This is a brief run down of the worst night of my life. It took place about twelve years ago.
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My mobile rings.
I can’t answer, I’m driving on the motorway.
Second ring.
Third ring.
OK I’ll pick up before I get home. I’ll stop at the bus stop by my parents house.
Fourth ring.
Fifth ring.
I’m getting close to the bus stop. I wonder who has been calling.
I can see emergency lights past the traffic lights.
I hope the police haven’t stopped at the bus stop. I want to park there to see who has been calling.
Closer
Shit! There is police tape around my parents house
I swing my car into the driveway of my parents house.
It was my brother’s wife calling. I quickly call her back. She is panicked & its a bad line.
I speak to the police outside the house. They can’t tell me anything, other than my mum has been taken to hospital.
I drive to my brother’s, where I’m living, with him & his wife.
I call the hospital & they tell me its not serious, but that I should come to the hospital.
My brother’s wife waits for my brother to come home from work, before following me to the hospital. She can’t contact him, as he’s left his mobile at home.
I drive to the hospital thinking / hoping it won’t be bad.
I walk into the hospital & ask about my mother.
Behind the glass, more than one head is raised.
Shit
A nurse comes out to see me & leads me to an empty room. Outside, in the hallway its busy with relatives & patients waiting to be seen.
Oh Shit, this is like Casualty or ER!
She asks if I know what’s happened? I shake my head.
She says she needs to get a doctor to speak to me & leaves the room.
I sit down shakily knowing this must be bad…
The doctor comes & tells me my mum has been stabbed & is unconscious. The surgeons are working on her now.
A police officer speaks to me & tells me my dad & eldest brother have both been taken to the police station, as they were at the house when it happened.
I’m on autopilot.
I call my brother’s wife & tell her what’s happened.
I call my girlfriend at university.
My brother & his wife arrive.
I breakdown now that I’m not on my own.
They both look stunned at my reaction, it seems to be sinking in more how serious this is.
Another doctor gives us an update. Still unconscious & still in surgery…
My other brother arrives after being released by the police.
It was my dad who has stabbed my mum.
Stunned…
My Aunt & Uncle arrive.
My Uncle offers to pick my girlfriend up from university.
Outside the wind is blowing a gale. So symbolic.
Hours later, my mum doesn’t make it…My brothers & I had to make the decision whether to leave her on a machine or to switch off.
In my mind she had already gone.
The Bipolar Place 