Keeping Secrets

Have you ever had to keep a secret? Have you ever had to keep a secret while making sure you don't lie? Have you ever had to keep a secret with 20-30 other people that come wandering into your life? Well, I've been practicing the art of 'secret keeping' from Vicki for some time now and I'm getting pretty good at it. You see, telling her about any big anticipated change is a BAD idea. Her anxiety overwhelms her and then we all pay for it with lots of wailing and whining.

The most current secret is her upcoming surgery - today, Thursday, at 2pm. (Whoops I just told you! That's OK, Vicki won't read this) The challenge is to not let the nurses, aides, doctors, etc alter her routine so much that she figures out something is up. We've asked all of the staff to alert those following them about our little secret and they've been very helpful so far. I've still made a bee-line for the door whenever a new professional pops in that seems like they don't know the secret so we can talk out of her hearing. As of 6am, it's still a secret to her.

Unfortunately, she didn't sleep as well, because we really did have to alter her routine. She had to be fed early in the morning because after 6am, she can't eat. So she was up a few times with nursing care. She's currently sitting up in bed yelling "I'm tired" instead of just relaxing and trying to rest.

Our anticipated stay is currently 5-7 days after surgery. It could be longer. It will not likely be shorter.

Soon and very soon, someone will have to come into the room that needs to do something that will 'spill the beans.' In the mean time, I am practicing what every NSA staff member should - keeping it under wraps, it's a secret!