After announcing my father’s ICU hospital stay, I received a number of emails from so many of you, saying my family was in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for your concern.  It has meant a great deal to me here in China. 

           I was actually waiting for good news to report before saying anything further.  He is still in Terre Haute Union’s ICU, with my mom spending most of her days and nights there.  She’s accompanied with frequent stays by my older brother, Paul the attorney, and my dad’s younger brother, Chuck the retired college physics’ teacher.

            After two weeks of bad news, my mom is now able to email some good news.  My father is now breathing on his own up to 18 hours a day.  He sits up in bed.  The doctors are very optimistic that after rehabilitation sessions, he will be able to return home at some point, maybe after a month or two.  This is a much better than anyone expected in the beginning.

            My mom has tales to tell of all the nurses: the tough veteran, the newbie, the handsome dark Spaniard, the down-to-business gal.  Each has his or her own personality which makes the day pass more quickly for my mom.  She observes this-and-that about each one of them. Even though the newbie is still learning about dealing with ICU patients, the over-all quality of care is exceptional.  We are very fortunate in that.

            My brother has already gained a great deal of respect among the doctors and nurses for his desire to understand everything that is going on.  And news has traveled fast about his profession.  He was stopped last week in the hallway by a hospital worker who wanted advice about a legal matter. 

           My brother is a very kind, affable guy.  I have no idea what he told her but I’m sure it was helpful. 

            He’s probably now endeared himself to the entire ICU ward. 

            Union Hospital has an email card service which my high school classmate told me about.  My father was a high school history and civics teacher for over 25 years in our Marshall community.  He is well-loved by all his former students so she sent around the notice to many of us alums how to send an e-card.  These are then distributed by the chaplain’s office at the hospital.  I’ve already given it a go to see just how well it works.  I’ll get reports from Priscilla, my mom, on if it’s been received or not.

            Computers certainly are Godsends in many ways.

            In the meantime, stay tuned for Mid-Autumn Festival news.  Our overcast skies are not going to allow us to see a full moon tonight but if the rain holds off, maybe Little Flower and I can join the students on the sports’ field for moon cake eating.  Last night on our 10 p.m. walk, we spotted quite a few couples hugging and cuddling on the field’s  lawn.  There were also clusters of dormitory mates snacking on potato chips and their own moon cake piles.  If we have a good showing tonight of the same people, I’m sure I’ll have plenty of opportunity to get rid of my small hoard.    It’s more fun to share with others than to stay at home.  I’m sure LF would agree.  The more people there are, the more begging she can do and the more moon cakes she can eat.  No one can resist a cute, eager, whining Chihuahua.  Little Flower should have quite a few birthday dessert helpings this evening, that’s for sure, and some extra birthday pounds to go along with them! 

            Reports yet to follow of our Sunday Mid-Autumn Festival evening.

            From China, wishing you a Sunday’s Ping An (peace)