Saying Good-bye
We saw some fireworks last night from our hospital window. They were brief– lasted less than five minutes, but were pretty impressive for a private show. I wonder what they were celebrating?
Jim spent his last official day in therapy yesterday (Saturday), and he and James took a stroll around the entire 20th floor, Jim walking unassisted except for the grab bars which line the walls. Walking is slow and difficult for him, so the mere fact that James gets Jim out of the wheelchair and up on his feet each day is a minor miracle. We’re going to miss his diligence and encouragement, “Dui, dui!”
We said good-bye to Jim’s doctors and he presented Dr. Mike with a San Francisco Giants ballcap and Dr. Mary with a box of Sees chocolates. When thanking Drs. Mike and Mary for the important work they are doing, Dr. Mike had this to say: “We all need to be working together to understand and end these diseases. Thank YOU for being part of us.” Teamwork.
There’s that collective consciousness again…so different from our individualist ways. The Chinese are very good at sharing: technology, space, the road, even time. No one gets steamed up if someone else cuts a line here, it’s just not important. There’s very little, if any, road rage even though horns are used often. They’re more of a reminder; “I’m coming up on your left” or “watch out,” than an expression of anger or aggression.
China is beautiful, and thriving. The people we’ve met have been so gracious and kind. Regardless of Jim’s outcome, we are honored to have been part of the stem cell program in Hangzhou. The next few months will tell if the stem cells are able to grow and repair any of the damage to Jim’s brain. But in the meantime, we plan to live life according to the wisdom on the back of this t-shirt I saw today:
“Live Life Treasurely”.
That about says it all.
4 comments August 13th, 2007
