Author Archives: rkdenlinger

Matthew and Joan came home one month (to the day) after his surgery. As I was nearing the hospital Joan called me and said “Everyone is waiting. Park the car in (such and such a place – illegally, by the way) and run! They are about to start the “parade.” I made it in timeContinue reading “Home”

It is really happening. Matthew and I are leaving CHOP tomorrow, May 12!! It was exactly one month ago when we came here. The staff here will be throwing him a party, which is awesome, but our earlier than expected departure is very much mixed with grief. Over the weekend my mother became weaker. AfterContinue reading “Homeward Bound”

It is day 23 here and if the doctor’s prediction is accurate we are over halfway through this hospital journey! That makes me smile, but to be honest, it also carries with it anxieties and challenges. Matthew’s seizures are gone and everyday I am so amazed. I only realize now how many Matthew was havingContinue reading “Enduring”

Got a chance to squeeze in a quick trip to CHOP. Who’s happiest here? Really hard to tell (Kari is tuned in and loving it too – just not as expressive). Don’t we have awesome “kids?” Brothers – not sure which one appreciates the other one more. Really hard for me (Ron) to leave theseContinue reading “May Day”

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s goneIt’s not warm when she’s awayAin’t no sunshine when she’s goneAnd she’s always gone too longAnytime she’s goes away Wonder this time where she’s goneWonder if she’s gone to stayAin’t no sunshine when she’s goneAnd this house just ain’t no homeAnytime she goes away And I know, I know, IContinue reading “Sunshine”

Weekend Report… Joan says she feels like she is a volunteer for Handi*Camp (a ministry in which we served). Her “cabin” has two “campers,” Matthew and his roommate, whose mom has disappeared at the moment. Every other kid in rehab has a parent with them, except for Wayne. Wayne plays video games when not inContinue reading “Therapy and More Therapy”

Hospitalizations and times of crisis aren’t new to us. We’ve had times when Joan was in one hospital with a child and I (Ron) was with another. It was true with Kari and Ryan. It was true when we were foster parents to medically needy children. This experience isn’t quite like that, but it seemsContinue reading “Feeling old!”

Last evening at 11:00 Kari had a grand mal seizure. I wasn’t in the room, but I heard and instantly knew what it was. For the last couple days things didn’t seem right. Kari was just as awake, but not as oriented and maybe a little agitated. For over three weeks Kari hadn’t been havingContinue reading “Really good – not necessarily easy”

Notes throughout the day… Most significant update – NO Seizures! Not a single stare, funny feeling in his arm – not a thing since surgery. Dr Clancy just here with his teaching team, and they were really impressed with today’s movement. Afterward he made almost the exact comment Kennedy did the other day- ‘You (referringContinue reading “Day 10”

So my (Joan’s) sleep hours continue to be a bit wonky around here. Even so, my awake, alone times do afford me lots of time to mediate – something I had little time to do at home. I am so encouraged by your comments of rejoicing with our family as we traverse this medical path.Continue reading “Meditation”