One Tough Day

I expected that today would be an easy one with Jhonny resting comfortably. Another dream in Technicolor. Jake arrived this morning and we went to church and then to the hospital. We planned to stop to say hello and then go out for lunch and have some time together. Another dream in Technicolor! We arrived to find that new tomographies were needed and Jhonny would be taken to another hospital for these -- but they needed our approval since we would pay the bill. So instead of going out for lunch I viewed the procedure in a very upscale private hospital. The technician said that he could not see much since there was too much swelling and blood. This, however, means that Jhonny will undergo surgery again tomorrow to relieve the swelling and remove some of the liquids. We also noticed that his breathing is very labored and that causes some concern.

We probably would take this more in stride except that another 10 year old boy died today in ICU. He had had a tumor removed two weeks ago. The whole concept of death here is much more 'matter of fact'. The boy died and within a short time all the tubes were removed from the body and they put underpants on him rather than a diaper. Then he was wheeled into the hallway. Within less than ten minutes male members of the family arrived with a coffin and the body was placed in it. The men then carried out the coffin through the front exit of ICU and placed it in a station wagon. Along with the coffin went the candles, lamps, etc. that they use for Catholic funerals. We are not sure if they went directly to the cemetery or to a church. Everything was over at the hospital within half and hour and other baby was in the space.

This whole incident affected both Erselia and me and it does make me more apprehensive about tomorrow's surgery. We ask for all you prayers tonight and tomorrow.