Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge One weekend to remind me what's really important

At this time of year with the gift buying, light hanging, tree putting-upping it's hard to forget what really counts. The thoughts are there since that is why the season is celebrated but all the "noise" makes it get lost in the background.

For the last four days I've been in the hospital with Nancy and her son. Adam is eight and when he was very young got pneumonia, now he is very prone to lung infections and this weekend was the worst that he has ever experienced. He spent two days on 100% oxygen and another on 50%. It scared me. Scared me like nothing has in this world before. I was there for most of the day and night to try and give Nancy any support that she needed and to let her get some rest, what that she could while he was sleeping. At night was the worst because he would wake up and try and rip the mask off. But that was when it was brought home to me as well. I would put my hand on his head and speak a few words of comfort. He would look at me and then go right back to sleep. Such trust in me, how could I let him down? How could I not be there for him?

This morning all of the stress and exhaustion have come full circle and it's finally hitting me so this writing is helping. He's home and giving me the customery, "hey John!"

To everyone here, my friends that I've raised a glass with, emailed, carved road with, PM'ed, shared rooms, laughs, arguments and hugs. Please, please, please take care of yourselves and may the rest of the year be good to you and the next even better.

You'll never know how much your presence helped. I have been there, and I hope everything is okay with Nancy's baby. You are a great guy, and they are both very lucky to have you.

Ryan

all good thoughts, brother.
send them my best wishes and hugs.
Jasper, too.

right back atcha my friend!!!!!! i know of what you speak!!!

Nothing like family John, its the reason to get up, to breath,
to live. You have no idea how the words "Hey Dad" can change you. Hang in there my friend

the defining measure, and mark, of a man is how well you take care of your family,,and to a certain extent friends,,,,well done,,, best wishes.

John, my brother, it is so easy to forget the reason for celebration. To get rapped up in the materialistic end of the holiday season. I have a similar situation with my girlfriend's daughter. She has muscular dystrophy and at thirteen years old is still the size of a five year old and confined to a wheelchair. Every year, about this time, she battles pneumonia or close to pneumonia type symptoms. Last year she was in the hospital for two weeks during thanksgiving. This year, though she has been coughing some, her mother has been able to treat her at home with breathing treatments five times a day and a shaking vest that breaks up the mucus.
This year one of Marina's ( my G.F.) best friend was seriously beaten my her husband and she finally got the courage to leave him and take their two kids with her. The relationship has long been abusive, usually mental, but she has never had the courage to press charges and leave. My girlfriend took her and her children in and got her in touch with the right agencies, she now has a pro bono lawyer and gov't assistance. Next week we move her into the basement of a friend's house. I was able to get her some work with the company I work for and that same company is going to sponsor her family this year as the family we help for the Christmas season. So there will be presents under the tree and a little less stress on her to provide. Her husband has cleared out the bank accounts leaving her virtually penniless and now that he is out of jail on bond is trying everything to make her life ******. But you know what, it ain't gonna work this time. Too many people are backing her up and she finally is seeing that she can do this and that she doesn't have to rely on that Bast@#$%%^ for anything. So, I give thanks this year for that and my daughter who is my life and for my immediate family and of course my BA family.... season's greetings my brothers and sisters... ride safe...Gordon
P.S. John, you , Nancy and Adam are in my prayers... my best wishes on his speedy recovery

John,

Sorry to hear that Adam was sick. I remember watching him do canonballs into your swimming pool last summer. Must really be tough to see that bright eyed youngster in a hospital bed. Of course you would be there for both Nancy and Adam. That is just the stuff that you are made out of my friend. My thoughts are with you, Nancy and Adam. Send my regards and if there is anything I can do brother, let me know.

Very sorry to hear of his medical problems, I deal with Wendys all the time and it at times scares me too. I know exactly how you feel. I'm glad I don't have to deal with one of our kids being sick and in real danger. I am sure, as above, your being there made a big difference in strength and comfort for him. Just like many things I have experienced in my life wish there was some way to make it not so or him all better so he never has to go through that again. We take a big chance when we love since we all know life is temporary and really should be cherished. That is all too often lost in the daily hustle and bustle. I wake up when I think of things like this and want to not ever be mad at anyone since most of the time what we get mad about is trivial by comparison but then we get lost in the moment. I truly hope the rest of your holiday goes better.

Soorry to here ab out Adams episode. Nothing like a slap in the face to bring us back to reality. Makes a person humble for a while. Glad Adam is doing better. Enjoy the holidays.


mike

John my prayers go out to you......Angelis

I won't get all weepy and sentimental John, but you're a good dude, I would have expected nothing less from you. Glad I can call you a friend, as with many here on this site. I always try to do the best I can for people I care about and be a good citizen to the world at large but it's during the holidays that it gets hard. It seems to be the time of year that brings out the best as well as the worst in people. The hard part being that "the worst" seem to be the most prevalent.
Best wishes to you and Nancy and I hope Adam is doing well.

John,

Lynn and I have been there and it never gets any easier, but the one thing I have witnessed over the past 14 years of my youngest sons many medical issues is the power of "Love".

What it means to Adam everytime he wakes up and you are there to hold his hand and kiss his forehead makes our kids fight and only streghtens the bond between you and Adam in unspoken words.

It will get better and we are praying for Adams quick recovery.

John

Thanks everyone. I've always believed that the people in your lives make up who you are and I know some of the best, many of them from this site.

Your love for Adam John stands out, just being there makes a big difference, it brings home how vulnerable we all are to today's ailments. Thinking about you Adam and Nancy mate.

It sounds to me like you have your priorities in the best interest's of those around you John,

Merry Christmas to all.

jh

John, you are one of the best people I know. God bless you.

I dont believe there is anyting more gut wrenching then seeing a child in pain, and doubley so when its a child close to your heart.

God be with you all.