I didn’t go to Houston with Patrick this week. I stayed home with the girls. Really, I didn’t like it. I missed him. I’m not even sure the girls were happy about it honestly. They may have embraced last week’s independence a little too easily for my taste. It’s almost as if they’re growing up and learning to take care of themselves just in time for college. I know, I know. That means we’ve succeeded on some level of parenting. Whatever. I need them to need me for just a little bit longer.
Back to Patrick —
Since I didn’t go, one of Patrick’s best friends came from a WHOLE OTHER STATE to take him to Houston. This was pretty awesome and a much needed pick-me-up for Patrick. Paul spent so many hours in the car just to have one day with Patrick, then turned around today before dawn and drove home. He even got up extra early yesterday to make Patrick carrot juice before his second round of the IV drip…which he rocked again, by the way. Check off another treatment with no chills, fever or problems.
PTL!!!
(That means Praise the Lord if you don’t know. If you’re not a Wilkinson family member. Or a baptist.)
Apparently the nurses were straight up giddy to meet a friend of Patrick’s. “Bring a new friend every week,” they said. In this case “new” means good looking, charming and funny. I’m sure they’ll be SO happy to see me next week instead of another one of his buddies. (that’s some sarcasm right there). The guys spent the whole day together at MD Anderson. In waiting rooms and in the treatment room, where Paul helped adjust Patrick’s pillow, got him warm blankets, brought him lunch and sat by his side for five hours. They’re pretty sure most of the people who saw them assumed they were a strong, devoted couple fighting this nasty disease together. It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve been mistaken for a couple.
Patrick’s white blood cell count is a little bit low this week, which is to be expected and is considered normal — whatever THAT word means anymore. I’m not good with it, so naturally I will be force feeding him, among other things, garlic. Daily. It’s on every list of foods to boost your immune system and stimulate white blood cell production. Yes, our grandmothers were right. Garlic is the boss at fighting off all things evil and infectiony. We might as well make garlic clove necklaces and wear them all winter. Oh and if you stop by the house any time soon, expect to be greeted with anti-bacterial spray at the door.
Friends, we are humbled and thankful every day by all of you who have prayed, reached out, sent notes and gifts to help us and to cheer us up. Thank you times a million. We are praying blessings right back on you. Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!!
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6-7
ANGIE BURKE 