Joe Henson Update...

Joe was back at Hopkins this week and I stopped in to see how he was doing.  It was my first time seeing him since just before Christmas.

When I initially arrived...his room seemed peaceful.  Angie (Joe's Mom) was curled up on the couch, doing her best to grab a few winks. 

I felt bad for stirring her...but she indulged me (as always) and made me feel welcome.

...catching me up on the roller coaster ride on the home front.

...and making me realize that good help is truly hard to find -- especially when it comes to looking out for Joe.

How could any parent truly rest?

Shortly after I got there, it felt like I opened the door to a clown car....as nurse after nurse, specialist after specialist...popped in to see Joe or Angie or both.

Questions.

Measurements.

Readings.

Signatures.

An MRI revealed mixed results that (I'm guessing) will likely require further imaging. 

His platelets were low.

The combination of these factors ultimately meant no chemo for Joe.

He needs time to get his counts up.

Fortunately they were able to get transport back home before the snow.

I'm hopeful for brighter days on the horizon...

One of the Good Ones...

The room was hot.

The local news was on.

The rhythmic  sound of the oxygen tank filled in the background.

 

Still feeling the impacts of the stroke.

Immobile on her right side.

Understanding,

…but unable to articulate.

Frustrated.

 

I sat by her side.

I held her hand.

I gave her something to drink.

I wished I could do more.

 

…for someone who always brought a smile.

…and a twinkle in her eye.

…and made you feel like a kid again.

 

She was always that way and remained so…even now.

 

One of the good ones.

 

One of the good ones.

Sick daze...

2015 has begun with the flu

....and nothing can prepare you for how gut wrenching it can be

...to see your child sick and struggling

My biggest pain point

....is not being able to make things better.

Allowing time to take its course...

Making my best attempt at being patient

...and just being there.

However

Whenever

Wherever

...I can be.

Brighter days on the horizon.