3:30 pm: My mother called from a taxi around 9:15 this morning. I know how long emergency room visits can take, but I'm worried anyway. I haven't showered because I don't want to miss a phone call. Should I call the hospital and try to track her down? Or should I wait another couple of hours?

5:00 pm: I called the hospital. She's been admitted, but they can't give me any other information. Emergency said they'd get the message to her. Back to waiting for the phone to ring.

Might not be a bad idea to start packing while I'm waiting.

7:30 pm: This is a general update for friends (online and offline) and family.

My mother went to the hospital this morning with abdominal pain. She is currently in surgery. I am packing and taking the first available flight to DC. My father, as most of you know, is in Kuwait, but in touch via satellite phone.

Understandably, there will be no updates on the gymnastics page or on my website until further notice.

I'll check in from DC.

Edited: she's out of surgery and in critical but stable condition. I spoke with the surgeon, who told me that her colon had perforated.

I was unable to fly down tonight and will leave tomorrow morning. Thanks for the good wishes. We need them all.