Monday, October 12, 2009 (Columbus Day), Nashville, TN., 10:24 a.m., D.S.T.~
Dear Journal~
Bill Sandusky here. Sorry if I haven't written; been too busy with work and taking care of the troops here at home. Hope you understand.
I haven't had much in the way of sleep these past few days. Between the threat of storms (tornadoes south of here this past Friday night; one killed, several injured) and the threat of flu, I am past the point of exhaustion.
Eight of our children were hospitalized on account of the flu: Barbara, Rani, Janica, and Arjun all have the swine flu; as for Ronee', Abrahiam, Benjamin, and Camey, they have the regular "seasonal" flu; they were put into the hospital for observation.
I am happy to say that most are doing better; in fact, Ronee', "Abe", Camey, and Benji are due home today sometime. Rani and Janica are doing better, too; they are expected to be moved out of the ICU sometime today.
Unfortunately, Barbara and Arjun remain about the same. Both are on ventilators and are being closely monitored. As long as they don't get any worse, I will be okay with that. They are getting massive doses of antibiotics and Tamiflu, which is reported to help with the symptoms of swine flu. Their fevers are down, so that is good.
Maybe today they will continue to improve. Lord, I hope so!
Barbara and Arjun will probably remain in the ICU for at least a day or so.
I just pray that the rest of our troops don't come down with either the swine or the seasonal flu, especially since some (Johnathon, Jodie, Todd, Deborah, etc.) are so medically fragile. Anything as simple as a cold or a mild case of the flu could prove to be disasterous for them; their immune systems are so weak due to underlying serious medical issues.
The other children are home today. Holiday from school. Columbus Day. They are currently in their rooms, still asleep, playing quietly, or watching television. They are understandably concerned about their hospitalized brothers and sisters; we all are. We miss them when they aren't here!
Louie is at work; she works from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.; don't expect her home until after dark. Hopefully she will have a good day at her job. I am off today; worked all weekend; it was a madhouse; Wal*Mart usually is on the weekends.
I went to church yesterday (as did the children and my wife); the pastor was sorry to hear of our children being in the hospital. They had special prayer time for us, which was a great comfort in our time of need. So I know the children are covered in prayer; they are now in God's hands.
The weather here has finally cleared; partly cloudy out with cooler temps, with highs in the seventies, which has been a change from the eighty-or-ninety degree readings we've had for weeks, along with the threat of storms/rain. Hope it lasts; it's really played a number on my arthritis! (My back hasn't been the problem; it's been everything else! *OW*)
One of our neighbors died as a result of the swine flu: six year old Tommy Giles. He lived up the street from us; I am sure the parents, Greg and Ginger, are devastated. He got sick last week; he died over the weekend at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. We will have to keep the Giles bunch in our prayers during this sad time in their lives!
That's what makes the thought of my own kids having it so scary. They could die; I pray that doesn't happen, even though, right now, it looks like they've turned the corner and are expected to recover fully from it. I pray that continues, that they continue to improve!
Well, I am going to get the kids' breakfasts ready, so I will go for now. I will write in here again soon with another update on our brood. Until then, take care and may God bless you! Keep those prayers coming for our flu-stricken children, especially in regards to Barbara and Arjun; we could really use them! Thanks in advance!
~Bill. :(
