I rarely post difficult bits of student papers, but will tonight.
"A large populous of the younger generations is beginning sulk upon marriage."

I honestly don't know how to respond to this. Must be kind but directive...

There are, I realize, other things in the universe than this day, and frankly, I'm glad. Kenny has pneumonia again. Back in hospital. Carolyn, who was told 48 hours ago that her brother was happy and interactive, came directly to hospital from airport. Kenny isn't really conscious now that he's out of gnawing pain (took 5.7 hours to get pain ( Read more... )

Kenny has a good day, then a lousy day. He's a yo-yo, and that's all there is to it. Monday was lovely; there was a lot of social engagement, some time (just a little) without oxygen, and smiles and smiles. Then there was today. Not so hot. But I'm learning to be steady, or at least steadier, about this flux. We are doing our best to take ( Read more... )

I'm fried. Absolutely and utterly fried. Tuesdays is my "heavy" live teaching day, and there is a mountain of grading to do for the online classes (it's midterm time). But you know what? Even though I fantasize about teaching only online so that I could call more of my time my own during the day, it's the live teaching that keeps me going. I'd ( Read more... )

Kenny is a little better. He is terribly weak; we are just now beginning to understand how devastating this illness was/is. But he has periods of alertness that are mingled with pleasure. I'm betting that his stomach has not entirely quit working, as the drainage has gone from 2 liters the first day (1 liter is normal, they tell me), to 50 ml ( Read more... )

Kenny's experience at home is rocky to say the least. It will take several weeks to learn what "normal" or "stable" is, and how to cope with yo-yo swings of temperature, bile output, seizures, feeding toleration and so forth. In the meantime folks are bringing in great food, and we feel surrounded by care. Carolyn leaves tomorrow; she needs to ( Read more... )

Kenny came home at about 4:00 PM on Friday. Today is Saturday and all I can report is that after a rough night, he's still holding his own. There are tubes of all sort going out and coming into him. It's overwhelming, honestly ( Read more... )

Kenny had a half-way decent night. While he is not out of the woods it does not seem like every breath he takes will be his last. The main doctor says the next 2-3 days will tell the story. It would seem we are supposed to learn patience this year.

For those who don't follow Carolyn's faithful posts ( Read more... )

Kenny had a rough night. Today he needs "full" oxygen help to keep his 02 levels in a reasonable range. Vomiting while on a CPAP is not recommended.