Not good news
For the past few days, the weather was beautiful & cyclist/joggers/pedestrians were everywhere enjoying the sun. Spring was in the air; & Jessica’s health had been improving under large does of prednisone.
Although I felt guilty for being healthy (weird how the mind works sometimes) I dusted off the bike and have done a little bit of riding too..
Even though Jess has lost almost 15 pounds of muscle in the past month due to her illness, things felt hopeful.
The World Cup Long track final is in town this weekend, and I see national team jackets from every skating nation walking around downtown.
But then a blizzard comes in, and Jessica wakes up in the middle of the night in tremendous pain.
We end up in the emergency room, and then she is admitted to the hospital. A couple of feet of her digestive tract are not working anymore. This really, really hurts.
Here is the view from the window of her hospital room.
Yeah, so life pretty much sucks right now. I am not sure if I will make it to see any World Cup stuff & my own racing season is certainly over as well.
But I just don’t care— well, that’s a lie, I do care, but that part of me is very small & buried under an avalanche of vastly more important things. I’d gladly put every skate I’ve ever owned under a sledgehammer if it would bring her health back.
Most of “real life” seems so far away, like looking at the world through the wrong end of a telescope, or ill-fitting glasses, or some nightmarish kaleidoscopic hamster wheel of hospitals, drugs & doctors.
Jess says I can be a bit too dramatic about these things. Maybe I am, but this really sucks.
Filed under: from home
I sure wish things were different for you and Jess. I don’t think I could even remotely relate to the frustration you guys are dealing with. But despite that, you are thought of a lot on this blog. I can only speak for myself, but it is clear from my vantage point that you are very much appreciated for what you have provided the speedskating community through this media. You have helped “cross the bridge.”
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” There are many times we cannot see the purpose for which we go through a troubling time, but there are always positive things to be gleaned from such experiences.
I trust that through the thoughts & prayers of all of us, you will find peace and healing. Use this time to conserve your energy and cherish that which is most precious to you.
Keep your chin up. I know that everything seems dismal now but Jess and RZ need you to be their rock. So do what you do best and be that rock. Skating will always be there .This is much more important right now.Give Jess a big hug for us and we hope she will recover from this really quickly
Andrew, I was so distressed to hear this. This is very unhappy news. We (meaning the posse from GotApolo) keep you all in our thoughts, hopes and prayers. Give Jess and RZ a big hug from us, and then give one to yourself. You and yours have become a part of (often) our daily lives through your thoughtful writing. We wish for all of you a speedy recovery and better days ahead.
Andrew,
Be strong for Jess, RZ and YOU.
Pray a lot Andrew.
Praying hard for you Jess.
Andrew,
I’m so sorry to hear that Jess is still struggling with this. Every time I come to your blog I hope to see a “Jess is feeling fne” entry…and I know that day will come. Until then, know that a lot of us are keeping all three of you in our thoughts. Hang in there, all of you!
You and Jess are in our prayers. Your writing is such an inspiration, I wish I could offer you the same. Know that we are thinking of you and your family.
You know my strong heart is wraped around the Love triad. Jess will get better and we will laugh and skate again.
I hope watching some 5ks today cheered you up a little
Love you guys!! If you need anything…. Let us know.
The Kraan’s
jessica, andrew, Arzelia (and Moms) - Love is on your side. we are with you.
jules miriam
I am very sad to learn about Jessica’s health problems. I know how much you care for her and that you would change places if you could. - Have your consultants looked into allergies that might be a contributing factor? I wish there was more Alyssa and I could, please let us know. Danny
All weekend, I was thinking about Jessica and how lucky some of us are when we can stay healthy by doing only easy things. Somehow this will be ok…you will both be playing and having fun with RZ and this will be a story. Tell me (and all of us) what you need.
Jessica. It is quite a thill to see your friends around the world are so concerned about you and RZ .Their comments haven’t been coming from strangers
Love Eddie