As some of you know, my mom Suzanne had an umbilical hernia surgery on Thursday this week after feeling awful the whole month of December! She's home now and much better, but this experience has affected all of us in a very impactful way!

First of all: Hospitals are funny things... The ER does not exactly mean they are going to be able to help you out right away and in my mom's case, she started her day at Urgent Care on Wednesday at 11 am. After waiting there for 4+ hours and taking a few tests, she was sent to the Arcadia Methodist ER where she waited in the waiting room from 4:30 pm - 4:30 am the next day because of how busy they were.

To spite the wait, her boyfriend Dan and I kept the mood light by joking around, watching funny Weird Al and comedy shows on YouTube and talking to random patients and family members who were also sequestered in the waiting room. Dan described it as a three-ring-circus! Stomach flu and a horrible hacking cough are apparently common this time of year and I would say half the people in there had face masks on. Blech!

Once we got into a Triage Room, she swallowed some contrast and had a scan done and we waited some more, (but at least we were in a room where she could lay down and have a curtain for some privacy.) We waited there from 4:30 till 10 am when a Surgeon came in to suggest since they couldn't explain her stomach pain, we could schedule a surgery at 2 to repair it and check her internals out with cameras since they were in there anyways - genius idea!

We loved our nurse Sonia who joked with us and we talked about finding a model to pose for us as a sports star. We showed her Facebook photos, traded information and had some really good belly laughter all around! Our handsome Surgeon was also propositioned by my mom for studio photos - her favorite! We were getting mentally prepared.

Secondly: I got a chance to really know Dan. We spent multiple sleepless hours together in the hospital, both fully here to support my mom and keep our spirits lightened with laughter. He told me multiple times, "I'm not going to leave my baby." He let me go home and sleep, and even go to work and I felt confident that he was there for her every need. He really loves her, and that shows in everything he does. My heart is happy that her old college boyfriend, is now in her life again after the death of my dad.

Third: I got a chance to say "good-bye" before she left for surgery and honestly, that scared me to death! I mean - I said goodbye to my dad in a hospital 2 years ago, and he never came back. Going under the knife is always scary, and I got nervous and super emotional. But we took a couple photos while smiling and laughing and just enjoying this precious time together! What can I say, this woman is incredible!

So while she was in surgery, Dan and I had a heart to heart. I also reached out to a couple close family members and friends for support and Mike made me a home-cooked meal. I felt so supported in my emotional haze that things really started to sink in. But I kept positive.

So Surgery was a success and by 5pm she was back in her room with us! She was a little hoarse and dazed, but seemed fine otherwise and her take-away was she thought there were like 30 people in the operating room watching over her. Who knows, maybe there were? We were so relieved that everything went well!

The Surgeon Dr. Moon even came in to discuss the internal photos that were taken (and I got super woozy looking at them!) But it was apparent that she was in good hands. And we had funny questions to ask, and a wonderful chance to personally say THANK YOU!

She enjoyed her scenic view out the hospital window of the golf course, commented on how warm it looked for December and was anxious to get discharged and back in her arm chair at home sweet home.

So we are all home this weekend from a very challenging week but she is resting and recuperating nicely! She hasn't had a need to take her pain pills, she has gained her appetite back and her sense of humor is totally intact! She has enjoyed people reaching out to her on Facebook, or phone call and text messages.

We have all been functioning more as a family since the hospital. We have all been in closer contact with family and some really good friends. My mom and I even drove to a hospital waiting room to bring a DVD of pictures to someone in the ICU. Good things can come from challenging situations. It gives us a chance to reflect on all that life has to offer and what you may be holding back on.

So with a brand new Year upon us, I have a lot to think about. How can I make every day more positive than the day before it? And how can I strengthen my relationships with my family and friends? I know that this year will be brighter because I feel enlightened. I love my mom with all my heart and know that she will recover stronger than she ever was with our support!

So I guess my last piece of advice would be: Cherish and celebrate those in your life and don't take a single moment for granted! Happy New Year 2018 - bring it on!

-Crystal Olguin

December 31, 2017