Nurse Calls Out
Within an hour of being due to arrive, the nurse’s babysitter fell through. So, here I go with another thirty-six hour shift. But, not to worry, I have Duke here to help.
Duke and I Covering the Night Shift
Yep, he’s been here with me staring at the computer screen. I pulled up my computer camera and snapped a picture (above). Something about the article I’m reading on Popular Science — CERN Physicists Trap Antimatter — really has him interested. Is it he just plays dumb?
Sue Stuck in Plane
Sue really has the worst luck with commuting. Who can forget the 14 hours she spent trapped in a snowstorm on the GW Parkway? It always seems to happen when we don’t have a nurse for the night too.
Her flight was delayed. And delayed. And delayed again. Finally, at 8:30 she boarded. At 8:40 we start a text exchange:
Sue: On plane. But it’s pouring so not sure if we’ll take off. How’s weather there?
Me: Rain-free.
Sue: Good. Love you all!
Just over ten minutes later…
Sue: The rain is leaking into the plane. They seem to think this is fine. They just moved a women it was hitting.
I decided to just keep silent. To me, nothing good can come of a leaky plane! She’s already scared enough with the whole al Qaeda government precautions. I suppose a leaky plane might take her mind off it…
Raining now here in McLean – probabaly has hit you by now. Ken and Duke – sorry about the nurse not showing up, if I could I would find somone to help take some of the pressure off of you and just let you breathe without worry…I think I have come to understand a small little bit about the life you lead now. If God would take a little bit from every person who cares so deeply about Ryan and you and Sue and Kari…we would give up a part of our life to make yours easier…all my love ~ mindy
Dear Ken,Sorry about the nurse and also Sue stuck on plane , Water leaking in plane ( a little scary I would say) Hope she takes a different plane and arrives home safe.You have a great helper with Duke,Bet he takes good care of Ryan.Here’s hoping for a very quiet and peaceful night for all ?Hugs to Ryan….
Oh man, not a good way to end the day for either of you, but I think you got the better end of the deal. I’d take Duke over a leaky plane any day! Praying that you both get through the night safely and that Ryan can just sleep peacefully through it all. Any possibility of you catching a nap tomorrow?
Oh mercy me, I had to rub my eyes to make sure what I was seeing — that picture is so funny/wierd/surreal — because Duke is wearing the same expression you have — which appears to be some combination of fatigue, disgust, and bemusement at the absurdities of life. Wow, there is something very mystical about Duke — I think he’s a human disguised as a dog, except better, because he’s magnificent. Aw, poor Sue — geez, there was water leaking into the plane? Not sure if I could have handled that. Praying for a safe trip for her and that everything will go smoothly. Thankfully it looks like you and Duke have everything under control at the homestead. I almost expect the next picture to be you and Duke both wearing glasses and reading the lastest issue of “Neuroscience Today.” Hope you are able to somehow get some rest. This agency needs to have back up nurses, period. “Calling out” just isn’t acceptable. sigh
Paula~ I thought I would respond here, since you echoed my sentiments exactly. Babysitter not showing up so close to her time to work sounds a bit fishy, just my opinion. A leaky plane would make me nervous as well, especially with the planes falling apart or having a major part fall off in mid-air. Ken, the fact that you had the were with all to post period makes me think you really have to be sleep deprived:). Duke, you deserve a place in dog hall of fame, not only for standing by Ryan and your dad, but cracking all of us with your expressions. You are priceless. Much love to all of you~
Stay strong. There’s lots of people out here who care and always praying for you.
Been there, with my bro.. feel for you . If I lived near you I would pull some shifts. 20 years since my brother was paralyzed.. I could write a book. Hang in there Ken! You are doing above and beyond, a terrific job with your son.
Stay strong Ken. Try to get by with cat naps until sitter arrives to provide a full shift of rest. God bless you.
Any chance of taking a photo of you and Duke in a meditative Yoga position? Please let us know if Sue made it home safe in that leaky plane. Was it Delta, by any chance? Our last Delta flight had no heat! Just wish you could have a back-up when the nurse calls out! Thinking of you as always and still here.
I hope your night was uneventful. I can’t tell you how much we love seeing Duke’s face. I agree with Paula, he is human-like, something about those eyes… I’m assuming Sue got home safely. Traveling can be the pits. Take care and I hope tonight you all sleep tight.