Dear Family and Friends,
After my first communication, many of you attempted to call. I apologize for not answering, but I purposely turned off my mobile phone because I remain a wreck, unable to finish a sentence without a box of Kleenex.
Numerous times over the years, I’ve heard the statement, “My life was turned upside down.” I now empathize, fully understanding those words. In the blink of an eye, every facet of my existence has changed. I am trying to sort out what to do with my kids, my medical practice, and most importantly, my beloved wife.
As a doctor, I am searching for a solution where there may be none. As Nancy’s husband, I want to share her pain and suffering or lie in her place. I have felt helpless, if not hopeless. But finally, I realized there was something I could do. As Nancy’s best friend, I can connect her to her wide array of supporters. In the last few hours, I’ve formulated a plan.
Since talking is difficult for me, I will do my best to keep you updated with periodic messages. My letters may be interrupted, as the last one was when the nurse’s aide arrived in Nancy’s room. They may be disjointed due to the tiredness of my mind and body. More likely than not, they may be written in the middle of the night. There may be several in one day or none for several days. But I pledge to keep you connected to Nancy as best I can.
That said, there are a few more thoughts:
1. Feel free to ask me questions. None are too stupid. As a doctor, I will try to explain what is going on medically. For those of you with lots of medical knowledge, I apologize in advance if I oversimplify. For those of you to whom I don’t explain well enough, just ask me again.
2. When I write, I will try to present a short italicized summary at the end of each note. Please feel free to skip to my “summation” if you are in a hurry. Though I may include a story from the past (as with my last letter) or describe current events at the time I am experiencing them, reading my sometimes-random reflections is in no way required or expected.
3. My last request I will only say a single time. And I will put it in CAPS because it is so important to me. If you only want the brief overview, then only read the italicized summary.
HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO OPT OUT OF MY UPDATES, FEEL FREE TO RESPOND WITH “TAKE ME OFF THE LIST.” I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY IF YOU DON’T WANT TO READ MY CONTEMPLATIONS. YOU WON’T HURT MY FEELINGS IF YOU OPT OUT. WE WILL ALWAYS BE FRIENDS.
My very best,
Winnie