May 12 09

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I want to take this opportunity to re-tell an “Andrew Story” from the hospital.  As you may know, between the NUMEROUS medicines that Andrew was on and the disorientation that sets in as a result of a long-term hospitalization (there is a well-document and recognized condition called “ICU psychosis”), patients often experience confusion.  Andrew heard mostly women’s voices and wanted to make sure that he was talking to his “real Mom” as opposed to the “fake Moms” - aka female nurses, female doctors.  So one day, Andrew asked me “Dad, is this my ‘real Mom’?” to which I answered “Yes”.  He then tested Chris by saying “What did I get you for Christmas last year?”.  Chris answered and Andrew said to me “Dad, is that right?”.  I responded “It sure is, Pal.”  He then replied with a sound of relief “OK, you’re my real Mom!”  Andrew and Ali could not have been blessed with a better “real Mom”!!!  I love you, Chris.

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Changing gears, yesterday was a neat experience.  I had the pleasure of having Ali and 6 fellow UD students join me for a visit to A.I. duPont Hospital.  We spent time with Alex Blythe (Mr. AB+), Isaiah Smith, and we dropped in on Savannah Pauley in the Clinic.  These kids are amazing!  But, do you know who else is amazing?  The seven college students who drove up from Newark, gave up part of their afternoon, entered a very intimidating and not very pleasant environment, all to put smiles on kids’ faces.  They didn’t visit because they were getting college credit or because they had to…they sincerely wanted to.  And, I do believe that they were even better people when they walked out of those hospital doors because they were touched by Alex, Isaiah and Savannah.  It’s hard - really, really hard - for me to go back into the hospital, but our kids - whether they are the visitors or the ones being visited - keep me going.  They are NOT simply the future of our world…they are the PRESENT!  And, there’s a lot of good out there.

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Don’t forget to sign up for the “3rd Annual B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer”.  It doesn’t matter if you’re local or not.  You can always set up a virtual team and “participate” from afar.  Walkers and runners are welcome of all ages. 

Fact for the day:  ONLY 3% of the National Cancer Institute’s cancer research budget is dedicated to childhood cancer research!!!  How can we not protect our most vulnerable???

https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx

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Live Like Andrew - Carpe diem!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.BePositive.org