Gold and White
The warm sun shone down on thousands upon thousands of lushly blooming French Broom Bushes as we drove through southern France toward central France. Their golden blooms swept up hillsides and grew out of chalk/granite cliffs along the way. They juxtaposed nicely with the fields of rapeseed (canola oil) in full bloom in bright yellow. The rapeseed fields stretched as far as the eye could see with newly planted fields in green breaking the flow.
Along the way the golds and yellows were joined by blooming white spirea and purple wisteria that flourished as they grew wild. Drooping branches of colorful flora spilled over embankments and flowed down hillsides. We were thankful for a van rented in Toulouse (nine passenger-they had nothing smaller). Randy, our friend, had plotted routes that were “the road less traveled,” and we moseyed through French villages that time had forgotten-quaint yet still living. The drive was exceptionally peaceful and stunning.
We arrived in Limoges, famous for its porcelain. We took time to enjoy the huge porcelain museum, learning about how the porcelain was made by hand and viewing the amazing collection of porcelain over the centuries that made Limoges prestigious. Journeying on this April 24, we arrived at our destination, Tours, for a three day stay.
Tours is on the Loire River and is central to the Loire Valley, home to many beautiful chateaux. Most were homes to nobility during the monarchy in France, but are open to the public today. We had plotted out our chateaux to visit. Since on another trip, we had previously visited the grand-daddy of them all, Chambord, we opted for others that made the online top five lists.
Villandry has magnificent enormous gardens. The creative use of herbs and vegetables in the planting was particularly interesting to us. Water features with cascading falls ran through the gardens and because the crowds were quite light, a tranquil feel settled upon us. The chateau was large and beautiful, but the meticulously planted kitchen and herb gardens became our main attraction.
Chenonceau, “the Queen’s chateau,” sits over the River Cher. Particularly beautiful, it was once home to the Queen of France, Catherine de Medici. Sitting high above pilings driven deeply into the river bed, it has a majestic silhouette as one approaches. Huge rooms adorn the interior.
Cheverny is finely furnished according to the various seasons and celebrations of the year. Descendants of the family who has owned the chateau for over 600 years still live there in one wing. We were intrigued by the decorations on the grounds that were carried throughout the chateau. Oversized whimsical bears and rabbits seemed to play amongst oversized eggs laying on the grounds or hanging from trees. Inside the chateau, stuffed rabbits were everywhere. The wall and ceiling paintings recalled a bygone era.
Our time was well used as Tours itself is filled with historic sites. Our hotel was located in the historic district and so walking about was easy. St-Gatien Cathedral is one of France’s largest cathedrals, and its gothic facade was impressive. We were most enthralled with the Basilica of St. Martin of Tours and quietly stood before the grave of this warrior bishop who is one of the heroes of western culture. He led an army in 732 AD that routed the Middle-eastern armies who were intent on overrunning all of Europe. The Battle of Tours drew a line in the sand, and 800 years later in the Reconquista of Spain and Portugal, the middle-eastern armies were driven from Europe.
We enjoyed driving along the Loire River to Royal Chateau of Amboise, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, and Blois, a hillside city on the banks of the Loire River between Orleans and Tours. Both are beautiful and worthy of time. Our stay in the tranquil Loire Valley with its chateau treasures was grand!
When in Occitanie…
We had a four and a half hour train journey from Avignon to Toulouse–this was our first visit to this southern region of France, half way between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The trains were packed. Europe is highly discouraging car and air travel with fees and taxes. New rail tracks are being laid and extra rail service has been added as well. France has a well laid out rail service plan and we had reserved rail tickets online prior to our trip. We printed the tickets at home and have had no problems. We passed by vineyards and flower strewn byways all along the train route. The orange poppies growing wild along the tracks caught my attention.
Upon arrival in Toulouse, we taxied to our hotel located on the main city square. We were very pleased with our hotel and its location. Service has been friendly, helpful and anticipating of needs along our entire journey. So many of our stereotypical paradigms of Europe, especially of France, are in need of change. Not cold nor rude nor sluggish, but just the opposite has been our experience. Some places in France accept small tips; others are clear–no tips.
Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region of France. It is very clean, and the buildings are imposing. It is not a hot tourist spot, but we found it very inviting. It is known as the “pink city” because of the extensively used terracotta brick. The flowers and flowering trees were profuse since we visited at the height of spring. Very nice indeed! The Roman Catholic Basilica was worth our visit. Large in scale, it housed paintings of the way of the cross and crucifixion of Jesus, painted from the perspective of Jesus, rather than that of the crowd/viewer. The main government building was large and ornate and impressive, especially lite up at night.
We had set aside for the next day a visit to the nearby medieval town of Carcassonne, France’s best preserved medieval fortress. We had no plan other than to visit. Usually, every facet of our travels is planned in advance, but not today. As we departed the Carcassonne city train station, we immediately came upon a river channel that was a series of locks. We watched in fascination as the water levels rose and lowered to allow vessels to move along the river. From there, we walked to a bus stop. Our friend, Randy, asked a bus driver if any of the buses went to the fortress. “This one” was the reply and, before we knew it, we stood before an astounding sight. The massive fortress walls with pointy topped towers enclosed an entire medieval city. This was not a simple old building; it was an entire fortified city. Upon passing the main gate, we found ourselves in a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets with shops and eateries on both sides housed in idyllic buildings right out of a childhood story book. Small squares with statuary and fountains broke up the maze. The main church was beautiful!
We passed the time with joy while savoring the flavorful hot chocolate of a quaint chocolatier boutique. We were not sure how to get back to the train station, but the taxi stand had a taxi number to call and Randy, our friend, arranged for a pick up. Before we knew it, we were back in Toulouse. We ate dinner at a family-owned restaurant with a huge oven for the awesome pizza that was served. We were ready for our next adventure.
Unexpected in Provence
The weather was unexpected as we headed into sunny Provence. It was fifteen degrees cooler than average and the winds made it feel even cooler. We had not packed heavily for cold weather, so I told Randy and Melisa, our traveling friends, that I hoped they would not tire of my limited selection of cool weather clothing. Thankfully, it was sunny during our three day sojourn in Avignon, and we were able to be out and about easily.
This legacy is seen in the massive Palais des Papes (the Popes’ Palace) in the city center surrounded by medieval stone ramparts.
Avignon is a typical Provençal city, walled and old. It is noted for the almost 100 year home of the Roman Catholic Papacy in the 14th century. The Pope’s Palace in the heart of Avignon is massive. This was Kathy’s and my third visit to this appealing city, so while Randy and Melisa toured the palace, we lallygagged in the back streets and parks of the city. In the evening of April 19, we stumbled into a fantastic gastronomical experience. Only one table was still available for the evening, and we took it. Not cheap, but wow! It started out with a pre-appetizer that was explained as “one perfect bite.” Five layers thick–blood orange cream on the bottom, Greek feta on the top, and watercress in the middle–it was designed to clear the palate as one savored the taste combinations on the tongue. Each successive course was delectable. My roast duck was the best duck I have ever eaten. The ambiance of old world French elegance and impeccable service in a candle-lit vaulted room reminded us that unexpected experiences can be the best.
We had planned to go to Aix-en-Provence on April 21, but the transportation time did not work out for us, so we substituted Nimes in its place. Once again, an unexpected delight! Nimes has stately buildings set on tree-lined boulevards with controlled streams cascading over waterfalls running the length of the boulevards. An ancient Roman Empire outpost, the massive intact temples, colosseum and statuary gave the immaculately clean city an imposing feel. We enjoyed strolling a large city park, its house chestnuts in full bloom. The weather in Nimes was delightfully sunny and warm. We all agreed the day was awesome. Now, on to Toulouse.
located between the sea and the Cevennes hills.
