I once had to make a sculpture project for art class, I must have been around 8 or 9. I got some clay and shaped it into a camel, it was a flat, two-dimensional piece of awesomeness. He had a sweet long camel neck, lanky camel legs and some totally super happening camel humps. I lay him out flat on a tray and put him in the oven to harden. My dad came home that night and reckoned that someone had obviously made a pretty epic cookie and proceed to try to eat it, camel legs first. Needless to say awesome Mr. Camel didn’t fair well, quite likely exasperated by the fact that I had probably found the clay somewhere outside in our garden (high quality) and that the drying process was not exactly of a kilns degree of accuracy (baked that guy at 360•)
He felt pretty terrible about trying to eat my art project and there was some failed effort to glue it back, but sadly Mr. Camel lay in the better parts of a crumbly mess. Jim has always taken in charge and been in control. Why, if he sees a camel shaped cookie, gosh darn he is gonna eat that bastard. Seeing him again today in such an unfamiliar capacity of non action is shocking all over again, and it makes me love him that much more. Because he is so strong and he is trying so hard, under very taxing circumstances, to keep his spirits up, even if it’s only for us right now.
Trudy seems best able to understand his silent lip-reading-required-voice while I just guess wildly in the dark; “Dad, you want a Potato wagon?” “you like a house of porridge pies?” “bat fingers?” I have always been quite rubbish at lip reading. It’s my job.
In setting him up with an iPad movie this afternoon, it took mum and I way too long in an overly extended game of charades and alphabet spelling to figure out that he wanted his glasses and not to watch a show about eyes or spying (We have both had some long nights, so are not really firing all brain cells effectively)
We are hoping to get him out of the ICU and onto the ward sooner than later as his recovery is far more likely to be productive to his mood and overall well-being out of such an isolated environment.
The limitation is the ventilator, as he needs to stay on that to ensure his lungs stay clear and pneumonia free. We are looking into potentially sourcing a second hand one to buy… I mean who doesn’t want to own a ventilation machine? “Lung Party at Our House, whaoooo!”
Still so many uncertain avenues ahead but one more day down. One more.
Yes, uncle Jim is always one for acting out whatever he feels he needs to do regardless. However on occasion I have seen him pause for a moment and think about the possible reactions or maybe weighing the consequences.
A well mannered brute you are…at least in front of me hmmmmm! but ultimately mischievous, usually earning a laugh instead of “the evil eye”.
All great memories of your company and looking forward to many more.
I have a rooster that actually reminds me of you, Jim. I have to say he is not the best looking of the bunch but he’s got the most gumption of all 11 ( yes I have eleven…don’t have the heart to slit their throat…at least not yet). He’s an English Orpington Chocolate (the rarest of the breed), what an attitude, the other larger breed ones dear not challenge him and I cannot enter the coop with out a stick. He is at my legs regardless of whether I hold the key to his life or death. His hunched back makes him look more ominous and actually almost vulture like …but his personality is bigger than the most beautiful Black and Lavender Orpington I’ve got…he is the survivor and a force to be reckoned with.
Yes… yes I have just compared you to a chicken
I love you. Charlene
Tracy thanks again for a brilliant update, you have no idea how we look forward to them, being this far away all my family and myself can do is hope and be positive and you always throw a positive light on things whilst keeping us informed.
You were always a chip off the old ( Jim ) block, in fact how could you have been anything but with the amazing parents you have.
Love you, I know you guys are going through Hell right now, I never know when it’s a good time to call, so stay strong and look after that uncle of mine.
P.S. you should think of becoming a writer, you have a way with words. I think it’s your gift. Use it.
Traci and all the ‘Craigs’ this is a very difficult time with many uncertainties…but I have learn’t to relay on a song that goes….’one day at a time sweet Jesus’… I can only imagine how hard this is for all of you…but Jim is a fighter!!!!! keep the faith and hope going and stay positive…and when you don’t see the footprints on the sand…just know He is holding you at that time….you being back now will make the ‘whole family’ together again and yes you should become a writer you surely have the gift of words and expression …love to all of you tonight…special love to my ‘priggleton mary’ and what can I say…Jim you ole bitch…love ya plenty…get your ass going real soon…I real tired of praying for you now eh!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! love and prayers to all you Craigs….this too will pass…hopefully sooner than later…..