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These Precious Days: Essays is an enjoyable set of essays about Ann Patchett's life and career. I read two of her memoirs this month, and the first one was my favorite. (Your favorite might be the first one you read.) She covers some of the same topics (in different stories) in each book. Her family, husband, friends, how she got started writing, her education at Sarah Lawrence, her graduate program, and her independent bookstore are all addressed in both books.

A highlight of this book were her stories about Tom Hanks (who narrated Dutch House), and his assistant Sookie, who became close friends with Ann. Ann often had people in the business stay at her home. Her essays about her teaching experience and grad school experiences really resonated with me. 1) Many universities require or allow graduate students to teach undergraduate classes with little to no training, guidance or oversight. 2) One of the best things about Graduate school is spending those years with like-minded people who value the same things you do, and they may become your friends for life. (I still miss the heady discussions, total acceptance, and growth of that time of my life).

I just spent 15 hours in the Emergency room (mostly alone in the middle of the night) and memoirs by our favorite authors kept me awake, calm, and patient (when they wouldn't let me sit with my mother who was confused and alone in a hall way.)

I’m glad this was a comfort during the dark hours, Nancy. Desperately distressing about having to go through that with your mother - I’m so sorry. I hope things are looking up

How is your mom doing, Nancy?

I have had my share of similar times, Nancy, and the choice of reading matter with me really helped. I hope all is better for your mom, you.

Long hours in the emergency room are rough especially when you are worried about somebody else.

Nancy - so sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope she's doing better.

And so glad you had good books with you!

So very sorry to hear about your mom Nancy-I was in that seat twice during pandemic with my eldest sister. The first time I could not even go into the hospital. I hope she is doing better-

Thanks everyone. It was rough because I knew she was all alone in a hallway all night and she couldn't speak for herself. They cited covid rules for the reason I couldn't go back there. The EMTs were great at the house, and they had a lot of information to help with Triage. Otherwise I would have demanded to see a social worker or advocate.

I had a book in my bag and many audios on my phone, and they helped to keep me calm. One book was quite funny which helped as well. The ER waiting room had dividers and it wasn't too bad.

We had a really bad time after we got home, and one of the nurses at her primary's office was able to give me great advice, and we saw them the next morning. It's been up and down, but she's doing pretty well right now and was actually smiling for a while. It's amazing what a difference that makes.

You have my sympathy, Nancy. I've been in similar situations with several elderly relatives. I can't imagine going through that kind of late night emergency under Covid restrictions. Or rather, I can imagine and I'm grateful I haven't needed to. I've also gotten the "How can you possibly read at a time like this?" outrage from other anxious family members, but IMO when the only game is a waiting game, a good book is a sanity saver.

I just wanted to head to the chain of prayers for your mother and for what you have been going through Nancy. I have been holding you in my heart.

Jgrace wrote: "You have my sympathy, Nancy. I've been in similar situations with severa elderly relatives. I can't imagine going through that kind of late night emergency under Covid restrictions. Or rather, I c..."

Yes I have one family member who can easily raise the anxiety and outrage level in any room (but she wasn't there). I couldn't really settle down until my family went home to sleep, and I talked again to the guy at the front desk. It was nice and quite and I put the audio on and closed my eyes.

We think she had a TIA but they couldn't confirm it, and she had the beginnings of a UTI. I had no idea that a simple UTI could cause such a severe decline in an elderly person. We heard it from a lot of friends too. She couldn't walk, talk, push my hands or tell me her name. All that from a common infection?!