A Poem and an Update

A Poem By Baxter Black
Friend is a word....
that I don't throw around
Though it's used and abused, I still like the sound.
I save it for people who've done right by me
And I know I can count on if ever need be.

Some of my friends drive big limousines
Own ranches and banks and visit with queens.
And some of my friends are up to their neck
In overdue notes and can't write a check.

They're singers or ropers or writers of prose
And others, God bless 'em, can't blow their own nose!
I guess bein' friends don't have nothin' to do
With talent or money or knowin' who's who.

It's a comf'terbul feelin' when you don't have to care
'Bout choosin' your words or bein' quite fair
'Cause friends'll just listen and let go on by
Those words you don't mean and not bat an eye.

It makes a friend happy to see your success.
They're proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest
And that ain't so easy, all of the time
sometimes I get crazy and to go blind!

Yer friends just might have to take you on home
Or remind you sometime that you're not alone.
Or even so gently pull you back to the ground
When you think you can fly with no one around.

A hug or a shake, whichever seems right
Is the high point of givin', I'll tell ya tonight,
All worldly riches and tributes of men
Can't hold a candle to the worth of a friend.


Update on Eli March 17, 2009
St Patrick's Day

Well it wouldn't hurt if Eli received a little luck of the Irish today, but the doc says we can't go chasing rainbows just yet.

The poem recited above was in a book I just read. I thought it was a fitting reminder of how helpful friends are. We have a lot of support and offering s and if yours was declined don't take offense, right now were doing just fine.


Well this morning Jes and I got a shock. We walked in and found Eli was shaking and was informed that he was going through with drawls. He looked just like the documentaries of drug addicts in throws of rehab. He was in a lot of pain and was crying and trying everything to get away. The prognosis is that the dialysis is taking away to much of Eli's sedation. So they are trying another drug to help and it should not get taken out of his blood flow as quickly. A benefit to this medication is that Eli is really alert. He is able to stay still, but is verbally reacting to his surroundings. We are currently watching 101 Dalmatians, and ever time there is a dog on the TV Eli grunts and groans. Every once in a while he will actually say dog!! and laugh.

So, there is some good news. Eli is handling treatment better. The doctor says his blood is still improving. We are still waiting for Eli to pee. I keep running the faucet in his room, you know for the sound, but the nurse keeps giving me the evil eye. I explained my theory, but she's a woman and doesn't feel my hypothesis is true.

Also I haven't talked about it much, but Jes and I are staying at the Ronald McDonald house for the time being. Its actually a nice place. The rooms is set up a lot like a hotel with some other conveniences. So, if you feel a need, you can eat at Mcdonalds and make some small donations (Pocket Change), because there are a lot of families out there in the same position we are. The house often only works off of donations and contributions from outside sources.

Thank you all


Lewis Heil