Birthday girl

Another day, another birthday. :) Let's see...how should I explain THIS birthday? Let me start by saying it was wonderful, despite what's to follow. Let me also refresh your memory, going back to my birthday last year when my mom ended up being hospitalized for 5 days with a potential heart attack. Ok...

So my day was wonderful. I slept in, hung out with Mad and Jack, did some work, and had a wonderful dinner at Black and Blue. Fast forward to about 7:30pm when my brother, on the way home from the restaurant started feeling nauseous, chills, and had a splitting headache. He'd been complaining of a headache at dinner, but we had NO idea what was to follow. As we all started filtering in the house, Sherri went to check on something upstairs and found my brother, who went to lie down, in excruciating pain (in his head). He agreed (which was the first thing that freaked me out, as he NEVER goes to the Dr., etc.) to go to Urgent Care to get it taken care of. He could barely get down the stairs and into the car. When Urgent Care wasn't an option as they would take 2 hours to see him, we called an ambulance. They took Bill to the hospital, where in the ambulance they administered a saline IV. This helped a bit, but when I tell you I have never seen my brother like this.... It was horrible. The look on his face is etched in my head. My poor boy. Meg rode with the ambulance and my mom drove behind. Sher and I stayed home with the kids. Meg was AWESOME as an updater, and we were kept abreast of the developments all night. They gave him Loritab, which helped with the pain, and performed a CAT Scan. That's when we were all on pins and needles. Thank GOD it came back clear, and after they were able to control the pain, they let him come home. The main issue, from what limited info I have (hope to have more tomorrow when I have more energy to ask questions), was dehydration. It was truly crazy. On the positive side, we get to have Bill, Meg and Emma here for another day! I have to tell you though, my heart stopped for awhile, as the paramedics said it could be anything from massive cluster headaches, to a stroke. I truly thank God my brother is okay.

BUT that aside, I had a wonderful birthday, full of calls, gifts (TONS of my favorite scrapbooking products from my wish list and the best kicks EVER - I'll post a pic tomorrow), and love. I truly felt special and loved today.

I'm so lucky to have the family and friends that I have. So very blessed.