Saturday, June 09, 2007

Overdue Update

After living in South Florida for the better part of twenty years, I can identify with southern boy Mark Twain when he said, "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco." It's been sweater and jacket weather every single day. Even in the middle of the afternoon, the temperature rarely rises much higher than the sixty degree mark. A cold winter day in Florida is rarely as cold as an average San Francisco summer day.

Monday is still our big day; Ali will be discharged.
The incredibly efficient Nurse Kathleen has rescued us from being drowned
under a deluge of state and local government bureaucracy. The cogs of the inter-office machinery has threatened to slowed our departure. But Nurse Kathleen and Hospital Social Worker Stephanie have greased the wheels. They've trained, prepped, informed, and provided us with services and resources for the next phase of Ali's recovery that commences when we leave Monday afternoon.


Hospital Social Worker Stephanie spearheaded a meeting that included experts on Ali's recovery from head to toe. Literally. Neurologist, speech therapist, gastro-intestinal specialist, nutritionist, physical therapist, social services and general medicine were all represented. Head to toe. Hospital staff are treating us like heroes that have rescued Ali. They want us to know that we have their full support.

I apologize for the amount of time that passes between posts. Internet availability at the hospital has been dismal over the past several days. This post and pictures come to you from a little coffee shop a short walk away from the hospital where, with coffee, you get free cream, sugar, and wireless Internet access.


We've settled into a routine here. Aaron went home Wednesday and I moved into the hospital room with the charming and beautiful Susan. And Ali. We take turns holding and loving on her, I run five or six miles through Presidio Park every other day (there's a cool trail that winds down the hill toward a beach on the mouth of the San Francisco Bay, just west of the Golden Gate bridge), walk to Starbucks, do laundry at a coin operated laundromat, and eat food from the hospital cafeteria.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The weather here has been hot so enjoyit while you can, thanks for keeping us posted we are always looking to see what is going on. Have you decided were you will stay after Ali's realease from the Hospital. We keep you in our prayers....

Bryonm said...

Marny:

Ali and Susan will stay in California. Ali is not allowed to leave the state. She is in state custody and Susan has been appointed as her primary care-giver (sort of like a foster parent).

Anonymous said...

Wow. I hope the state's hold on Ali is temporary, that they'll eventually release her to Florida, if not directly to you and Susan. But, considering all the obstacles that God has swept aside, and all that Ali has been through, I'm kinda glad to know the state is being careful with her. Bottom line: God's definitely on top of it all, and He has a plan.

Anonymous said...

Through a strange internet trail that I took this evening, I saw your blog Bryon. I was surprised to see that you had a blog and happily clicked on it. My heart is extremely heavy, grieved and yet joyful all at the same time as I methodically read the thread on Ali. I am so sorry for Charity, and Susie and you. I and Lynnette will be praying for you guys fervently. I love you guys. If there is anything that you need or anything that I can do to help you in any way, I would be offended if you did not let me know. I am shocked and saddened by all that you all have had to endure and more importantly the whole process that little Ali had to go (and is still) going through. I am here, and I am wanting to help. Our Lord never left His throne, not did His love and care for you all ever waver. His thoughts and ways are far beyond our thoughts and ways. I know that I am preaching to the choir, but sometimes it helps to hear it once again. Jesus loves you guys very much and so do I (we). Anything bro, I'm here.

Love
Don Haskins
calvarychapelcf@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading this blog. It puts things back in perspective each day I read it. It reminds me that The Lord is in control of everything. I love the way He is taking care of Ali. My faith is increased when I see all the people and things God has put in her life. She has been used so mightily and she is so little. Just stop for a second and think about all the people who God has touched through this little girl's life. It reminds me that God is so BIG. I can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of Ali's life.