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The French Riviera
We arrived late in the evening in Nice and took a cab to our wonderful hotel. We were in need of a good night’s sleep and were thankful for very comfortable beds. The next morning we slept late and then walked to the nearby old town Nice. The Mediterranean was aglow with powder blue and azure waters. The old town had a weekly market and displays of food. French goods and flowers beckoned. Once we hit the maze of alleys and streets of old Nice, we were lost in wonder as shops of all kinds were eager to welcome us. We stopped at a bistro for a tasty lunch. Later, we saw a hat store and Kathy bought a stylish sun visor and Randy, our friend, a handsome “stetson.” Melisa, Randy’s wife, and I came up empty-handed. Later, Kathy and I headed back toward the hotel and Randy and Melisa decided to stroll the Mediterranean promenade. Our walk back took us by mounds of bird of paradise and bottlebrush in full bloom. In the early evening we regrouped and walked to a pizza house, known for having the “best pizza in France.” It was outstanding!
Nice is an elegant upscale city. Palm trees and exotic plants dot the landscape, and the architecture in pastel colors is stunning. Restaurants and outdoor cafes are abundant. On April 18, Randy and Melisa went on a tour of Monte Carlo (the mini state of Monaco) with its fabulous yacht harbor and expensive real estate and also to the mountain village of Eze, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean coast. Kathy and I spent our day at the Musée National Marc Chagall. This museum showcases the art of Marc Chagall, one of our favorite artists. His work is distinctive for its use of color and imagery filled with hidden meaning. His masterful works depicting the stories of the Old Testament of the Bible are/were enthralling. It was a grand time. We took a cab up the mile long hill on which the museum sat, but we walked back down to the hotel. At 7:30 PM we met Randy and Melisa at the hotel and went out for dinner. Randy wanted oysters and I wanted mussels and this restaurant obliged us both. This was also tactical as our wives do not prefer either, so we didn’t have to share :-)! We all agreed that Nice is a fabulous city and the French Riviera is all it is cracked up to be.
Randy to the Rescue
Feathers flying; Delft porcelain vases crashing; stroopwafel sales clerks screaming; bystanders ogling–Randy, our friend, quickly stepped forward to offer his assistance which was gladly accepted. Kathy had startled a pigeon by the door of the stroopwafel shop in Den Hague (The Hague) and it flew into the shop, swooping here and there and then flying to the large picture window facing the street filled with beautiful Delftware in the signature blue. The pigeon hit a large vase on a stand and it came crashing down cracking into a “1000” pieces. Randy slipped over the display barrier and gingerly stepped around Delftware. Towel in hand, he eventually ensnared the frightened bird and tossed it out the door where it took to the air with abandon. Applause ensued and the grateful staff gave Randy a tasty stroopwafel.
The Hague, The Netherlands Royal City, was our home April 14 and 15, after our wonderful stay in Amsterdam. Our hotel, a historic building in the center of the old town on a square around the city’s prominent church, was convenient to all the major sites. We enjoyed strolling the cobblestoned streets and loved popping into shops and places to grab a bite. The “vibe” was terrific, with people out and about. Being springtime, flowers and trees were blooming beautifully.
The next morning we took the tram, a short 20 minute ride, to Delft. We were in for a day! A storm blew up almost upon arrival. We made it to a quaint pub before the driving rain hit, then came the hail! We decided to ride out the storm in the pub and ordered drinks and bitterballen (the Netherlands’ national appetizer–balls of ground up meat, rolled and fried in bread crumbs). We had great conversations with other folks in the pub as we awaited the storm to pass, which it did. Delft is a beautiful city with old Dutch buildings and churches. The city square is quite appealing. We visited the new church, centuries old, to view to graves of the House of Orange, Holland’s ruling family. An interesting “trail” inside the church had markers and videos to explain the history of the Netherlands. (Holland is the largest state in the nation of the Netherlands and all the people are known as the Dutch.) We also spent time in the Old Church, the burial site of Johannes Vermeer, the great painter. An interesting tidbit–Dutch Reformed Churches do not have altars; chairs are arranged around the pulpit, the central feature of the church.
