23 July Update

It's been a virtual emotional roller coaster over the past few days.  But we're still here.  

On Friday, 20 July, Johnny took Ron to the doc to have the fluid drained from his head.  Fluid had accumulated in the spot where the tumor was and he was starting to look just a tad bit like the Elephant Man.  I, on the other hand, had a previously scheduled appointment to which I needed to attend which is why Johnny took him. 

When he returned home, he looked like a Civil War Re-enactment survivor with a big head bandage.  Of course, we put him in bed and tried to make him comfortable but he kept moaning and whining - not a criticism mind you; if someone had stuck a big needle in my head, i'd be doing far worse! - and putting up quit a ruckus.  Gave him some Tylenol which was as useful as boobs on a bull.  Then we remembered that Rebecca and Cara had brought over some "edibles."  They were delicious, said the patient, and he nodded off to sleep. 

Friday was also our 5th wedding anniversary.  Ron had made reservations eons ago at some restaurant which we never made. After my previously scheduled appointment - which was also emotionally taxing - I went to the chiropractor since I was rather tense, to say the least.  And it helped a lot.  Afterwards, I toddled up to 7-11 and got my first Slurpee of the season.  Cherry. Not my fave but it worked.  As the sludge was filling the cup, I realized I needed to vent.  So, I found a park bench on the sidewalk a block south of the 7-11 and called Rebecca.  She was great.  We cried and laughed for about then minutes.  It was what I really needed.  The rest of the day was not much better - on the edge of tears most of the day.  But I survived. 

The next morning, Saturday, Ron woke up and wanted to take off the bandage which wasn't supposed to come off until Sunday.  Both Johnny and I caved and we cut the bandage off with one of those pairs of medical scissors they used to use when cutting the wrapping off Mom's legs.  (We kept every pair. They just throw them away anyway!)  With the bandage off, one could see each thread of the gauze.  Plus, he now had a muffin top on the top of his head where the bandage hadn't been.  Apparently, much of the pain was the fact that the damned bandage was too tight.  Probably initially necessary but also probably the cause of the previous day's pain.  

At 4pm, Florence picked him up as was planned to go see Mamma Mia.  He had a ball.  Then they had dinner at an upscale Taco Truck.  He was home by 8p.  I'd stayed home.  My weepiness had fled and I was back to my usual sarcastic self.  

We went to Church on Sunday morning which was great.  I celebrated Mass and Father Tom preached.  There was a decent crowd for a summer Sunday, the Umpteenth Sunday after Pentecost.  After Mass, Johnny headed off to Bellingham to see friends and Ron and I returned home for a long nap.  It was fabulous.  Later in the evening he and I drove up to Queen Anne Ave to our favorite EYE-talian place Domani.  They have Happy Hour after 8.30p.  He had a mini pizza with lamb and chicken (whatever!) and I had the Avocado Salad.  We also had an antipasto plate half of which I merged my half into my salad.  It was all yummy!  So, now it's Monday and things are quiet.  We're just hanging out at home as there are no appointments today.  

As usual, your cards and kindnesses abound.  Cyndi Wolfe brought a wonderful dinner on Thursday night of which nothing was left.  Mmmmmm.  A mushroom and cheese quiche on a cauliflower rice crust.  Plus salad.  I'm not really gaga about mushrooms but this was out of this world.  Carl and Bruce brought a Lebanese dish for our freezer as Carl's grandson and wife are in town this week.  We'll hoover that dish up in a hurry!  

We're still working the snags out of the Caringbridge website.  Maybe getting used to it is a better term.  We missed Jim Burghuis who had graciously volunteered to take Ron for a walk.  He even brought FOOD!  Thanks Jim!!!  So, we'll try to get that all worked out today. 

Hope you are all well.  Life goes on here in the state of New Normal which means it changes from moment to moment.  I'm learning patience and flexibility in new ways.  God, in her/his infinite kindness, continues to be present through all the shit and in the unbelievable joys we are experiencing.  We know we're not alone because of the things you constantly do which mean so much to us.  May your day be filled with laughter and love.

Peace,

Kevin.