Updates

I am back home, having spent most of the week in Chicago at my dad's hospital bedside. He's only 59 years old. What a challenging time it has been. Your comments and prayers have meant so much to me and my family.

There's good news and bad news. Let's do the bad news first:

My dad seems to have had several strokes, all at once. He has weakness on his right side, and trouble speaking. His eyes didn't focus for the first three or four days, though they seem to be doing better (I told him he was so lucky that he got to see two of me!). He is totally exhausted all the time, no matter how much sleep he has gotten.

And now, the good news:

The doctors are saying that he could have a complete recovery. I don't know how long it will take, but there is much hope. His personality and wonderfully absurd sense of humor are intact. He smiles, he is able to walk (albeit slowly and with help). The hospital has been attentive, caring, and kind. My sister is there now, and we will be able to visit again after the High Holy Days. I told my dad that this was quite a creative way to get all us kids home again :)

All in all, it looks like we may have been very lucky. Perhaps this is the final warning sign from God, and we have to see it or else. With love, help, and lots of family and friends, we can get through this.

I hope you are all doing well. Have a great weekend.

PS - I came down with a terrible flu as soon as I got home last night. OY VEY!!!