On April 16, we arose early to catch our flight to Nice, France. I took a quick glance at my emails and noticed I had a note from the airline saying due to unforeseen circumstances our flight had been cancelled. What to do? Our hotel manager quickly offered his assistance and within 30 minutes he had gotten us a refund, tickets on another airline–one of which we had never heard–Transavia, a subsidiary of KLM. He also got a taxi for us to the train station and tickets for the train to the airport–amazing. Transaviab turned out to be a great ride. We lost half a day at our destination, Nice, but we made it. Proper etiquette in Europe for trains is that exiting passengers have priority. Unfortunately, some folks from another continent tried to enter the train before those exiting could do so. They completely jammed the exit with huge suitcases and as a result many people trying to exit at the airport could not do so. Kathy, Randy and I were stuck on the train while Melisa was pushed out. The doors closed and we were separated. A kind Dutch youth told us how to exit the next stop and catch a train coming back to the airport. Eventually we were reunited with Melisa and proceeded on our day. We were thankful for cell phones.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Blue skies above, birds chirping in the pink or white flowering trees, refreshing air in a 68 degree temperature, AND 7 MILLION FLOWERING Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths in landscaped bliss. This is the amazing Keukenhof Gardens, south of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Our friends, Randy and Melisa and Sandra, joined us on this grand day visiting the Keukenhof Gardens and rural farms with flower strips divided by color, ending in a river cruise to see windmills. What a day! The Keukenhof was the highlight with beauty that one imagines heaven could be like. Masses of flowers in flowing design cascading up knolls and down to river canals, sometimes highlighted by fountains, sculptures, or quiet waterfalls. The 64 acres were a dance of color and design as the sights were mesmerizing and at times overwhelming. Adding to the beauty were the abundant flowering apple trees covered in pink blooms and the densely flowering azaleas. It did not seem as if it was real, but it was!
Unfortunately, our friend Mike was unable to go with us. He fell the night before! The injury was sufficient enough that he and Sandra departed today for home. We are all saddened by this turn of events. They are giving up over three weeks of our journey (thankfully they had spent over a week in Portugal prior) and we are giving them up as travel companions on this journey. We prayed for them and still do as Mike goes to his doctors upon arrival to their home.
We left home on April 10, and our flight was uneventful. On April 11, Randy and Melisa and Kathy and I spent a recoup day leisurely strolling the De Pijp neighborhood of Amsterdam. It was atmospheric, and the Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest street market in Europe, was a delight. We found a quaint restaurant for lunch and along the way found a stall making fresh stroopwafels. The large pastries were filled with caramel and were warm–tasty! Kathy found a swimming suit stall and got a wonderful one for only ten Euro’s ($10.70). Since our hotel gave us free spa entrances, and she had not brought her swimsuit, she was delighted to find this bargain. While we wiled away our afternoon in the De Pijp neighborhood, the Steele’s, who had arrived a day before us, went to the historic Zaanse Schans, a village filled with antique homes and shops in a rural setting with cattle and sheep on lush landscapes highlighted with colorful windmills that Randy and Melisa and we had visited this village on a previous trip to Amsterdam. Being rather worn out by our overnight flight, we retired early. I slept for twelve refreshing hours.
The next day, April 11, all of us walked the old town of Amsterdam and spent an interesting time visiting the museum of the “Church in the Attic.” Because the Netherlands had converted to Dutch Reformed from Roman Catholicism, the Catholics lost their places of worship and could not openly conduct worship (Lutherans, Jews and others faced the same restrictions). Many house churches were opened. Each looked like traditional homes but the interior rooms were converted into worship spaces. The one still remaining is the “Church in the Attic.” Funded by a rich Roman Catholic linen merchant from Germany, the house church was a combination of three adjacent homes. The bottom floors looked like traditional Dutch homes but the attics were renovated to house the church, replete with a balcony, pipe organ, and ornate altar. The tour gave us much information about Dutch homes and the merchant trade as we ascended to the attic. We completely enjoyed our time.
After a lunch break, we spent the rest of the afternoon in the Rijksmuseum, one of the world’s premiere art institutions. Housing Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Low Country artists from the “Golden Age,” the museum was on my museum bucket list. All of us spent ample time in front of Rembrandt’s large canvas known as the “Night Watch.” We soaked it all in!
That evening, Kathy and I went out to eat with two of Kathy’s nieces, Joy and Bethany, who by happenstance were in the Netherlands at the same time as we. How we loved this time together!
