Monday… early 12-21-09.. Holy Mackeral It’s Winter Already
December 21st, 2009 Posted in Daily News PostIt’s Sunday night and Chloe has had a pretty good day. When I left this morning she was still pretty sleepy but happy to see Mama walk in the room. Dr. Olson had just come in as well. She didn’t have much to add but thought Chloe looked pretty well. She also believed Chloe would be on the floor tomorrow. That is still the plan. And the oncology doctor on duty, Dr. Kevin Norwood, Chloe’s buddy. They should have fun together this week.
So I went to church today and played “A Medley for Chloe” that consisted of four songs. The first, “The Braham’s Lullaby,” a song most likely, subconsciously written with Chloe in mind. The second, “Oh Holy Night,” brought to me the realization of why it’s such an honor to be able to spend all night in PICU with her while sleeping 5 minutes at a time. The third is Chloe’s favorite song, performed by her favorite performer, M.J., “Smile.” And that’s what she did, full and bright, when I told her that would be one of the four song medley I renamed for her. And the final song depicts what Chloe is all about, “Amazing Grace.” Again, it’s a song that probably was in some way inspired by Chloe. I just barely made it through the performance. I was glad our soundman, John Mckean, had a lot of effects on my sax. It covered my shakes and lack of breath.
Chloe had a few really great things go on today. Most importantly she was off the ventilator all day until about 10:30 pm. She did very well off the ventilator and they just put her on overnight so she would get a good rest. She didn’t sleep all day but did rest well last night.
She went for a wheelchair ride today also. Her tour took her downstairs and around the scenic areas of the hospital. You have to trick yourself into finding areas you can regard as scenic. Just getting out of these four walls is magical for her though. It was about 20 minutes of freedom!
Something I wish I had been here for was the first trial at standing. It took three people to hold our rag doll but she had her feet on the floor and was upright. She was pretty nervous about the whole process because she doesn’t have a lot of control over where her feet go and she doesn’t have much strength after lying in bed for 18 days. But she did it at least. Now the goal will be to do this one or two times a day so that her strength and coordination returns.
She and Mama got to listen to some episodes of Cinnamon Bear on the computer. There is a website that offers most all of the shows for free. She loves that series. It’s kind of cool having a kid loving a radio show in these times. Of course, many refer to her as an “Old Soul.”
She’s sleeping well now and I’ll be sitting vigil until Dana comes back to the den. I’ll probably stay at the hospital tomorrow until we move. That should be easiest on Dana. Even though we have leaned the room down quite a bit there is still enough to overwhelm a worn out Mama Lion.
I’m sending love and a special thanks to all of you at Celebration Church today. We want to thank you for any cards or gifts that come our way but we will need your help. Please don’t be bashful reminding us what you have sent. I’m lucky I was able to remember my name this morning, much less who gave what to whom. Please know that it is all very warmly received, it’s the very tired and worn out gray matter that is lacking. The bracelet was a big hit… but I don’t remember who made it… so sorry.
Blessings,
Ron
65 Responses to “Monday… early 12-21-09.. Holy Mackeral It’s Winter Already”
By Lyne Collin (Montreal, QC, Canada) on Dec 21, 2009
Ron…you’re such a sweet and humble man…the way you love and care for Dana and her children is a true blessing from God !!!
But you would probably say that you’re the lucky one to have them.
Sweet lil angel Chloe…you’re a brave young lady…you have so much courage and determination…I really don’t think I could handle what you’re going through…but what I do know is…if someone can get through this with flying colors…YOU CAN !!!
Keep listening to MJ…his wonderful words will soothe you…and I know you’ll keep fighting while wearing the biggest of smiles…and Victory will be yours !!!
Dana…sweet loving woman that you are…I bow at your feet for the devotion and pure love your soul possesses…i’m not worthy !!!
Last but not least…Colin…You are one terrific young man…you’re parents i’m sure must be so proud of you…you’re an inspiration to all !!!
Keep smiling…keep shining knowing you can always count on me…for sure…that’s what friends are for !!!
Lyne xoxoxo
By Sarah on Dec 21, 2009
Everything Lyne said goes for me, too.
Ron, I’ll bet that medley was *amazing*.
Congrats, Chloe: you’re finding your feet again!
Hang in there, eveyone — and hi to Dave and Ramona.
By Tim on Dec 21, 2009
Very Cool Ron,
Those songs are very heart wrenching and goes to the very core of the Being. It would bring tears to any one’s eyes listening to it..
I can only imagine how hard it was to play those pieces…Beautiful..Those inspirational songs makes a soul break free indeed!!!
Yes, and I forgot and apologize with so much emotion that Dave and Romona are in my heart for I can only imagine that there is no exchange for Daddy’s girl…
Agnes and Teresa send you kisses and Hugs Chloe!!
WE Love you!!
Tim : )
By Cherie on Dec 21, 2009
My dearest friends I agree with the last comment. Ron, your four melodies were so heart wrenching I can still feel the beauty I will have to buy the cd of yesterdays sermon. I went to the womens potluck after church and forgot to buy the cd. I did give Ron the bracelet my daughter in Colo, made for Cloe. I had told her about our prayer and communications through this blog and she sent me my bracelet and one she made special for Cloe. I read her my poem about Cloe and the Blue ponies and she said she just had to make this bracelet for Cloe. I am so honored as I am sure LaDonna (my daughter) is that Cloe liked it. And don’t worry about trying to remember any one out here just keep being that amazing Ron that you are and keeping us all informed how our Cloe “you go girl” and her amazing Mom are doing.
By David & Ramona on Dec 21, 2009
Thank You Sarah, Tim, Agnes & Teresa for your hellos and kind thoughts. I try to spend time with Chloe each day – before and after work – reading to her one of her current favorite series; Twilight. She’s been trying to get me to read it for close to a year. I had a hard time getting past Chapter 2 on my own; as of today, we are through Chapter 20. I am encouraged every day by Chloe’s warm smile and hugs when I walk in the room – she is incredibly strong and a true fighter; I see her improving evey day.
Chloe was also very happy to have Grandma Lee here this past week; they both enjoyed holding each others hands – Grandma and granddaughter have a very strong bond. And, Grandma is a great encourager for Chloe – reminding her to continue to work hard to get better; and she will.
You’re correct Tim, there is no replacement for Daddy’s little Girl, and we want to “Thank” everyone for your words of encouragement, your thoughts and your prayers.
By Karen Preston on Dec 22, 2009
There’s a quote I love that reminds me how wonderful it was to have a strong bond with my grandmother, “Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.” I’m glad to hear that Chloe has Grandma Lee in her life, she sounds very special.
By Grandma Lee on Dec 22, 2009
Thank you to everyone out there for those nice words. Suffice it to say that the Watts family you are reading about are my heart, and my pride and joy. Chloe and Colin are a very large part of my heart and their hurt is my hurt. The hardest part of this past week was saying goodbye to her and getting on that plane for home. But she knows that I am a phonecall away and, here I am risking her finding this out…..I would do anything in my power for her. Oops maybe not………she did ask me to put her in my suitcase and take her home with me!!! I also know that God has her in his hands and will help to make her well.
God Bless all of you who are praying for her and her parents and brother.