30 Days

Thirty days, that is how long Ravi was in the hospital. We checked in on September 11, when it was still 85 degrees outside, and the leaves were green and full on the trees. We checked out last night at 7pm, into a brisk fall evening. I had to run home and find him some warm clothes, as all the clothes we had checked into the hospital with were shorts and light weight T shirts.

Thirty days, but it felt like an eternity. Ravi was so, so ill. There were times we wondered if we would even be able to bring him home. There were days where he just lay in bed, wracked with fever, cramps, and nausea, his system trying both to shut down and to survive. In the end, with the help of God, some very talented doctors, and a lot of potent medicines, we brought him home last night. We were all so thankful to sleep in our own beds.

I woke up early this morning, grateful just to be in my own home, surrounded by those whom I love. A little while later I heard some rustling in Ravi’s room. I went in to have a peek. He greeted me with a beautiful, sunny smile. He knew where he was, and he was very happy to be there. He curled back under the covers and let out a happy sigh. I returned to my coffee. A few minutes later I heard his signature footsteps in the hallway. He came padding out to smile at me again. He looked gaunt in the dim light. I offered him a drink which he happily took, then retreated back to his lair. I wondered why he was up so early, then realized it was 5 am, when the nurses usually draw labs and vitals. What a way to wake up every day, with someone taking your blood! Ravi looked around for a bit, realized there were no nurses lurking in dark corners and happily padded back to bed. I can now hear him in his room, making happy snuffling noises.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support these last 30 days. It has been wild ride. We do not know what will come next, and right now I don’t even want to think about it. I just want to love on Ravi. Be good humans and we will be in touch. Peace, Harriet