Gloves off in Glosta'. A Note From Jan. Jud's Journal Entry Number Thirty.
Wednesday November 12, 2014 OUT of Lunder 1032 IN at 24 Old Nugent Farm Road in Gloucester, Ma. Day #28 for Jud, post transplant
About 5pm, Donna wheeled Jud to the curb at MGH. She wanted to see us off, wish us well. Donna’d welcomed us to Lunder about 3 months ago, Jud’s nurse during phase 1 of this ordeal. Today shifted from early to delayed release on several counts. Jud needed platelets and another transfusion. And the medical team wanted to assess Jud’s ability to function outside MGH. They and we knew how much Jud wanted to get away from Lunder 1032. After 5 weeks, the walls press in and Jud needed out! Sometimes the medical team takes a leap of faith to let you go. Like today.
Pages of instructions and bottles of prescriptions in hand, we headed down the hall where we were met by Dr. Chen. “Looking forward to seeing you Friday at 11, Jud.” Jud, masked, smiled with his eyes and nodded.
Donna took it from there. I headed for the parking garage, ready to aid Jud’s escape. Car loaded with the stuff of life during and after a hospital stay. Hugs and well wishes. Strapped in. Ready to “get out while the gettin’s good.”
We pulled up to our perch about seven. Chad and Heather brought the wheelchair to the car, and helped their Dad navigate the stairs into the house. Jud’s so weak. Legs and feet like lead from fluid retention.
Supper smelled so good, so good. Heather’s shepherd’s pie. We gathered around the table. Heather, Chad and I looked at each other. Who’d pray? Then Jud began a simple prayer of gratitude, not as halting as he’d been for several days. Thanking God came from some deeper place along with his asking God to help him accept what’s ahead and help us deal with the changes. We held hands. No gloves between us. Small gifts.
After dinner, Chad and Heather went to work moving furniture and the stuff of home care: walker, wheelchair, portable potty, pills and more. Before long, they’d transformed the living and dining rooms. Bed moved from 2nd floor to dining room. Dining room table and chairs moved to the living room. Some stuff moved to the lower level. By the time they’d finished, they’d created something workable and cozy on the first floor. So cozy, Jud’s sound asleep while I write.
Kids. When they’re young, you fuss at them to put away their toys, hang up their clothes, pick up their stuff. Before you know it, they’re picking you up. Helping you wade through murky waters to higher ground. Feeding and guiding. Our gift to them? Relinquish and receive. So simple. Not easy.
About thirteen years ago when Wilson House underwent some serious renovations, Jud and I moved our mattress to the floor of the dining room. Entertaining ceased during those few months. Lily, about two, often stayed with us on weekends when her parents were medical residents in Cambridge. She loved to climb out of her small crib in the dining room and curl up with us. We loved it too. One night we heard her singing, “Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder where you are. Up above the world so high Like a DINING ROOM in the sky.”
Lily knew nothing of DIAMONDS. But a DINING ROOM with her grandparents? A twinkling treasure.
Well, we’re back to sleeping in the dining room. No little Lily nearby to sing us to sleep. But two angels showed up to cushion the fall from some semblance of control, privacy and order. No wings, or trumpets just hands willing to do whatever it takes. God tending us through two of his children who happen to be our kids.
45 Comments
Blessings to you all -- and you have them in this precious family!
Creating something workable in the house ... Fluid retention in the legs ... That first meal at home ... that first family prayer ... Hearts fixed on our good Lord through it all
While I know each persons struggle is unique, there are so many similarities in our family's story ... I've been that kid. What comfort it is to find some way to help.
I wept for joy for all of you last night after reading, thinking, He made it! And Lord, hold them close. You are not alone in so many ways. I'm praying for all of you!
What good news. And so well told. We are relieved, and hopeful now.
So hard... and so good! The hard makes the good sweeter, doesn't it?! So thankful for the angels God has surrounded you with - especially your own kids. Much love and continued prayers!!!
Home -how wonderful that sounds! Children grown into helpful and caring adults -how pleasant that is to see! I praise a good God for homecoming and caring kids!
Dear Jud and Jan,
Home; kids; dining room; rest. We rejoice with you both that you are home and together, with family. Thanks for sharing. Now we will pray as the journey continues.
Our love,
Roger and Karen
Thanks for update. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you all and make his face to shine upon you during this day and time at home with family.
The wonder and joy in the world are found right at home! What a beautiful thing it is for you to be home. Jud will be resting in a good place. And you will happy and relieved, Jan, not to do as much traveling but to just be home with him. God bless you both.
Beckie
Home is never as sweet as when you have been away. As much as Jud is relishing being there, I'm sure you are at least as thrilled to have him there, Jan. Our love and prayers continue.
