Friday’s peace was ruined somewhat by a call from James’ (name changed) social worker. She had an update regarding Mum which wasn’t positive.
Mum had, inadvertently or not, taken an overdose and was seriously ill in hospital. A decision was made to inform James of this and offer him the opportunity of going to see her. James got home about 4:30 and I sat him down and explained what had happened. This wasn’t, apparently, the first time this had happened.
When James was about 10 a similar event took place which resulted in Mum being hospitalised for a week or so and James having to stay with his now-deceased Grandma. I asked James if he wanted to visit Mum adding that I thought it may be a good idea.
He wanted to have a think about it, which seemed reasonable. He completed his homework and we sat down to dinner. He decided that he did want to visit Mum and I said that I would organise it. He said that he didn’t want anyone else there though and that was a firm stipulation.
Foster Carers Blog
I spoke to his social worker and we agreed that we would go the following day. The hospital was about a 45-minute drive away and we decided to leave home at about 12 and that we would be there at about 1.
The social worker said she would notify the hospital and warn them about letting anyone else in until after we left. James seemed a bit nervous about the whole thing but I reassured him that it would all be ok.
So, on the Saturday we were up, showered, and ready to go. The traffic was busy and James was very quiet. We got there and struggled, initially, to find a parking space. Once we were parked we found where Mum’s ward was.
James bought some flowers and we went and reported to the staff in the ward. A nurse showed us where Mum was and we went in. She looked awful, there’s no nice way to say that. She had loads of tubes and pipes everywhere and was hooked up to a machine. She recognised James and gave a half-smile.
I left them alone in the room and went and sat outside, telling him that there was no rush and to take his time. After about 30 minutes I heard a bit of a commotion from the ward reception desk. A man walked towards where I was sitting with a member of staff chasing him telling him that he wasn’t allowed in the ward.
I recognised him as the man who had caused trouble before. He went to go into Mum’s room but I stood up and blocked his way. I was treated to a mouthful of slurred of obscenities.
James came out after hearing the commotion and he was treated to the same abuse. The poor nurse was stood there open-mouthed not knowing what to do.
After about 5 minutes of having him in my face, a security guard came along and removed the individual.
I said to James that maybe we should make a move and he went in to say goodbye to Mum. We left, found the car and drove home. James was very quiet for the rest of the day.
Fosterman – A Simply Fostering Blogging Foster Carer.
