Thursday, May 31, 2007

If well wishes were fishes, we'd have a pond full...

Update 6-2-07
"Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."
~Margaret Cho


They are giving Dale the new anti-rejection drug that has the potential to eradicate the Graft Vs Host disease in his liver. It was started yesterday and according to the doctor's it will take about a week for any noticeable improvement.

According to the nurse that cared for him until 7 am, he had a bit of trouble breathing early this morning so he is on a mask that helps force the oxygen into his lungs. He continues to receive platelets on a regular basis, so of course, I ask again that you go out and donate if you can.

Thank you all for caring.

We love you.




Update 5-31-07
"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
~ Helen Keller

Dale and his nurses cannot believe the number of cards, letters, photos and miscellaneous other items he continues to receive. Most days he is presented with at least 2 or 3 cards and some days it's more than that. Even when he's confused, he talks about how fortunate he is and how much he loves getting mail each day. He can't believe that people he's never met care enough to take the time to let him know they are thinking about him.

On Tuesday, it rained buckets here in Denver. The room Dale was in sprung a leak, and he had to be moved to the room next to him. As it always is, it was quite the ordeal to get him situated again. They sent me out for a walk while they were doing it and when I returned to his new room I was delighted to find that the nurse had not only opened the cards he'd received that day, but she had also put them up in his room as you can see in the photo at the top of the page. Thank you Carol!

Included in his mail yesterday was this placard, sent from Pink. She ran in the Race for Life in the United Kingdom and as you can see, she raced for Dale. When I talked to Dale about it, he was so touched that he cried.


Because I went back to Forsyth for 10 days, I haven't been able to keep a complete list of all of the cards, photos and miscellaneous other things that Dale has received. Envelopes were thrown away and I found envelopes that did not have cards in them. Dale has been moved so many times, it is hard to know exactly where everything is, though I did go on a reconnaissance mission to locate missing items when he was moved to ICU. But here is the partial list I have and I want to thank all of you for your kindness and thoughtfulness:
Three Collie, Within Without, Ur-Spo, Jen, Tiger Yogi, Helen (the Felon), Courtney and her get well fishes card (ha ha), Bonita, Squirl, Bill, Cathy, who has sent at least 2 cards and many photographs (frog with attitude was our favorite), Pink, who has sent two cards and her race placard as well, KC, Mary, KGmom, Ginnie, Laura, Pam, who sent along some of her beautiful artwork, Thomas, who sent along a Jimmy Durante CD that Dale adores, Cuppa and AC, anonymous X 3, Nicole and Bobbi, who don't have blogs, yet, and of course Heather who started it all.

As I said, I'm sure that I've missed some of you and I apologize. If you'd like to leave me a message in the comment section, I'll be glad to add your name to the list.

For those of you wishing to send Dale a card, or another card, or a cure for what ails him (I wish), his new address is:

Dale Petersen
St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital
ICU Room 18
1719 E 19th Ave
Denver, CO 80218

I have to go back to Forsyth tomorrow. As much as I hate to leave Dale in this condition, I have work duties that have to be taken care of. Making the decision to go is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I don't see any way out of it and it is breaking my heart.

Take good care all of you lovely people. You have touched our hearts and our lives more than you can ever possibly know.

We love you.

19 comments:

threecollie said...

We keep Dale in our prayers here....

Pink said...

Laurie - I'm very happy he got the placard. Please let him know I'm keeping my end of the bargain so he must keeps his!

xx
pinks

Cathy said...

Laurie -

I know how difficult this is for you. Sweet Dale will continue his journey and you, dear friend, must resume yours. The bond between you and Dale will endure no matter how many miles separate you physically.

How kind of you with all that you are balancing emotionally to take the time to express your gratitude to each individual. My prayers continue to go out for Dale, and also for you comfort and peace as you journey home.

Love and a hug,
Cathy

Squirl said...

Sending a card is the easy part. I'm sorry you have to go back, but you Dale is in capable hands. Hang in there, sweetie.

KGMom said...

Laurie--I think what you have done is truly selfless and loving. Our sending cards? Pffftt--nothing compared to your energies & love. You inspire us.

Ur-spo said...

i am pleased this man is getting so much love his way.

LauraHinNJ said...

Glad he is enjoying the bit of love we're all sending his way.

I sent a card last week, but it went to an old room # - hope it finds its way to him!

thailandchani said...

Sending something unusual to Dale in the next few days. I so wish you didn't have to leave there!


Peace,

~Chani

Girlplustwo said...

he's in my thoughts daily, friend.

Mary said...

You have given above and beyond, Laurie. I'm glad Dale likes mail. I'd like to send him some of my goofy pics.

Bonita said...

I continue to wish all of you the very best. Dale is in good hands...

Gina said...

Ok, I STILL need to send our card! Ack! Thanks for putting that address up again, and I promise I will send it ASAP!

Pam said...

Dale knows you are with him no matter where you are. He is in our prayers here in VT.

Love,

Pam

Unknown said...

Thanks for the address for Dale. Alex and I shall create a card.

We could use some of Denver’s rain in Louisville.

My prayers continue.

kittycatlane said...

How wonderful to know there are such kind and caring people out there.
I've come to see how you're doing, to say HI, and that I finally put up a few pictures of Viggo, just for you!
I've still got to send my card off. My days have been full of a very energetic 2 year old and I just haven't made it to the post office. Thanks for the updated address.
BIG HUGS, Steph
http://kittyscattitude.spaces.live.com/

dmmgmfm said...

To my dear blogfriends,

I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to my return to real life. It seems I prefer the surreal.

While I try to get my bearings again, I will continue to post the Dale updates that the wonderful medical staff and my son provide me with four or five times a day.

Please know how much your caring and concern mean to us all. Without it, I don't think we'd have come this far.

We love you all,

Dale, Wolf and Laurie

Cathy said...

Laurie

I think having to make your way home is probably one of the most heart-wrenching things you've ever had to do.

I remember the post (I apologize if this isn't quite right) about facing your girlhood bedroom after your mother died. Experiences like that are so tough.

Saying goodbye to Dale - well, Laurie - my heart goes out to you. It's almost too painful to think about. I hope you're treating yourself with even a small fraction of the kindness and caring you gave to Dale. We'll wait for updates about how you and Dale are coming along.

Sending love and a hug.

Girlplustwo said...

continuing to think of all of you, laurie.

Unknown said...

Please take a look at my blog for an update. http://callinit.blogspot.com/