(Written Saturday, July 26)
Craig: "My pillow case is wet."
Me: "Here, I'll get you a new cover, but the plastic pillow underneath is also soaked. The pillow may still be wet."
Craig's been restless all morning. He's sweating profusely, but doesn't have a fever. With the sweat comes the rash: his forehead is taking the brunt of it, but the cheeks also seem slightly raised. We've been trying to cool him down with ice packs to the groin and fans in the face. Diane and I served as makeshift fans, using sheets of paper to cool him down. We've even turned the AC down to a cool 53. Still, Craig seems uncomfortable. He's been complaining more and seems a tad irritable. He even called a food service worker (yes, they're back) an ‘inappropriate' word today, when she accidently left his door open. Thankfully, she was well past earshot when he piped in. (Actually, his one word demonstrated a fair level of restraint; I would have told them to piss off long ago). Then, yesterday, he called an ER nurse a freak after the guy left his room in a cheery blaze. Fair enough; the guy was weird, and talked as if he used to work summers at Disney World playing Goofy. Perhaps the loud and overly chipper "other than all this, buddy, what else have ya been up to?" would be better received by younger audiences - say, three year olds.
Befogged by pain meds, C has never before lost his manners, though he could grow hazy on other details. I think this latest trip to the hospital has been the proverbial straw on the camel's back. We've been bouncing from one hospital room to another; the routine is bound to become tiresome. Being in the hospital is particularly annoying, given tomorrow's benefit concert. So, he's letting his frustrations out verbally. Good for him. Better for the frustration to be out than bottled inside. Always well-timed, Craig's outbursts often interject much needed humor into an otherwise tense situation.
I told the nurses to take Craig off food service in order to spare the poor food runners a tongue lashing. We'll see if it worked. -- J
Craig-
ReplyDeleteI wanted to drop by to send you well wishes and to let you know that I admire your strength and courage. Jason Catz sent me a link to your family's website last week, and I'm thankful he did. I've been moved by your family's words on multiple occassions, and I'm appreciative of your willingness to share your ups and downs in this public forum.
I have a lot of memories of our time in Ann Arbor (unfortunately, many of them studying!) but I will always remember your spirit. I've never met one person that has ever had a bad thing to say about you, which is a testament to your gentle demeanor. And I was always jeaouls of your ability to speak eloquently -- even with an Oklahoma drawl and 3 or 4 Sangria's at Dominicks (which is quite a testament!) :)
I dropped by the benefit concert last night, but the thing was sold out!!!! You must be a popular guy. I asked to see if you were there, but the woman at the front desk mentioned you were in the hospital. I'm sorry you couldn't be there, but the music was loud and, at least from the outside, it looked like everyone was having a good time.
I also want you to know that Kate and I are praying for you and your family. Kate is so appreciative of the time you took out of your busy schedule to discuss Sherman and Howard with her while she was a law student. After we went out to dinner at the Palomino, she looked at me and remarked that you are a very good man. I think that sums it up. We are praying for you.