Mitzvos

There are many different groups that provide food and "manpower" to the Ronald McDonald House. Today, breakfast was provided by a local Synagogue. In a conversation with a very nice retired gentleman from the group, I asked what would the proper Jewish term be for their act of kindness. (Since saying that it was Christian act of kindness seems insensitive.) He told me that "love thy neighbor" was a Mitzvos-a commandment and that was what they were doing today.

While Christi slept soundly this morning (She had a restless night.)I took the opportunity to visit with another family that is staying here. They are from Uraguay. They related that they traveled here to seek the great care of CHOP for their son's Medullablastoma. It reminds me again that although we travel 500 hundred miles for Christi's care, we are very, very fortunate to have access to the greatest healthcare in the world. Uraguay is a small country with an agricultural base and one large capital city with the balance of the population in small towns. We compared notes on how generous people have been in supporting us in our quest to save our children's lives. He said there is a saying in Uraguay "Puebla Chica Fierno Grande". Roughly-small town, big hell-meaning that when help is needed everyone in a small town pitches in...thankfully we are from a puebla chica. Thank you everyone for your continued support.

Shayla & Angela went to check out the new Walmart after church today. They ran into some friends. Here's an extra thank you to Tom Leis for the assistance he provided to my wife today!

The highlight of our past two days in Philly was the visit from Dave and Sharyn Kerschner. Not only did they provide excellant eats, but they were very thoughtful in choosing items to keep us entertained. Christi and Aunt V started the "Anne of Green Gables" book while I promptly lost in the Jenga tournament.

With no immunity now, there is not a whole lot that we want to do out in the public; however, being locked in the RMH seems like a form of incarceration. Hopefully, Christi wakes with some spunk to keep me entertained today. Yesterday she had little ambition to leave the room at all. It is a challenge to manage my spring fever and her desire for quiet solitute. Each day I try to exercise so as to burn off my pent up physical energy. I have been fortunate to take some long runs down the Schulykil Banks Trail into Fairmont Park. These long jaunts seem to mellow me out sufficiently to attend to Christi's whim's.

Her sense of humor remains in place despite her low ambition. Last night as she emerged from the bathroom after shaving Aunt V's head bald declaring, "hair's for squares". She continues to get digs in on me whenever the opportunity arrises. After grilling her with questions about how she was feeling and not getting any response I just stood there and sighed.....a few moments later she finally looked up and said, "Were you talking to me??" Each night around midnight she comes up with a challenge for me usually involving some sort of food she is craving. So far I have been able to deliver, we'll see what she comes up with tonight.