Going Home

My gram passed away recently and on the day she passed away, her son, who has Down's Syndrome ended up in the hospital and still remains there. My mom has been taking care of a lot of things and checking in on her half brother, James. It hasn't been easy as James says he wants to go to Heaven to be with his Mom. We think my Gram lived as long as she did, so that she could be here for her son, James. He was her life. He fluctuates between wanting to be here and "there".

I've called my mom every day out there to receive the latest news and have spoken to Jimmy on the phone several times, encouraging him to eat, do what the nurses ask him to do, walk, etc. His answer, "Yes, Ma'am." He is so polite. To encourage him to get better and want to live, I told him that after my lung transplant and recovery, I would put him on the top of my list to visit. He was excited about this prospect. Then, he said to my mom," Bring MarDale out with you the next time." My mom worries that he may die of a broken heart. Mom asked their minister if a person can die of a broken heart and he said yes as he has seen it happen before.

Mom explained to Jim that she had to return home to pay bills, help me with my transplant because I needed her. He piped up that he needed her too. He is so smart. One of his favorite things is to hug and kiss people. He is very friendly and proper in his mannerisms.

So, I am going to persevere with my lung transplant and recovery as I have a really important trip to make to see Jim. Hopefully, he too will want to recuperate and get well and put off "going home" to be with his Mom. Meanwhile, we will gladly take all his hugs and kisses.

May your life be filled with hugs and kissses.