20 LAPS!

HE DID IT!!!  Lee walked twenty (20) laps today.  He was told by the doctor last week that he would once again have to complete the 20 laps before he could be discharged.  So, it looks like he may be discharged tomorrow.  When I arrived at the hospital this afternoon, he and Donna had already completed 7 laps.  At 3:00 he walked 7 more laps and at 5:00 he walked the remaining 6 laps for a total for the day of 20 laps.  That is a little over one mile! 6000 feet as measured there.  We are both excited about leaving the hospital and getting him back at the condo.

Around 4:00, Lee was tired from his walk and wanted to take a short nap.  I decided to go to the cafeteria on first floor.  As I entered the lobby I was drawn to the sound of the piano being played.  I stood by the gift shop for a few moments looking through some books and other literature.  The piano player was playing jazz and the improvisations were amazing.  I moved closer to the direction of this beautiful sound and found a chair immediately adjacent to the piano.  Seated at the baby grand was a patient, resplendent in his hospital gown, walking socks and connected to a collection apparatus that had a tube that was connected to his head.  A closer inspection of the maestro seated at the piano revealed that he had had brain surgery with the scar extending from one ear, across his head to the other ear.  He had a patch over his left eye and was obviously blind in his right eye.  His age appeared to be45- 50.  Two nurses were there with him.

By this time a large crowd had begun to develop and fill the chairs.  He continued to play, oblivious to the crowd.  He was smiling and was patting his left foot as he played.  I noticed an elderly lady standing close by along with the two nurses.  I spoke to her and learned that this was her son.  He had brain cancer and had recently had the operation.  I shared with her that I , too, have a son who enjoys playing classical piano.  She said her son was also classical......I asked him to play his preference in classical.  He immediately began a beautiful Shubert selection.   I was moved to tears, along with many in his audience.

I looked around and there stood a young couple with their 3-4 year old child in a wheelchair who had either brain surgery or head trauma.  Somehow he seemed to be connecting with the music he was hearing, bringing smiles of anticipation from the parents.

I share this true story with you so that you will understand that we meet  here from all over the country, even the world, who come to Duke.  It is place for all those who still have hope. I will be lifting the piano player and the small child up in my prayers tonight as I know you will too.

More Later.......................................Brenda