Anybody missing Secret Santa? 2019

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You'd be wrong. One is a little delayed. Hoping by tomorrow. It's almost together, so maybe after the plumber leaves tomorrow I'll pop down to the Post Office.

However, I think I was the first to receive, so "the last will be first"...
 
I have also received, an item from out East. Debating whether to open it now or hold out for awhile....
 
Well, spurred by a little free time this afternoon amidst a flurry of mincemeat tart construction for our "Christmas goodie boxes" for elderly/shut in congregants and neighbours, Secret Santa accomplished the last of their tasks and a slim package (slim enough for the magic 'not parcel' slot; there was a brief "squish") is in the hands of Canada Post. (Spurred by the same momentum, I picked up a "large" (a decent size, but max 11 lbs) Canada Post box which, for $29.99 promised me delivery anywhere in Canada. It will be off to my beloved son on Salt Spring Island within the week, I hope, but I'll have to be thinking of shortbread cookies and lightweight yarn versus Christmas cake, preserves and wheels of cheese, lol...)
 
I just received my Secret Santa gift. It's from DaisyJane. Wow! Chocolate .. yummy! Secret Santa peppermint tea with sprinkles
in it. Tea inside a Christmas tree! Plus a wonderfully soft pair of ankle socks, really warm. And the socks have hearts on them.
I can see me with my socks on, feet up, sipping peppermint tea beside a Christmas tree.
How cozy is that! And there is a wonderfully long colourful book mark from Ten Thousand Villages.

Very creatively gathered. Thank you so much DaisyJane. Much appreciated.
 
Warning: This might be a long post. Bear with me.

This past week has been one of the most stressful since Matthew was born almost 21 years ago. One week ago today we made the decision to keep Matthew home from his day program. He had been a bit off during the weekend but didn't seem convincingly ill. No alarm bells were going off in my head. He seemed okay. He spent the morning enjoying cartoons. Mid-afternoon he started coughing and became a bit agitated. We did the usual. We gave ventolin, tried to calm him down, changed his position to improve his airway - things that have always worked. This time they didn't work. Within 20 minutes he had gone into respiratory failure and we called 911. He was rushed to hospital and has been intubated in the ICU since that time. They tried to remove the breathing tube last week and the attempt failed. He aspirated during the attempt and his lungs became compromised. I was in the room when it happened. Tomorrow the team will try to remove the breathing tube one more time. If he fails he will require a tracheostomy, and the conversation will shift in a direction we have spent 21 year trying to prevent.

The hope remains that this is an acute event from which he will recover. The doctors remain optimistic, and for the most part so do I. Interestingly, the nurses have been more cautious and affirm that my concerns about tomorrow are not unrealistic. With kids like Matthew there are always risks that these events will go sideways. I am not going to lie. I am completely freaked out about tomorrow. Either the tube will be removed and he will start breathing on his own, or we will have another setback.

Today I came home from yet another day of sitting in the hospital watching a machine a breathe for my son - something I have been watching now for eight days. I am holding it together. Barely. I can feel the cracks starting to form.

When I opened the mailbox there was a bright red package. It took me a bit to open the card. It was sealed up pretty well!! But inside there was a lovely card from @Tabitha. The package contained wonderful red hiking socks (I hike a lot!)- proceeds from the purchase will support literacy. In the toe there was a heart shaped ornament - I almost lost it then. The package also contained three murder mysteries I can't wait to start reading. I recently finished a book while sitting in the ICU and I have been "between books" ever since; always stressful for an avid reader. I already have one of the novels in my purse to go with me tomorrow to the hospital. With any luck I won't have time to start reading it because I will be too busy taking pictures of my son without a breathing tube.

Many doubt the validity, sincerity, and authenticity of online communities. Those of us at WC2 know that these virtual friendships are real and they matter. Today a women who I know only by an online avatar did something pretty amazing. She offered a moment of light in a week of darkness. It was a bit of Christmas magic.

Thank you Tabitha. I am grateful.
 
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DaisyJane said:
Warning: This might be a long post. Bear with me.

