my pink toes

Jim made it through the first critical 24 hours and is now coherent, off the ventilator, and down from 13 (!) IV drips to 5. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Velma was concerned because the first time she visited him after they "woke him up" (took him off anesthesia), he seemed really disoriented. "Do you know who I am?" she asked. He nodded. "Do you know you just had surgery?" Another nod. "Do you know where you are?" Hesitation and a slight nod. "How do you feel?" No response. She was worried - he didn't seem himself and he wouldn't talk.

When she went back in a half hour later, he stuck his tongue out at her. She came back out laughing. Yup, he's back and doing just fine.

The boys and I went to the hospital for 5 hours today. I guess that seems crazy when I type it like that, but it seemed the thing to do. Velma is absolutely charmed by my children (probably a big part of why I adore her so much), and being around the kids makes her happy. I packed a bag full of puzzles, games, toys and food and we hung out in the waiting room. The boys acted pretty much like two exuberant boys made to be quiet for a long time, but managed not to knock over too much furniture or scare any patients past recovery.

When my grandmother was in the cardiac unit, I would bring then-2-year-old Henry to play. We'd bring a bag full of Thomas engines and track and build routes around her bed. She was too tired to interact, but she like having us there. We made her smile and it took her mind off the pain and tedium. I think there's something about having children around that brightens everyone. In a unit full of elderly people and people visiting their elderly parents, many of whom are in much more frightening situations than Jim, children can be a pleasant distraction. I talked repeatedly with Henry about why we were there: to encourage and support Nana. Peter charmed visitors as they stepped off the elevator into his elaborate Star Wars action figure scenario, complete with motorcycle and vigorous sound effects. I felt like for the most part, we all enjoyed having the energy of such youth and vitality around as a contrast to the gloom and uncertainty past the nurses' station.

Once the rest of the family got off work and came over, I figured it was time to go. I'm not sure why we stayed so long, but it felt natural and it felt like the right thing to do. In occasions like this, I'm finding it's just best to go with the moment and with what feels like the right thing to do. I hope we brought Velma joy today. I had peace just being there. In just being present with the family we hold so dear.