Today has been a long day. I awoke early to drive to Vanderbilt Medical in Nashville for a clinical trial infusion. Though I'm well taken care of and doted upon, it's a long day capped with a return drive to the mountain on the cusp of rush hour traffic.

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I've been sick the past 2+ weeks. I've had a chest cold (so different from a head cold), which was accompanied by a shattering, loose cough. I've had no flu symptoms and no signs of pneumonia, but enough is enough. The doctor has me on a Z-Pack and prescription Mucinex. She assured me I'll feel much better in 2 days. Yay!

I've been concerned about my lungs. Per several stethoscope checks, my lungs are status quo. Yay!

But I tire easily.

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My lung disease has a new name: Idiopathic Fibrosing Alveolitis.

Oye.

Alveoli are the small air sacs or cavities in the lung that give the tissue a honeycomb appearance and expand its surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

My alveoli are fibrosing, scarring.

Dang. But we already knew that.

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A few days ago I called my 87 year old father. I had something important I wanted to tell him. This is most of what I said:

"Dad, I just want you to know how much I appreciate the fact that you were always kind to Debbie and me. You never said a hurtful word. You were never unkind to us. You never diminished us. You've always been exceptionally kind to your nieces and nephews and grandchildren. You gave us laughter and kindness."

His response:

"Well, you and Debbie had it rough growing up because of the troubles your mother caused so I just thought I had to make up the difference."

Shoot. I just made myself cry.

The thing of it is, I didn't expect that answer. I suspect there's much truth to what he said, but I also think he's just one of the nicest people to ever, ever walk this earth.



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Being weary as I am at the moment, I'm going to prepare a simple meal and wait for David's arrival this evening.

Later Gators!