Dada: Chapter 23

One Week Later

      I walk from the laundry room, with a basket full of clothes, but walk towards the library instead of taking them up the newly reopened rear staircase.  I just don't feel like putting them away just yet.  The sun is shining too brightly to take such a dark way up, so I decide to take the long way around, and maybe take a break before packing my clothes.  The last few weeks have been day after day of rain.  Showers and storms just seem to pop up whenever they like.  Morning, afternoon, or night.  It's just so nice to have sun for an entire day.

     I put the basket down in one of the leather chairs that ring the room, choosing to sit in the large one behind the desk instead.  I spin the seat around a few times, just for fun.  Everything just feels so light and renewed.

     Dad is recovering; the transplant appears to be working.

    I mean, it will take a few more weeks to be sure, but dad is definitely looking better.  The infection has finally cleared, and he no longer needs an oxygen mask.  He is smiling and talking.  So much talking.  We go to see him every day now.  This morning's visit was pleasing.  We talked about his mother and sister and their cancer history.  In his mind, he always knew that the specter of disease would haunt him, he just hoped it would be later in life.  He has recovered just enough to transfer him to a rehabilitation center where he will slowly build his strength back up.  His doctors are positive there has been some nerve damage to his legs.  He might never be able to walk without help again.  Hopefully, he should get most of his function back.  He can still move them and feel them, but the coordination isn't there any more and not being able to walk for so long has atrophied his muscles to a point where rehab will take months.  But I think he can make it through.

     Sam has been out with some of his friends for the rest of the afternoon, after swimming out back for hours.  Hard to believe I've only known him two weeks, but it feels like I'ver known him all his life.  It's even harder to believe that he has grown over three inches in that time.  The clothes I got him back in Lexington are already getting to small for him.  Dad and I have made a bet that he'll be six feet by Friday.  I'll probably win, since he only needs about a fourth of inch to go.  He'll make by Thursday.  Or Wednesday.

    Or this evening at the rate he's eating.

    I stop spinning to look at my computer.  I've placed it by dad's so I can share the internet connection more easily.  I log in and start by checking on flight schedules.  Everything seems to be a go for tomorrow and the trip back home.  No storms forecast for the entire east coast for the next three days, as a heat wave is setting in.  The trip to Lexington and back should be hassle free.

   I'm glad I decided to get my sinuses fixed at the same time as my marrow donation.  Both were outpatient procedures, so I killed two birds with one stone.  Bad choice of words.  I shouldn't have said that.  Anyway, I won't have to drive back to do all the tasks I have to do and I can get everything done it one day, instead of spending two to four if I drove. There's just so much I have to do.

    The most important is sending in my resignation in person.  I'm sure Hemphill will be thrilled.  She has been gunning for me for so long.  Well, she won.  I'm going to be spending most of the next few months in New York, I just won't be able to do my job anymore.  In all honesty, I'm going to miss working there, and some fo the people, but telecommuting from this far away won't work.  Besides, I'll have other things on my mind.