Categories: It Happened to Me

A little goodwill, please

I’m worried about my Dad, who’s in the hospital at the moment.

Dad was the recipient of a kidney donated by his sister last year. To ensure that his body doesn’t reject this replacement hardware, he takes drugs to suppress his immune system. The price that he pays for an extended lease on life is that these drugs effectively turn him into a human analogue of Microsoft Windows: he’s vulnerable to infections of all sorts, and sometimes I just want to scream at the Manufacturer, who conveniently has a monopoly on this sort of thing.

He came down with a fever this weekend, and he’s now in the hospital with some kind of infection that’s manifested itself in his toe. This is no way to start a retirement; I was looking forward to taking him out to lunch regularly, not visiting him in the hospital.

If you’re the praying type, please throw in a good word for him (especially if you happen to be the coolest priest I know) or slay a chicken or goat for him if that’s your bag. If you’re not the praying sort, maybe you can spare a kind thought. Hey, if you’re into Feng Shui, could you perhaps straighten a picture or move your coffee table a couple of inches for his speedy recovery?

Thanks, folks.

Joey deVilla

View Comments

  • I knew clicking on "ordain me" on the Universal Life Church website years ago would pay off. I've put in a fast-track request to set things right ASAP. Your dad is in good hands!

    Best wishes, and strength to your father.

  • I visit the sick at our local hospital, so you could say I've been pumping iron for this kind of thing. I'll pray for your Dad. Take care of yourself, too! Whenever I or a family member gets sick with something strange it makes me a little paranoid, as if I've nearly been hit by a falling piano -- I think, "Have I suddenly been transferred into some sinister Warner Brothers cartoon universe?"

    -- Lisa Williams in Watertown

  • I've had a lot of practice lately too. It's a tough time, for some reason. Too many people hurting.

    At any rate, lots of good thoughts to you and your dad.

    - The Redhead

  • Sending positive vibes to your Dad and you. Hoping for a speedy recovery and many lunches out on the town soon.

  • I have been of the opinion that all the good luck, that I have not been recieving for the last few years, is best being given to other people. This could have been a great week but it wasn't so all that good luck will be directed your dad's way. Speedy recovery Accordian Senior!

    tbit anon

  • Consider it done. Goodwilll, and prayers are now being sent to you and your family.

    Joshua in Virginia USA

  • Hey, guys, thanks for all your prayers, good thoughts, positive vibes, slain goats and moved couches! Much appreciated.

  • Been there a couple of times, so I know what it feels like. I really hope everything goes all right for your dad.

    Best wishes, Javier.-

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