May 12th

Posted by Andy on May 12, 2012 in ANDY'S BLOG WITH UPDATES | 2 comments

As we near the end of the day, Aimee’s important number is 33%. This puts her 12 points away from Aimee Day.

I incorrectly said in my last blog that Aimee’s oxygen would be decreased down to zero. I know that got some giggles from medical professionals. If Aimee’s oxygen intake were to go to zero, then that would spell doom for everyone in the world, because the air around us is now 21%. Ah well, you know what I meant.

Look, my days have been like this lately. Stress and sleep deprivation do funny things to a person. On Thursday I was talking to a friend on the phone and I was looking for a phone number to give him.

“Wait a second,” I told him, “the number is on my phone.” I then reached for my belt, but my phone wasn’t there. My dear friend Pamela from the Shepeard’s Blood Center sat next to me holding a smart phone. “Is that my phone?” I asked as I reached for it. She looked confused. No, of course it wasn’t mine. I was now in a panic. My wife saved the day. “Andy! ANDY!” Donna laughed and held her hand to her ear. That was when I realized I was talking on my phone.

Life would be boring without these kinds of moments. I don’t mind at all being made a fool of, and I believe that people die unhappy because they are afraid to laugh at themselves. Laughter is the best medicine, so I want to share Aimee’s laughter with you.

Two days ago, Paige and I were imploring Aimee to focus on breathing and to meditate on her lungs being healthy. She was a bit stressed about things, so I attempted to paint a word picture.

“Imagine you are on a farm.” Aimee closed her eyes. “On this farm we have a pond. You look out at the water as ducks slowly waddle by.” Aimee smiled. “Ah, so you like ducks?” Aimee nodded, still smiling. “On this farm we also have some stinky, squealing pigs.” Aimee’s smile broadened. “But we are not going to eat them, are we?” Aimee vigorously shook her head. “I also see some goats.” Aimee remained expressionless. ” Do you like goats?” Aimee raised her eyebrows with a shrug motion. “You must be like your mom, because she doesn’t like them either.” Aimee rolled her eyes. “Do you like goat cheese?” Aimee nodded. “Will you be in charge of making the goat cheese?” Aimee nodded agreeably. “Ah, but you will probably wind up drinking all the goat milk.” Aimee frowned.

This is our communication.

Today Aimee kept trying to tell us something. A bit frustrated that I couldn’t quite read her lips, I offered an alphabetical solution. I asked her if it started with a vowel. Aimee shook her head so I started naming consonants. Aimee nodded at W. We repeated this process and wrote the sentence on the board.

WHEN WILL P…

I stopped at P. “When will Paige be here?” Aimee nodded vigorously. It broke my heart. Aimee wanted her sister.

Having one beautiful daughter is a blessing, but having two is like having the keys to the kingdom. Having two who love each other is like being the king. I am a king.

Donna’s mother Jean then entered the room. Jean has a way with her grandbabies and she knows what they love.

“Hey Aimee girl!” Jean evoked with her matronly Southern drawl. “How would you like a great big ole pan of biscuits?” Aimee nodded. “And what do you want on those biscuits? Honey?” Aimee kind of tilted her head from side to side as if to say “I guess”. Then Jean said, “How about a nice jar of homemade blackberry jelly?” Aimee didn’t nod, but I could very clearly see her mouth the words “BLACKBERRIES!”

I call that Lip Reading 101, Aimee-style.

God bless and goodnight.