Randy and Melisa and Mike and Sandra went out to eat and wanted “the best Dutch Apple pie” as dessert served at a different restaurant. While walking there, Mike fell, not seeing a small step down from the sidewalk into the bike lane. They got him back to the hotel, but the picture consult with a doctor late at night confirmed that he should return home. God speed, Mike and Sandra! We love you!
Melisa, Kathy, and Sandra at the Tulip Farm
The BIG Thank You
March 11, 2024
My oncologist/hematologist is quick and direct: “Everything is clear. No multiple myeloma has been found. You are in remission! I’ll prescribe a maintenance drug. You should have years to live.”
With that, he disappeared almost as fast as he appeared. Kathy and I sat still for a while. “Praise God!” and then big smiles appeared on our faces as our hearts danced.
I have “BIG” thank you’s to give!
FIRST: To God. For one year, through infusions and drugs to the isolation of the stem cell transplant, I was never without God. “Never will I leave you…” God declares. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me…” Amen!
SECOND: To Kathy. Faithful, steadfast, unwavering, helpful, organized, attentive, effective, long suffering—she kept on keeping on! Love poured out over and over again. “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” I am blessed beyond measure that the girl who kept avoiding me at the dance became my wife. I am forever grateful!
THIRD: To Multitudes: My dear family; thousands who prayed for me; card senders; message encouragers; phone callers; gift givers; huggers; caring neighbors; food bringers, errand runners; support group folks…You surrounded me with love and I felt it. Actually, I was engulfed in a rising tide of encouragement that buoyed my spirit! “I thank my God every time I remember you…”
FOURTH: To Medical Personnel. Doctors; nurses; pharmacists; technicians; office staff; janitors; maintenance folks; food service personnel; allied practitioners and insurance providers focused on my well being and care and did so with excellence. The advancements recently achieved in multiple myeloma care were administered with knowledge and skill. I am amazed!
As I close, I remember that some did/do not have the outcome I have had. I have a tender heart for you! I am not sure why my journey was near flawless. I am sure that God cares, that Jesus is all comfort and hope and that the Holy Spirit works for the good in all things. I decided with God that no matter what happened on my journey, I was OK because God was there and all was well. I knew heaven was secured in Jesus. I am blessed and ready to go on whatever adventure God has in store for me in the future.
RELEASED
After a long day—testing, third platelet transfusion, port removal, meeting with my doctor team, meeting with the pharmacist, and paper signing—I WAS RELEASED from the Transplant Center to move to the Marriott. Kathy and I are now comfortably resting in our new digs. For how long—we do not know. I have an early Transplant Clinic appointment on Friday with testing, and the Doctor will give me further marching orders based on the results. If all goes well Kathy and I will go home soon. Today I start the 100 day countdown to getting back to “normal.” During this time I will be in isolation with the rules relaxing as tests indicate my white blood cell count has reached normal. Unbelievably, my white blood cell count reached 2.88 today and yesterday they did not give me a booster. 8.00 is the goal. I was 100% immune compromised at <0.1 a week ago, so now I am only 62% immune compromised. This is awesome to me. I have done so well that I was released four days early from the hospital. I escaped all the heavy duty side effects of the transplant to this point. God be praised!
The last days were a blur of testing and numbers crunching. I was getting antsy to “get out.” I learned something important about Covid and a hospital. Once one tests positive in the hospital it is on the record until removed with CDC protocols. I had not been removed, thus any time I entered a hospital in the future I would be put in quarantine immediately. I do not have Covid, the doctors told me I did not have it. The Infection Control Specialist could not answer how I could test positive in Quarantine—no answer on all my negative tests for Covid, with one errant positive in the hospital. Yet, CDC had me with Covid in Quarantine on the record. I wanted it erased and therefore I got more tests following CDC protocol and FINALLY with all negatives I have been officially cleared. All the warning signs on my door came down a few hours before I was released. I felt sorry for all the staff who had to wear three masks and protective clothing and gloves for seventeen days in order to come into my room. They never complained! The staff at Methodist Transplant Center are awesome!