This past week has been one of the most stressful since Matthew was born almost 21 years ago. One week ago today we made the decision to keep Matthew home from his day program. He had been a bit off during the weekend but didn't seem convincingly ill. No alarm bells were going off in my head. He seemed okay. He spent the morning enjoying cartoons. Mid-afternoon he started coughing and became a bit agitated. We did the usual. We gave ventolin, tried to calm him down, changed his position to improve his airway - things that have always worked. This time they didn't work. Within 20 minutes he had gone into respiratory failure and we called 911. He was rushed to hospital and has been intubated in the ICU since that time. They tried to remove the breathing tube last week and the attempt failed. He aspirated during the attempt and his lungs became compromised. I was in the room when it happened. Tomorrow the team will try to remove the breathing tube one more time. If he fails he will require a tracheostomy, and the conversation will shift in a direction we have spent 21 year trying to prevent.

The hope remains that this is an acute event from which he will recover. The doctors remain optimistic, and for the most part so do I. Interestingly, the nurses have been more cautious and affirm that my concerns about tomorrow are not unrealistic. With kids like Matthew there is always risks that these events will go sideways. I am not going to lie. I am completely freaked out about tomorrow. Either the tube will be removed and he will start breathing on his own, or we will have another setback.

Today I came home from yet another day of sitting in the hospital watching a machine a breathe for my son - something I have been watching now for eight days. I am holding it together. Barely. I can feel the cracks starting to form.

When I opened the mailbox there was a bright red package. It took me a bit to open the card. It was sealed up pretty well!! But inside there was a lovely card from @Tabitha. The package contained wonderful red hiking socks (I hike a lot!)- proceeds from the purchase will support literacy. In the toe there was a heart shaped ornament - I almost lost it then. The package also contained three murder mysteries I can't wait to start reading. I recently finished a book while sitting in the ICU and I have been "between books" ever since; always stressful for an avid reader. I already have one of the novels in my purse to go with me tomorrow to the hospital. With any luck I won't have time to start reading it because I will be too busy taking pictures of my son without a breathing tube.

Many doubt the validity, sincerity, and authenticity of online communities. Those of us at WC2 know that these virtual friendships are real and they matter. Today, a women who I know only by an online avatar did something pretty amazing. She offered a moment of light in a week of darkness. It was a bit of Christmas magic.

Thank you Tabitha. I am grateful.
Click to expand...
Hoping for some good breaths tomorrow!
 
O God DaisyJane! I can't imagine the stress you must be feeling. My prayers are with you and with Matthew.

This is why we need community. This is why WC two is so important to us. Virtual friends, and real-life friends, wrapped her arms around you now and share your stress.

Hugs, and our hearts.
 
Oh Daisy Jane,
Prayers for your family and Matthew,
From healthy to unable to breathe on his own was so fast. And the stress for you, and everyone else.
I am glad the small gift arrived and brought with it some light and comfort.
I took in a bunch of books I had finished reading, to our used bookstore and with the credit got you these ones. Not knowing mysteries well, this nice fellow customer helped me choose.

Turn over your heart ornament. It is also about you.

May you be comforted by God and my friends and family on your journey these days.
 
Tabitha said:
Oh Daisy Jane,
Prayers for your family and Matthew,
From healthy to unable to breathe on his own was so fast. And the stress for you, and everyone else.
I am glad the small gift arrived and brought with it some light and comfort.
I took in a bunch of books I had finished reading, to our used bookstore and with the credit got you these ones. Not knowing mysteries well, this nice fellow customer helped me choose.

Turn over your heart ornament. It is also about you.

May you be comforted by God and my friends and family on your journey these days.
Click to expand...


I saw that after I posted the message. Thanks!!! It was so wonderful.
 
Tabitha is a treasure here. She made Zach an amazingly soft blanket.

DJ, not sure what to say. You'd think I'd have an idea by now.
 
(((((DaisyJane))))). Such stress and concern you must be living with.I'm pretty much without words. All I can think of is "Thinking of you and your family. Sending hope and healing in your direction. May the hospital staff have superb skill and wisdom ".
 
Just reading this thread and catching up

So very sorry to hear of Matthew and his set back. My thoughts and prayers are with you today as your family copes with the tube removal. I hope it is successful and that Matthew regains his previous health

Tracheotomy is traumatic and worrisome. BUt usually not permanent. Be strong. But also lean on friends, family and staff
 
Daisyjane, I will be thinking of you and Matthew and the rest of your family tomorrow, and sending thoughts to the Universe that all goes well. So glad Tabitha's package was so timely; she puts together a mean parcel!

You're right about community. And adding a heart for Crazyheart this year was a magical idea.
 
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