posted 2005/09/02 at 17:14
Okay, Grandma Shannon made it to the hospital okay, but the doctors are being kind of vague about her chances of pulling this out. Everyone who's gone up to see her, though, says that the chances aren't good, especially because she really doesn't want to live anymore. I wish there was more we could do about that, but it's been over four years since Grandpa Shannon died, and if she hasn't found another reason to live yet, I don't know as she ever will.
I mentioned earlier that one of my cousins was supposed to be living in the Shannon vacation house with Grandma Shannon this summer and help take care of her, but when my folks went up there the place was a wreck, with garbage all over the place and my grandmother's excrement all over the bathroom. Well, on their way home from the vacation house yesterday my parents stopped at Grandma Shannon's house, where said cousin's twin sister was supposed to be living and keeping an eye on things. According to the descriptions of what my parents walked into yesterday, Grandma Shannon's house would be right at home in New Orleans at this point, what with the huge mess over there.
Phone calls have been made, and it looks like a huge civil war among the three remaining Shannon sons is about to break out, at a time when everyone should really be focusing on Grandma Shannon's condition. It's actually falling on me to be the calm voice of reason right now, which definitely isn't something I'm used to.
This is just so odd for me, because my extended family essentially ostracized me over a decade ago after they found out I was bisexual (years before I realized I was transsexual as well). I used to be mad at those family members for not understanding me -- it's really hurt that I've had three grandparents and an uncle die on me since then and I haven't been able to go to any funerals -- but I moved past that long ago. I want to be angry at all the hate-mongering "Christian" leaders that to this day continue to foster this air of intolerance in America (which, as far as I'm concerned, is far far removed from any of the teachings of Jesus Christ), but this isn't a time for anger right now. This should be a time for reflection and putting this (comparatively) petty shit behind us as Grandma Shannon goes through her last days.
Anyway, I wanted to give you all an update on that. Note to the usual suspects (Christina, Milena, Penny): I could really use someone to talk to right now, both about this stuff and stuff at school (not to mention the situation in Louisiana), so if you have time, please message me the next time you see me online.
copyright © 2008 Sean Shannon