Thanksgiving at the hospital

The Wilks just called and wanted me to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Yesterday was an extremely difficult day. Tim and Mary had a meeting with the doctors in the afternoon. They were told that the surfactant treatment did not work as well as the doctors had hoped and that Jennifer’s lungs did not appear to be responding well. The doctors here have begun to run out of ideas of how to help Jennifer. They decided to call Jennifer’s transplant doctor in Houston, Dr. Krance, to ask his opinion.

Dr. Krance said that there is a chance that she might have severe Graft-vs-Host disease of the intestines. If so, that is a treatable condition. Within 15 minutes of that call, Children’s Hospital had a surgical team in Jennifer’s room (so that Jennifer would not have to be moved) to biopsy Jennifer’s intestines. Those lab results should be back on Friday.

In the midst of this terrible time, the Wilks talked of some of the things they are thankful for. They appreciate so much the care that Jennifer is getting from her doctors and nurses. They told me about the feast that is being prepared for them for Thanksgiving dinner today – two deep fried turkeys, six pies, and all the trimmings. They talked about the visits and messages of love they have continued to receive. They told me that yesterday, their church held a special mass and rosary for Jennifer. They told me about the people at the art studio that Jennifer was able to attend only twice who fell in love with Jennifer and have painted a portrait of her for the family to have.

When I visit the Wilks in the hospital, their love for each other and for Jennifer is palpable. It radiates through each one of them. Their strength and faith humble me. They are constantly thinking of others and they always have smiles and hugs and kindness to share. On this Thanksgiving day, as I concentrate on the things for which I am thankful, one of the things I cherish most is my friendship with this amazing family.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Laurie Randel

note: the above entry is a copy originally posted on our ‘Caring Bridge’ website.