Dad's weight loss program

My Dad has been in the hospital for a week now and probably has another week to go. He picked up an Amoeba (entamoeba histologica) while traveling the world. The docs are pretty sure he got it while visiting Africa a few years ago. He has lost close to thirty pounds! Unbelievable! The crazy amoeba is so rare they had to fly in the medicine to treat it from Europe. It has really done some havoc on my poor Dad's body. When I talked to him last week he sounded so frail and sick. It was so had to hear him sound that way because of course the first thing you start to think is if it will be too much for him to bear. Then the "what ifs" set in. What if he passes away...

It was so so so good to call him on Saturday and hear him sound stronger. It has been hard to be up here while the rest of the family take care of him. We all put together a care package for him and overnighted it on Thursday. We sent DVDs, music, a book on tape, pictures, letters and some electronic games. All in an attempt to boost his spirits and help with the boredom. I can't tell you how good it felt to hear that he liked the prizes. It made me feel useful in some small way.

I'll tell you one thing. Having someone you love get really sick and thinking all those "what ifs" sure does make you realize how much you love them. We named Chase after his Grandpa DeWitt. His middle name is Robert, my Dad's first name. When we named him we did it to carry on a family name in some way. (there were no DeWitt boys to carry on the family name) I'm so glad we can say to Chase,

"You are named after your Grandpa because he is such a great man. He has always been patient and kind. He is such a good example and we want you to be like him."

I really, really love my Dad. I'm so glad he is getting better...even if it is happening slowly.