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April 23, 2007
Manic
Some really good things are happening here.
Some really bad ones are happening, too.
Let's start with the good, shall we?
Almost two weeks ago, I became an aunt! Rex's brother and his wife had twin boys, four weeks early but healthy. Kaden went home a week ago, while Kartson is spending some time being fattened up before he can go home.
Rex graduates in less than three weeks! After somewhere around 9 years of active schooling, Rex will be a college graduate. He's worked hard for this, given up a lot of free time, some sleep and some sanity, and he's EARNED this degree.
Jamie is about to earn her first orange stripe in Tae Kwon Do. I'm really proud of her for her persistence and hard work.
Katie is about to turn two. She's incredibly stubborn, but cute as a button!
And now the bad.
A couple weeks ago, my grandfather went to the doctor for severe jaundice. The jaundice was caused by a blocked bile duct, which was easily unblocked. The cause of the blockage, however, was a tumor. Stage 3 pancreatic cancer. I hadn't heard a prognosis, aside from not good, since they were still doing some tests.
Today, my mom called and told me that he's been admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and heart failure. While the fluid buildup seems to be clearing up, the doctor thinks it's unlikely my grandfather will be leaving the hospital.
I'm glad that I got to see him recently, and that our whole family, excepting Rex, were gathered together. At the time, I had no idea it was likely the last time I would see him, but that made the visit so much less sad than if we did it now.
A good friend of mine has a child with intense special needs. She and her husband wanted more children, but were concerned that there may have been a genetic component to their son's condition. After years of debate, they had a second son, and they have been thrilled with each new milestone he reaches within the proper timeframe. Almost two weeks ago, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This isn't a death sentence, it's manageable, it's livable. But it's one more stress that she just didn't need. And from this far away, there isn't a lot I can do to help her.
Posted by me at April 23, 2007 9:57 PM