Here are a few of the things that I did not think about before entering the Transplant Center: 85 finger pricks—didn’t see that coming; 145 restroom trips at all times of the day and night pushing my drug infusion tree along with me and measuring my urine output each time—quite tiring; 71 shots in arms or stomach—I thought since I had a port, everything would go there, well, not quite. Enough of those details. I think you get the picture. A normal question asked is: Looking back and seeing all you would go through in this procedure would you have done it? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” God gives you what you need! Honestly, I did not have any real “poor me” moment. I focused on the outcome desired and how I might respectably and lovingly treat the staff who were so kind to me. I had a purpose and with God’s help stuck with it.
Blessed we are! Kathy was able to attend a Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera Christmas production in the lobby of Methodist Hospital while I settled into our room at the Marriott just steps away. AND, Marriott upgraded us to a wonderful spacious suite that they cleaned for me with hospital protocol. I am so very thankful!
Isaiah 26: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Psalm 29: “The Lord gives His people strength, the Lord blesses them with peace.”
Praise Report: My numbers continue to quickly improve. My release early from the Transplant Center.
Prayer Request: To stay infection free during this transition time.
Turnip Blood
The past three days have been an in-between time when one’s body is trying to decide which way to go. While I have felt decent, I was not “up to snuff.” Since arrival, my blood sugar has wildly swung from 119 to 367. I have been getting insulin (never had it before) to keep the blood sugar inbounds. At home, without all the steroids and drugs, my blood sugar is normally between 120 and 130. The doctors say, with time, my blood sugar should return to normal rates and no more insulin.
In addition to this, my plasma rates fell very low and I needed plasma transfusions—two of them over two days. Plasma rates have improved but are still not in the acceptable range. While dealing with that, my temperature decided to spike. When it reached 100.8 (100.4 is the limit), automatic neutrophil protocols were put into place—to ward off infection. Soon, five nurses were in my room. Many antibiotics were hooked up to my port and blood samples from my arms became necessary—from both arms to have comparisons in the lab. They met their match with my veins. I’ve been on two surgical tables in pre-op where my surgery was delayed because no veins could be found—one after nine deep sticks. I must say, the nurses were wonderful! After 45 minutes, my left arm gave two vials. Unfortunately, my right arm refused to cooperate. After trying hard, the team said, “No more.” It seems there is an “if all else fails” protocol—they could access my port for the blood. However, that meant they needed to put in new “gismos” in which to stick the needles in order to minimize the possibility of a foreign culture being drawn into the blood sample. It takes a full five days to get the final lab report, but my doctors have informed me that any danger would soon reveal itself and, in my case, none has. My temperature has returned to near normal. It turns out I am the “turnip”, as in, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip.” I like turnips (raw, not cooked) so I guess that is a good thing. (Yes, there is an ultra sound machine designed to find veins, and it has been used previously on me here at Methodist; however, I am in quarantine now.)
Today is a “good news” day! My white blood cell count has gone up to .38 (from -.01), which means my transplanted cells have engrafted and are reproducing. After my white blood cell count reaches .50 and remains there for at least two days, my doctors tell me I can be released from the hospital! As a result, my doctor stated Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday become a possible release date for me, God willing. Kathy and I will then move to the Marriott—connected via sky bridge to the hospital—for one week to be close, just in case, and to keep us from having to make the long drive in and out of the Medical Center for the numerous clinic visits I must make the first week after release. (The Marriott has several suites with hospital clean protocols, and we have one of those reserved.) I will still be quarantined, but freer in new “digs.” I am very grateful, especially also for Kathy who has not only endured this journey, but contributed to my comfort and security in numerous ways.
We have entered the Season of Advent as we head toward the Christmastide. It occurred to me that Advent is the beginning of a new Christian Church Year, and my new beginning coincides harmoniously with a new church year. Our God is immutable, always the same, yesterday and into the future. I (We) have the promise of Jesus—“I am with you, even unto the end of the earth.” Therefore, I know Who holds my future ever so wondrously. I (We) can enter every new cycle of life with joy and hope. Advent points us to joy and hope in Jesus, long prophesied and then fulfilled in the Babe of Bethlehem. Join me in treasuring this truth!
