Day 8
John developed a fever yesterday of about 101. They have changed his antibiotics and say that these things happen. He is keeping his head above it all pretty well, even though the burns to his throat and mouth and all the rest hurts a lot. He is showing bruises and his hair is falling out in clumps. I've seen him physically, and certainly emotionally worse, and there are patients that suffer more and come back whole. Those who race sailboats would say he has his "eyes outside the boat." Those who don't I'm sure would say that is the kind of thing those who race turtles might say.
I've noticed that John's skin shows hints of "that musty color" of some transplant patients. He mentioned tonight that the tips of his fingers hurt like after being burned by an iron or stove. The staff notes all these things, but seems comfortable with his state, and it seems to show in John's confidence as well.
I dropped Courtney off at the airport tonight for her flight to Atlanta. I realized on the way, that the several weeks she has stayed here is the most time I've spent with her in at least five years. Irving and others of the existential ilk measure life in "defining moments." I've had a cat's lives full of such times, and, I suppose I look - or at least feel - a bit like Bill the cat from it all. John's time now, in that sense, will be a part of what defines, or at least refines, both children and wherever it is they might sail.
I've noticed that John's skin shows hints of "that musty color" of some transplant patients. He mentioned tonight that the tips of his fingers hurt like after being burned by an iron or stove. The staff notes all these things, but seems comfortable with his state, and it seems to show in John's confidence as well.
I dropped Courtney off at the airport tonight for her flight to Atlanta. I realized on the way, that the several weeks she has stayed here is the most time I've spent with her in at least five years. Irving and others of the existential ilk measure life in "defining moments." I've had a cat's lives full of such times, and, I suppose I look - or at least feel - a bit like Bill the cat from it all. John's time now, in that sense, will be a part of what defines, or at least refines, both children and wherever it is they might sail.
