Tired update

[urbpan]

Dad is doing remarkably well for someone who basically died and had 10,000 volts shot through his chest and was brought back to life. He has more friends and well-wishers than I ever will; In the past 24 hours I've spoken to so many people whose lives he has touched it's really amazing and exhausting. The intensive care unit personnel have become rather testy with the constant calls and attempted visits from old friends, students, and coworkers. My insider status as blood relative gets me coveted access, and it's my job to update everyone on what happened (he suffered a massive coronary after giving a speech, fortunately with emergency personnel in the room) how he's doing (pretty well) what's going to happen to him (probably another stent) when they can visit him (not today, maybe tomorrow, unless the very competent and slightly testy icu staff decide against it) and when he's getting out (probably Wednesday).

In the meanwhile, I feel like I should reassure him that everything's okay--his car and other belongings are safe, someone will bring him clothes before he's released, etc. And I feel like I should let him get his rest and protect him from stress-inducing information like: his heart completely stopped for a moment, he will be in the hospital until probably wednesday, the news of his heart attack was covered on Eyewitness News Channel 3. I will deliver the oversized get well card made by his students, I will list for him all the people who have contacted me to wish him well, and I may even bring him some work to do. You see, the most stressful thing for him is being away from the classroom. This morning, before he was even completely lucid, he was trying to dictate lesson plans to me. His work is so much his life, that I think it will soothe him to have papers to correct or something. I don't know, I'm torn on that one. In any case, if you are one of the many people wishing him well, thank you so much. He's already on his feet for short stretches, and he'll be back in his role as beloved teacher, mentor, photographer, and role model soon. Thanks for the love!!

Comments

[morrigandaughtr.livejournal.com]

Oh, good news! May he continue to improve!

[momomom.livejournal.com]

Hugs to you, what a great son you are. I hope he is well again soon.

[rudbekia.livejournal.com]

What a stressful day for all involved. I'm glad that he's recovering right now.

[morgi.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the "heart stopped" part can wait until he's stabilised and home and all.

Glad everyone's okay.

[audacian.livejournal.com]

Aw, he sounds like a wonderful guy. And so do you for helping him out so much. :) Hope he gets better soon!

[shaharazad.livejournal.com]

Best wishes to him for a smooth recovery.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

ah, sounds like an exciting (in the chinese sense) day.

i'm glad you're doing all you can, and he's on the mend.

also sounds like there's a lovely community that cares about him. i should be so lucky too. someday.

#

[miz-geek.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear he's doing better. Hang in there with all the crap you must be dealing with.

[anais2.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad he's recovering well, the world needs more like him. You are a lucky guy to have him as father, yessir. Hug him tight!

[morbidloren.livejournal.com]

Hugs to you. I've been the child taking care of a father in the cardiac icu more than once. I hope you get the rest and love you need to support your dad through this.

[mozzer131.livejournal.com]

I am happy to hear your dad is doing better -- hope he is fully recovered soon. He's lucky to have you as a son!

[wandererrob.livejournal.com]

Damn Jef. I'm glad he's doing ok, but yikes! Here's to a quick recovery and no recurrences!

[roaming.livejournal.com]

How lucky you are to have such an amazing role model and best friend. (And how lucky he is too, both in you and in his recovery.) May you both have many more years together!

[jolantru.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

Wow - how lucky there were medical people available when he had the heart attack. I wish him a speedy recovery!

[antarcticlust.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to hear the good news! My thoughts are with you both.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_bazilisk_/]

Additional wishes of wellness...

[says-bomb.livejournal.com]

That is scary indeed. Clearly he has a lot to live for, which is one key to a successful recovery. Please add my good wishes for him!

[ndozo.livejournal.com]

Your dad sounds like such a lovely man. I hope he recovers quickly. It's amazing and wonderful that he survived. He's lucky to have so many friends and even luckier to have you nearby. It's so upsetting when stuff like this happens. I hope you and your bro are doing ok.

[marmota-monax.livejournal.com]

Please give him my very best wishes. Thank you.

[(Anonymous)]

Jeff; Joanna forwarded all this to me. So glad your Dad has you and Andy. Let me know if there is anything helpful I can Do . Love Aunt Dotty

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much Dotty! I don't have your phone number (you can email it to me--my email is in my profile in case you don't have it) but dad is looking better and andy is coming in tonight to help out. Dad will probably be released tomorrow.

[harebell.livejournal.com]

I hope things are going well and getting better.

[rinalia.livejournal.com]

Sorry I missed this post. I'm thankful your dad is doing so well and may his recovery go smoothly and quickly.

[weofodthignen]

Yay for your dad, the emergency folks, the ICU staff, and you :-) I'm so glad he came through it ok. He's clearly a wonderful teacher as well as a character. And yeah, I would have been extremely perturbed to suddenly be removed to a bed in the middle of a term too.

the ever-belated M