Saturday

As I mentioned in a previous post, Pediatric ICU is a sad place. Even here at Texas Children's Hospital, this mecca for quality health care, kids don't always make it. Yesterday afternoon, another baby died. Another mother's child. Despite being surrounded by a vast extended family, the mom was inconsolable. Watching her tears I saw a grief I can't begin to imagine, a pain I hope I never know. My heart broke for her. And all I could do was pray. What made it even more difficult is that this one-year-old died of complications from leukemia, and I remembered my dear friend Michele.

I did our laundry in the Ronald McDonald House this morning. I didn't think I'd enjoy doing laundry, but was surprised to find that it actually felt good to do something so normal. You know what else I miss? Cooking. I want to make dinner for my family, all four of us, and sit down together in the breakfast nook. Normal. We'll get there.

Eric had another great day today, similar to yesterday. Except he dangled bedside 6 minutes today. Wasn't easy, but he pushed himself. Then we had several visitors this afternoon. Eric's aunt, uncle, and cousin from here in Houston. And Eric's beloved math teacher, Ms. DeFelice came and brought Andrew and my mom-in-law Pat. Great to see everyone. I think Eric especially enjoyed the visits. Wore him out though. He should sleep well tonight.

While my sister-in-law Cathy and Ms. DeFelice sat with Eric, the rest of us went out to dinner at a great Chinese place. It was good to get out of the hospital for awhile. Yet at the same time, I was somewhat apprehensive and anxious to get back. Of course, Eric was fine.