Update on the Uncle

He was supposed to leave the hospital on Thursday, but is still currently there. My brother called me to let me know that he and my mom had gone there Thursday to see him, cuz apparently he had what was akin to a mild stroke (there was a technical term; but I don't know it--what do you people want from me?). He's fine so far, but both of my cousins (his two children) went out to Rapid City to see him. My mother said he's feeling depressed and impatient with this extended hospital stay. He's got some blindness in one eye, and is favoring one side of his body when he walks. His speech is also a bit affected. The doctors say it should all return to normal. He'll be in the hospital for a while yet, but no details on exactly how long. My grandma (my uncle's and my mom's mom) died of a stroke. It was a very unpleasant morning in our home in June of '94. She had been living w/ us for a few months; since she had been having some issues. She had a minor stroke (my mother told me the same thing that my uncle had) and then was rushed to the hospital where she had a major stroke and died. That's what frightens me. My uncle also recently (4 years ago or so?) had gastric bypass surgery, and I guess it's no secret that it can be very hard on your body. His health was not great due to his weight, so the surgery was kind of a gamble anyway, stay unhealthy, things will happen, take the chance on the surgery, and things could also happen. The other half believes these current issues could easily be related to this surgery from years ago. At any rate, I'm a little worried about this whole thing. I've always regarded my uncle (as I said before--another dad to me) as a very strong guy...at least outwardly. He's one of the most sensitive, kind people I know. Our birthday is coming up this Friday (we share that special day--he told my mom when it was getting close to my birth that come hell or highwater, she would have me on his birthday. Of course my mom told him off--and then I was born on his birthday--take that Mom!). I'll be thinking and wishing really hard on that day (and every other day obviously) that he comes out of this the same person. He's such a good guy. I love him so much...it would be heart-wrenching to see him lose his personality or become some sort of invalid. He always makes me laugh. I used to get such a kick out of him when I was a kid...when I would talk to him on the phone, he would do his (actually quite good!) Donald Duck voice. Always loved that. I guess I'm taking a walk down memory lane early...cuz he will be okay. I have faith in that (how's that crazy-Red Line lady?). What makes me angry is that he worked for his company for over 30 years, and last year finally retired. It was his dream to leave eastern SD and move to the Black Hills. He did, and was much closer in distance to my mom. They have a very special relationship...it's something I've always admired. They clearly don't like to be apart. Now, not even a year after retirement, this. What a stroke of genius, universe!

I don't necessarily point this out to my cousins or my siblings, but I always felt I had a very special bond w/ Uncle Gary. Perhaps it was the shared birthday. I'm not sure. And this is not meant to hurt feelings or start fights...but I always got the feeling that I was his favorite; maybe because I did make the effort to wait to be born on his same special day. Okay, enough memory lane talk. Looking forward to seeing you soon Gary, in tip-top condition. Be patient and good things will come back around. You've got a lot of retirement to enjoy. You've earned it! Love you!