Bill
We are so glad to hear that you are home! Much love and prayers.
Tears and Prayers!!!
Welcome home Jud...so pleased with this news! Rest well you two...blessings on your household, including the dining room! Love from Steve and Ruth
Welcome home Jud and Jan. It may seem strange for a bit ...another step in the journey. So glad Heather and Chad are part of your team! Praying for the counts to rise, fog to clear and pain to subside. God is your refuge and strength...and underneath are his everlasting arms. May He give you the stamina and courage for each day. Sending our love
I'm drifting off on the eve of Chad & Kristina's and the girls' visits for my 70th birthday and I just want to thank you fir raising such a fine son. I just wish you and Jud could be with us.
We are with you In spirit.
I like the idea of living in the dining room. It's where all the good/real stuff happens
Love from N.C, from our dining room to yours! Cheers
So glad you are home. So glad for your kids. So glad for good medical care. So glad for your many good friends. So glad you know and trust the Lord.
SO glad that you are home, Jud and Jan! I'm just at a loss for other words ... so moved by your endeavors together. May the King of Glory bear you up and give you peace and comfort together. And what a blessing our children are!
Thank you for again ministering to us so amazingly. How I wish I knew of a way to say "thank you" that would even come close to how I feel right now. God bless you both.
Peter
So glad you are home where you are all more comfortable! Prayers continue for Juds health! We love you all!
There's no place like home! I am sure that Jud feels that way after many weeks in the hospital. You are blessed indeed to have Chad and Heather at your side. And Jan, your gift of speaking to the heart comes through loud and clear. You and Jud continue to be in our prayers and thoughts.
Glad to hear that you and Jud are home!
So thankful. We love you
Tears and Prayers!!!
Welcome home Jud...so pleased with this news! Rest well you two...blessings on your household, including the dining room! Love from Steve and Ruth
Welcome home Jud and Jan. It may seem strange for a bit ...another step in the journey. So glad Heather and Chad are part of your team! Praying for the counts to rise, fog to clear and pain to subside. God is your refuge and strength...and underneath are his everlasting arms. May He give you the stamina and courage for each day. Sending our love
I'm drifting off on the eve of Chad & Kristina's and the girls' visits for my 70th birthday and I just want to thank you fir raising such a fine son. I just wish you and Jud could be with us.
We are with you In spirit.
I like the idea of living in the dining room. It's where all the good/real stuff happens
Love from N.C, from our dining room to yours! Cheers
So glad you are home. So glad for your kids. So glad for good medical care. So glad for your many good friends. So glad you know and trust the Lord.
SO glad that you are home, Jud and Jan! I'm just at a loss for other words ... so moved by your endeavors together. May the King of Glory bear you up and give you peace and comfort together. And what a blessing our children are!
Thank you for again ministering to us so amazingly. How I wish I knew of a way to say "thank you" that would even come close to how I feel right now. God bless you both.
Peter
So glad you are home where you are all more comfortable! Prayers continue for Juds health! We love you all!
There's no place like home! I am sure that Jud feels that way after many weeks in the hospital. You are blessed indeed to have Chad and Heather at your side. And Jan, your gift of speaking to the heart comes through loud and clear. You and Jud continue to be in our prayers and thoughts.
Glad to hear that you and Jud are home!
So thankful. We love you
Happiness is home at Old NF!! I can see it all in my minds eye.....
I pray being home will provide the perfect place for healing. And, that the "homebodies" will make the antibodies even more effective.
We love you guys, Dale and Marty
I read your journal entry through tears! Your wit, your wisdom, your faith, and your love deeply inspire and lead me. I follow you with love and prayer.
Walter
Thanksgiving and praise to our great God. May HE continue to heal as you both rest in your home.
Thank you, Lord!
We continue to pray.
Love, David and Joyce
Happiness is home at Old NF!! I can see it all in my minds eye.....
I pray being home will provide the perfect place for healing. And, that the "homebodies" will make the antibodies even more effective.
We love you guys, Dale and Marty
I read your journal entry through tears! Your wit, your wisdom, your faith, and your love deeply inspire and lead me. I follow you with love and prayer.
Walter
Thanksgiving and praise to our great God. May HE continue to heal as you both rest in your home.
Thank you, Lord!
We continue to pray.
Love, David and Joyce
Happiness is home at Old NF!! I can see it all in my minds eye.....
I pray being home will provide the perfect place for healing. And, that the "homebodies" will make the antibodies even more effective.
We love you guys, Dale and Marty
I read your journal entry through tears! Your wit, your wisdom, your faith, and your love deeply inspire and lead me. I follow you with love and prayer.
Walter
Thanksgiving and praise to our great God. May HE continue to heal as you both rest in your home.
Thank you, Lord!
We continue to pray.
Love, David and Joyce