(credit to u/axrevolutionai for suggesting I make a full post for this)
This is a big one, for multiple reasons.
I am disabled, and live with my mother and stepfather, paying rent from my Social Security disability checks. To their perpetual credit, the house is paid off and they say I'll always have a home here. I am forever grateful for that. Anyway...
My stepfather needed triple (which became quadruple) bypass surgery. He was driven to the hospital early this morning, before sunrise.
However, as my mother was driving him, she turned too soon, and got two tires over the edge of the driveway. They had to call a tow truck, which had to call another to help. And because they couldn't afford it, I had to pay for them, well over $300 worth that I can't afford right now either.
Then it got worse. On the way there, they passed some homeless guy, who got so angry at them for whatever reason that he threw his flashlight at their car, and not only caused serious scratches on the door, but the back panel of a side mirror got completely dislodged, exposing the wiring. Normally Dad would go to a junkyard for a replacement part, but he's currently in the hospital, per above.
I'd share photos, but I don't want to risk self-doxxing.
On top of all this, while the surgery did go very well (thank God), he is currently intubated on a fucking VENTILATOR, for reasons I do not understand. He is expected to be in the hospital for five to seven days. I'll be visiting him once he wakes up.
We don't know what we're going to do. Can GME please fucking go TO THE MOON! already?! That's my only backup plan, and I bought in (over ten shares) because I was desperate and I trust YOU guys! Hell, even if I sold right now, it wouldn't be instantaneous--Computershare would snail-mail me a physical check, and having never done this before, I don't know if the taxes on that income would be deducted for me, or I'd have to make note of this on my 1040 or 1099 later.
Is it possible to duct-tape the back of the mirror in case we have to go somewhere when it rains? We have the car under a carport right now, so there's that. Normally Dad would order and attach the new one, but, well...
Oh, and the car's not insured. Insurance was cancelled a month or two ago because we can't fucking afford anything right now. Because of all of Dad's testing and preparation for this surgery.
Oh, and the warranty on the car has expired because it's about four years old.
God, I'm so frustrated right now. I feel powerless. Please pray for my family's well-being.
Mods, I apologize for the rant. Delete this if you must. But I don't know where else to turn.
(Update: He is OFF the ventilator!)
Prayers for your family on the way. It all seems overwhelming. Multiple problems but it’s pretty typical that someone would be on a vent after this type of surgery. Standard, really but sometimes they come off of it in 3-4 hrs. However, most are longer and many 48 hrs or more. It depends on a lot of things-like their condition before surgery. Check out this site. You can call with questions. This isn’t like the c19 stuff. This is when vents actually are needed and so try not to be upset. I know it’s easy for me to say. Point is, it’s not crazy he’s still on it.
But you’ve just gone through an enormous amount of stress in a short time and it seems like all around you is this buzz of chaos. Take one thing- forget about the other stuff like the car for the time being. I would focus on praying for your stepdad, praying for yourself, for peace, wisdom and for HIM to help dad and mom, guide and comfort you. We’ve got this- we can pray hard but it’s times like these we learn a lot and especially learn about our faith.
https://intensivecarehotline.com/blog/worrying-about-getting-off-the-ventilator-in-icu-after-cabg-coronary-artery-bypass-graft-surgery-quick-tip-for-families-in-icu/
I like Winn’s advice about the car.
I appreciate the comforting words. This eases my heart a little about the ventilator.
Update us when you can.