Covering our bases

Not much to report, really, but I know people are wondering how things are going. I've had a few people ask - hopefully, perhaps, if Joshua has been able to get back out to walk Jackson. Sadly, no. He hasn't left the building since the Thursday before Easter and hasn't left the apartment in about two weeks. He is still primarily confined to bed, but he is stronger and more alert, so he is able to enjoy the company of the many friends we've had coming by. (We haven't gotten him up in his wheelchair since last week.) He is eating a bit more, which really isn't much at all, but more than he was a week ago. Generally, he'll have 2-3 small meals a day: maybe cereal or an egg or two for breakfast, some pasta or rice at dinner, and maybe a small sandwich or an Ensure during the day. And Coke, always Coke, as well as a malt or milkshake now and again. We're still very careful with keeping food mild, as the quesy stomach can still creep up on him.

He can get foggy-headed and forgetful - a result of all of the medications. He'll get confused about the time, amazed upon waking from a nap that it is afternoon instead of evening, for example, or losing track of whether something happened earlier in the day, yesterday, or the day before. I see him forgetting some things, like using the remote for the dvd player. But he can carry on a conversation, his spirits remain up and, yes, he is still a wise ass.

I've got the room all set up for him with his bed by the window and the tv and dvd player in the corner. I've got a bulletin board with photos of friends and family next to his bed and more photos and cards on top of the dresser. I've brought in nearly all of our random collection of religious keepsakes - you all do remember he is nearly obsessed with them. At last count, we have: 3 crosses, one Virgin of Guadelupe, one crown of thorns, one rosary, one buddha, one ganesh, one Byzantine icon painting of Jesus, one miniature creche, one small tabletop labryinth, one something-or-other of Jesus from Peru, a wooden crescent and star, an angel medallion, a photo of a cross in Romania, a photo of a Filipino Penetante, a photo of a buddha at Angor Wat, and one crystal thrown in for good measure. I guess I should have said yes to the mezzuzah he wanted to get when we lived in Brooklyn, since we are lacking on the Judaic front.

So, any worries about getting into heaven should be mute, since he seems to have all bases covered. He's not concerned at all, by the way, but is very at peace with dying. He remains unsure as to what exactly will come next for him, but that pretty much fits in with any adventure he has ever embarked on. I just wish he could send a postcard.