When he was nineteen, James took a trip to Ireland with his parents and his brother, Jeff (his other brother Chris was competitive cycling at the time and missed this last of family summer vacations). The story his father, Peter, likes to recount of the holiday was the moment when they checked out of one of the hotels and the concierge handed Pete a telephone bill for the hour or so that James talked to me long distance. We were teenagers in love--his father was not amused. What could we have possibly been talking about?
James and Jeff pretended to be Irish locals in a pub to trick another couple of young people from America. I can only imagine what sort of ridiculous Irish accent James attempted but it worked--the visual of the red hair was enough to convince them. After a few pints, James and Jeff confessed their ruse--they were actually two teenagers from California--and their new found pub mates did not believe them! My Irish man!
If you are of the beer drinking persuasion on this Irish of holidays, please raise a pint to James's health.
He had a very quiet Saturday in the NICU. From our laptop, I played a little of Mozart's Magic Flute and a piece of music composed and performed by his dear friend Kevin Corrigan. He squeezed my hand and wiggled his toes. His way of saying, ah, yes, great pieces of music.
He's in a bit of limbo at the moment regarding his condition. He's not getting worse but he's also not really getting better. The bacteria are fighting it out in his brain. He does have one less machine hooked to him in that they took off the EGG this morning. He's not having seizures and the readings have been unremarkable so off it went. That's a good thing although, I did find it comforting in some strange way to watch his brain waves flow along.
I imagine, since the regular team of doctors are not here because it's the weekend, James does not want to go and improve radically or they will miss seeing it. You know how considerate he is for other people's feelings!
Tomorrow's another day. I confess that I did give him a pinch because he was not wearing green (I do not think the green ring on his breathing tube counts) but it was not as strong as the Spock Vulcan grab the doctors do to get a reaction from him. I did put the pinch to use though and asked him to squeeze my hand and wiggle his toes which he did. I said, "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" I'm sure he'll pinch me back as soon as he's able.
James and Jeff pretended to be Irish locals in a pub to trick another couple of young people from America. I can only imagine what sort of ridiculous Irish accent James attempted but it worked--the visual of the red hair was enough to convince them. After a few pints, James and Jeff confessed their ruse--they were actually two teenagers from California--and their new found pub mates did not believe them! My Irish man!
If you are of the beer drinking persuasion on this Irish of holidays, please raise a pint to James's health.
He had a very quiet Saturday in the NICU. From our laptop, I played a little of Mozart's Magic Flute and a piece of music composed and performed by his dear friend Kevin Corrigan. He squeezed my hand and wiggled his toes. His way of saying, ah, yes, great pieces of music.
He's in a bit of limbo at the moment regarding his condition. He's not getting worse but he's also not really getting better. The bacteria are fighting it out in his brain. He does have one less machine hooked to him in that they took off the EGG this morning. He's not having seizures and the readings have been unremarkable so off it went. That's a good thing although, I did find it comforting in some strange way to watch his brain waves flow along.
I imagine, since the regular team of doctors are not here because it's the weekend, James does not want to go and improve radically or they will miss seeing it. You know how considerate he is for other people's feelings!
Tomorrow's another day. I confess that I did give him a pinch because he was not wearing green (I do not think the green ring on his breathing tube counts) but it was not as strong as the Spock Vulcan grab the doctors do to get a reaction from him. I did put the pinch to use though and asked him to squeeze my hand and wiggle his toes which he did. I said, "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" I'm sure he'll pinch me back as soon as he's able.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. I hope it is a bit cathartic for you -- it certainly is very meaningful for the rest of us who hold you all in our hearts. Checking in here regularly, and thinking of you all, always. Sophie, Vera, and Tom xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of the lovely memories about beautiful walks by the sea, and lucky bird poops, and James's antics, now and in the past. We're reading your installments each day, relieved to hear about any communication - whether via toes, small eye movements or the reassuring squeeze of a hand. James is wandering, as you say, on an inner journey for right now - one which he'll relay to you soon in his own words. I know it. Happy St. Paddy's Day to all three of you. Wishing for that lucky shamrock to appear again for James. We love you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love all these personal stories and pictures! Thank you for sharing so many beautiful parts of his/your life with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to leave a comments but it hasn't been working from the phone. David and I are here for anything you or Imogen might need. David dropped by your place a couple of days back but you were out. We want you to know that we have been sending James all our positive energy & love and keeping him in our prayers. He is strong and resolute and full of love and light. I have complete faith in his ability to fight this thing.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that James lost one machine today! Hang in there Jennie. You are having to be patient beyond belief and we are all here sending love and strength your way. Today we picked up some little goodies to add to the care package that is headed your way. Luck of the Irish to ye’
ReplyDeleteLove, Deb and Matt
It's really good to read of the minor triumphs: squeezing a hand, wriggling of toes. Stay positive Jennie. We're all rooting for James to fight this thing. Thank you for the updates and beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteNadia and Erick
What evidence of beauty displayed in these pictures. Bringing beauty and peace to the world- that's what I think of when I think of James.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers of love and strength for you all. <3
James is a source of love, light and inspiration for all of us. And now, we are sending it back to him tenfold. Jennie, thank you for the beautiful way you have described James’ journey. Thinking of you everyday and sending healing thoughts and love, Lisa Summa
ReplyDeleteDear Jen,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these beautifully written messages. It is wonderful how you weave the medical updates with humor and fun memories of James making it very poignant indeed. You are so brave and courageous. I will "hold James in the Light" as the Quakers say.
Lucie