Homecoming

Today, circurmstances dictated that I bring my son Bennett along with me to the hospital to help him finish up homework and get a handle on things.  He usually isn't that excited to go visit Dad and who can blame him?  His ninth birthday is this Friday which is to say that he exhibits all the age-appropriate behaviors you'd expect from a boy "his age".   He finds the hospital strange smelling, boring, and frankly, it gets in the way of whatever it is he'd rather be doing.  I've had to learn that none of this really has anything to do with his feelings for Daddio, rather it has everything to do with the self-centered little phase of life he's in.  


This was a busy afternoon for us because Phil is finally due to go HOME tomorrow.  He has received the all clear and there were people coming and going into his room quite often to give me instructions, prescriptions, go over insurance issues, round on him, etc.  Bennett was transfixed and very popular.  You'd have thought he was the patient for how much attention he got.  Those of you who know him are hardly surprised by this.  It was actually quite sweet to see his interest in what was going on.  One physician makes a point of spending time during each visit to inquire regarding Phil's mental battle and he paid particular attention to the questions Bennett was asking, telling Phil what a great family he had around him even at that moment.


Finally it quieted down and for the first time in a long time, it was just the three of us together.  We were way beyond the usual point when I'd be hearing the complaints of boredom and the wail for the vending machine.  When I told Bennett I was going to snuggle with Dad for awhile and then we'd go home he came to the bed and started asking Phil about a hundred things at once.  From his IV meds to the staples in his head wound, Bennett left no question unasked.  He made comments about what he observed and listened as Phil talked about his experience over the last 3 weeks.  It was a beautiful communion between father and son that was healing medicine for both of them, and for me.  Bennett talked about the IV pole being Phil's staff of wisdom, his nourishment and life supply, and said "I'm not kidding Dad".  No son, we know you aren't kidding and we were listening and hearing every word you were saying.


So, tomorrow Daddio comes home.  He's been in the hospital fighting for his life for almost three weeks.  He is damn tired but he has beaten some ridiculous odds and lived to tell the tale.  He continues to face ridiculous odds.  And he continues to fight.  He needs to breathe fresh air.  He needs fresh food.  He needs his family and his home.  He needs a break.  And he needs continued prayer, love and support from his Team!  You have no idea how much you mean to him.  Your cards, letters, and texts keep him motivated and strong.  They keep us both encouraged when the days are long and the miles are hard.


Moving on to the next chapter in faith that God is good all the time.