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Sunday, January 09, 2011

The Cold Chill of Winter

I'm not really quite sure what to say, exactly. I've been sick for a week. Sinusitis, sore throat, ear aches, feel like crappola. And I'm home sick. But that's the least of my worries.

There's a serious chill in my life right now. It's my beautiful niece. She will be 15 in a week or two. She's smart, pretty and a pleasure to be around (much like her uncle). But there's trouble. Since January 1, she has developed numerous physical ailments that are not good. She is not able to speak more than a word at a time without difficulty, she can't walk correctly, she cannot use her hands to dial a telephone, she's not able to sit or hold still, she cannot feed herself or drink without spilling it everywhere, and she cannot write....even a single letter on a page is apparently difficult. Her entire body is writhing -- all of her limbs and joints unable to hold still. She will not be able to return to her 9th grade school this week, clearly. I'm not sure what is going to happen. She's been to several doctors over the last week including a neurologist. An MRI is scheduled in a few days.

Emilee came into this life a fighter. She was born with several heart valves malfunctioning and without a complete septum dividing the two sides of her heart -- and came very close to dying. At 13 months, she underwent open heart surgery. She's tough. And we love her with all of our hearts. She always brings a smile to our faces. She's fun to be with and our time with her has always been accented by memorable times. Please keep her, us, in your good thoughts and prayers this week. It's all just cropped up so, so fast. And she is way too young for this sort of thing.

16 comments:

BosGuy said...

I'm so sorry to read about Emilee's health issues. My bouts with meningitis this past autumn is fresh in my memory and makes me treasure my health more than I may have in the past. I'll keep the both of you in my thoughts.

LSL said...

Lewis, this breaks my heart. You and your whole family must be under so much stress right now. I'm thinking of you guys and saying prayers for everyone. Please keep us posted and tell little Emilee to stay strong. xo

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to read about this, my friend. I know this is tough for Emilee and for the entire family. You are in my thoughts.

Rick Bettencourt said...

Arnie this is so sad. I'm so sorry to hear this. I shall hold her in my prayers. God bless.

Unknown said...

Our prayers go up for your niece.

Anonymous said...

You have our thoughts and prayers for Emily and family. Hopefully, this will pass soon and healing can commence all around.

Peace and love,
-C

Cubby said...

I'm so sad to read this awful news. I hope things get better.

anne marie in philly said...

jeebus...I will keep your family in my thoughts, dear friend.

Greg said...

Sending my thoughts to your niece and her family. (((hugs))) to you!

Rick said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Lewis. Yes indeed it is time for an MRI. We have to treasure everyday and moment for we never know what morning will bring. I hope you are feeling better too. I will lift her up in prayer.

Ur-spo said...

I too am saddened by this; it is such sorrow to see our loved ones suffer so.

Java said...

My stars, that's extreme. Have they figured out what's causing this yet?

She and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us updated.

Anonymous said...

This is devastating. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and I hope there is a happy ending.

Unknown said...

My prayers and caring thoughts remain with Emilee and all of you who care so deeply about her. I am hopeful care providers can get to the bottom of this heartbreaking ailment. I know Emilee is surrounded by love!

Ron said...

This is heartbreaking Arnie. My thoughts are with you, your niece and your family.

Vương Tử Trực said...

Sorry to hear this.
Reading the previous entry I think of the consequence of alcoholism from parents.