In a heartfelt episode of her podcast, Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best, the beloved “Cougar Town” actress shared the harrowing experience of her 15-year-old daughter Birdie having a seizure while overseas at her boarding school in Sweden.
Helplessness Across the Globe
Busy Philipps, 44, recounted the incident, describing it as “terrifying.” While sorting through items in her basement, she received a desperate call from her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein. Birdie had just experienced another seizure, and the panic in Silverstein’s voice was palpable.
The Unsettling Virtual Reality About Busy Philipps Daughter
Rushing upstairs, Philipps learned the shocking truth: Birdie had suffered a seizure while in Stockholm watching the new “Hunger Games” movie with her friend Sarah. The situation was surreal because Philipps had to witness it all via FaceTime.
“And I went upstairs but then I heard his voice and I knew something was really wrong,” she recalled. “And he just said, ‘It’s Birdie, it’s Birdie. She’s had another seizure. The paramedics are on the phone.'”
A Digital Connection to a Medical Crisis
In a bizarre turn of events, paramedics were on FaceTime, actively assisting Birdie as she emerged from the seizure. The haunting image of her daughter reaching out to the camera, calling for her mother, added a layer of anguish to an already distressing situation.
“The paramedics were on FaceTime, and she had just come out of the seizure and she was still in the post-aura state. They were like, hooking her up with stuff — on FaceTime,” Philipps revealed.
The Importance of Composure
Despite the chaos, Philipps commended the paramedics for maintaining a constant line of communication. They guided her through the ordeal before ending the call to focus on attending to Birdie’s immediate needs.
A Heroic Friend Amid Crisis
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Birdie’s friend Sarah, Philipps gave her a heartfelt shoutout. Sarah’s quick thinking in recognizing the emergency, coordinating with theater staff, and swiftly mobilizing assistance showcased remarkable composure for a 17-year-old.
“That kid really f—king handled an emergency incredibly well,” Philipps praised.
A Familiar Nightmare in a Distant Land
For Philipps, this wasn’t the first time she had seen her child seize. The actress had been filming the new “Mean Girls” movie when Birdie experienced her first seizure. The geographical distance and the helplessness of witnessing the event on screen intensified the emotional toll on Philipps.
“But it was really awful seeing it on a screen, being in a different country across an ocean,” she shared.
Conclusion: A Mother’s Gratitude
While the incident remains etched in Philipps’ memory as a traumatic event, the actress expressed gratitude for the swift actions of those around Birdie. The ordeal emphasized the importance of community support during unexpected crises, even when separated by miles and screens.
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