I brought my dads watch home with me when I left. I am pretty sure it is the same Timex watch with a plastic strap that he bought at a KMART in Florida a few years back when we were going on a family cruise, – the cover photo of this blog was taken on that cruise, much hilarity was had by all. Dad is never able to wear rings or expensive watches because he is constantly doing something, usually dangerously misguided, like welding with his shirt off or pouring corrosive sealants onto unsuspecting objects. I have been picking at what seems to be red anti-rust paint that is splattered all over the edge and strap. The plastic face is totally scratched and I can only imagine how many times it has been ground, clobbered and pummelled onto hard surfaces. The strap still has a faded MADE IN CHINA gold sticker on it, which always strikes me as funny that they make those stickers in shiny gold because nothing says quality like a MADE IN CHINA sticker. Overall its a pretty shitty watch and I love it.
The doctor gave Mum and Trudy some sobering news this morning. He is highly concerned about the healing potential of the screws into the bone due to how brittle the spondylosis has made them along with the fact that there are signs of osteoporosis, creating a very porous and vascular structure. He is worried and is all out of alternate options. We are worried. He is managing expectations by giving us a solid 50/50 prognosis. He will be in the ICU for at least another 2 weeks. It could be longer. My stomach is living in a tight ball of twine knotted somewhere behind my ribcage and heart. Everything feels like it is totally where it shouldn’t be. Most especially my dad.
His mood is not great, the uncertainty of all of this is taking its toll, on all of us. My Dad and I pray to a very similar place. My sister and my Mum pray to the very same person. The truth is in the end it all boils down to the same thing, love and hope in this unsettlingly volatile world. If there is such a thing as a miracle we really need to have all of the stops pulled out now and for it to get here as fast as it can.
We know nothing yet, outside of the hope and knowledge that Jim has already overcome things in life that could crumble most giants. I cling to this idea right now and tighten this watch strap.
Get here as fast as you can, Miracle. We are waiting for you.
Our prayers are with you all for a miracle of a speedy recovery for Jim .Thanks for keeping us with your updates lots of love Kay & Aunty Linda xxoo
special love special thoughts to our dear friends, thinking of you and walking the journey very closely to you all, albeit from geographical distance. love Wend xx
Your ‘home’ has always been called ‘Hope Cottage’ Traci.. even before you were born…the news is not as good as I looked forward to….but I feel so confident that Jim will pull through this…he is covered in prayers and my prayer is for you, Trudy and Mum as well…my thoughts are with you all always…as I said before this road might seem long and never ending but at the end of this all will be a ‘rainbow’…sending love to you all…
Just spoke to Kareen and they have given up the room at St. Clair…Jim is still in ICU and Kareen & Trudy is at home…the cost was just tooo much…please keep the prayers going….
Thinking and praying for Jim for a speedy recovery. The miracle is coming. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Please keep us updated on all new developments our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Tracy thank you so much for keeping the rest of us updated, we can’t stop thinking about uncle Jim and wish we could be there to show some kind of support. I can’t help but think that Jim will pull through this. I believe in the power of positive thinking and right now it’s all I’ve got to give. We’re keeping the positive vibes flowing so stay strong and know there’s a whole lot of family just a phone call away if you need us.
Love you all so much. Robert and his cluster.