In John chapter 10, Jesus tells us, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly…I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep…I know My own and My own know Me.”
Praise Report: The “turn”—Transplanted white blood cells are engrafted and reproducing.
Prayer Requests: That the transplant process continues unhindered by unforeseen circumstances.
Rusty Screw Death Trap
I officially now have no immunity! My white blood cell count is 0.1 and still falling. My old stem cells are gone. My body is now at its most vulnerable state to contract an infection. Imagine my surprise when I found a rusty screw with a very protruding “shank” on the toilet paper dispenser in my “Quarantine in Isolation” hospital room. I am not even allowed to use a battery-powered toothbrush for fear of cutting my gums and getting an infection. The soft bristle toothbrush they gave me is utterly useless! I’ve decided it is better to just put some toothpaste in a little water and swish it around in the mouth and call it a day. Whoops—I typed that too soon. My nurse just looked in my restroom and asked, “Where is the toothpaste we gave you?”—I didn’t know nurse training included a “spy on the patient” course. I said I was using it. “No” she replied, “we gave you two types.” I said I used the other one and didn’t like it. She said, “Get it because I’m taking the other away from you. The new toothpaste is anti-viral.”
But I digress: How did I discover this screw? Kathy and I surmised that hospital toilet paper would be rather cheap and with regular use feel like sandpaper, so we brought our own with us. I keep it on a shelf within reach of the commode. Since the hospital “sandpaper’ is in the double roll dispenser, I simply reach for our soft toilet paper and place it on top of the double roll dispenser’s flat top surface. Yesterday, when I was finished, I tried to move my toilet paper back to its place on the shelf and it stuck and shredded some of the paper. Curious, I inspected and found the protruding metal shard from the screw. Upon further inspection I noticed that the screw was not stainless steel as was the double roll dispenser, but a regular screw that was now rusted. If I had rubbed my hand over that spot, it could have easily cut my hand open. I quickly envisioned the staff patching me up and putting me on huge antibiotics to keep me alive. Would it work? Thankfully, it didn’t get that far. I reported the problem and the hospital maintenance man recently left my room having fixed the issue.
Humorously, in my confinement, my mind has gone wild. I made up headlines announcing my death from various sources as a result of that screw:
Insurance Company: Hospital Patient Dies from Unknown Cause
Hospital: Patient Ignores the Rules and Dies
Kathy, my Wife: Beloved Husband Dies in Hospital while Maintaining Routine Health Regimen
Real Headline Making National News: Nasty Insurance Court Case has Architectural Firm, Maintenance Company, Foundry Supplier and Construction Company in Legal Tussle over Who’s Responsible for Hospital Patient’s Death Because of Faulty Screw
Secondary Headline: Legal and Industrial Forensics Experts Weigh In
OK, enough of that! In other news. My recent Covid test returned negative. Amazing! They do not know what to make of my three negative and one positive test results. My doctor team informed me that no matter the diagnosis, it has nil effect on my treatment. Unfortunately, I will not get out of this “Quarantine in Isolation” room. Thus, no hall walking or workout in the exercise room. God willing, I’ll be back home before the CDC makes an official declaration that I am free of Covid. Thus, my doctor team told me they were not instructing me, simply empowering me, to politely refuse any more Covid tests. Yep! No more unnecessary intrusions on my day that make absolutely no difference in my quarantine status. Everyone knows I do not have Covid, but the CDC will not make that official until all the protocols, now taking an extra two weeks, are followed. (I realize these protocols are for the protection of not only myself, but also the other patients and staff on the floor—that is why Kathy and I are content in our cozy room.)
Philippians 4: “And my God will supply every need (even as protection from something as minute as a rusty screw shard) of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Praise Report: Another negative Covid test result. White Blood Cells reaching the desired low number. Awesome staff at the hospital. That I made it to Day 7—(10th day in the hospital)—in good shape.
Prayer Request: That my stem cell booster being given this evening will work as expected, thus causing my transplanted stem cells to engraft. That possible side effects of the transplant process continue to be kept at bay.
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