right now, people. Did I mention the flight was TOMORROW?
Turns out, his heart was beating 200+ times per minute. They call this atrial fibrillation, and it’s wildly uncomfortable for the patient, the real-life equivalent of jumping out of one’s skin. They moved him to a room on the nuclear-cardio-something wing, so this was going to be awhile. I’m told the episodes can go on for hours and after giving the patient that much of a workout, it’s like the aftermath of running an ultra-marathon. You are dead tired though, thankfully, not dead.
Matt was hooked up to monitors and still being all “I’m going! I’m going!” and other ridiculousness. Seriously? You want to fly for twenty hours to a third-world country where we don’t speak the language while your heart is beating for a family of five? MAKES PERFECT SENSE.
Reason prevailed, and we made the decision: Cindy’s going in. Solo. I called the adoption agency. I gathered the paperwork we’d need for a one-parent adoption. I found a mobile notary. I spoke to the nicest person ever at Ethiopian Air and a less nice person at Continental to cancel flights, the whole time with an inner voice on loop: I’m going to Ethiopia. Alone. For nine days. To pick up a baby. And bring her back on a plane. For 27 hours. Alone.
I returned to packing, adjusting the spreadsheet as needed, my heart racing.
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I’m excited to be guest-judging at the Yeah Write blogging challenge this week, so instead of linking up on the competition grid, I’ll be chilling on the hang-out grid. Join us!
Oh crap! How scary! You are a very brave woman; a very brave woman who couldn’t wait to become a mama and bring your baby home.
One of the many things I love about your writing…you go from Lament of the Bad Mother to this…heartful succinct amazing postscript to your other mama writings. I recently read that amazing is overused…but not in this case, my dear.
Joan, thank you so much for this comment- truly makes me smile
Ahhh scary for Matt AND you!!
Oh my goodness how awful for you both! I am glad that everything worked out ok. You are an awesome writer!
Well, this takes your adoption story to a whole other level. Darn! That’s intense. Erin
Oh boy. You can do it. After all, you’re a mom. Moms are freakin captain courageous kick ass ninja rock stars.
My heart is beating for you just reading this. You are unbelievable.
Man. I would have been lurching between “I hope that you’re ok and that you don’t die honey” and “Honestly, now? right now? Seriously?”.
Nice timing dude! Yeesh! But you, girl, are a STUD!
Now my heart is racing too! Wow. Scary – but brave at the same time. The only thing one has at this point is bravery…
“I admit, I was thinking it was nothing, or just nerves, or something that required a good, long shit.” My favourite line.
I’m feeling it too! My heart is racing so I’ve gotta go walk around a little and calm down, can’t imagine how you’re feeling though. Good luck and Godspeed!
Wow, what a scary condition. What causes it? Please don’t say sarcasm or a love of ice cream.
Blogging. Kidding! Genetics and stress.
My God, you are brave and tenacious. Some baby is lucky to have you as his/her mother
I just love that you ended with the hearts both racing. And how brave! I can’t wait to read more more more.
oh WOW! i want more and more. and more.
Oh wow. What an ordeal!
I just want to take a moment to tell you that I love the way you write. Your descriptions range from scary to hilarious, but they are always awesome.
I hope you’ll be sharing the rest of the story!
WOW! I can’t believe it all came together and worked out in less than 24 hours and your only obstacle was your own inner voice. Way to go!
Wait a second! Is this story for real?!?!?!
Whoa. As in, Keanu Reeves – WHOAHhhh. My heart was racing just reading this! You’re just the bomb, Reedster. Loved the way you wrote this. Tough and terrified all rolled into one.