Sept 7, 1979 - A Night of Terror

" Sept 7, 1979, Friday

Mommie and I went to visit you at the hospital.  You had a little set-back because your isolette was allowed to get too cool. We became very upset.  The Doctors told us you are having a couple of tests - a blood culture and a urine culture.

After dinner tonight we, your Mom, Aunt Mary Beth and I, went to the hospital again.  Boy, did you give us a scare.  You looked dreadful.  You had just had one of those apnea spells.  You didn't look like yourself at all.  You were pale yet almost purplish looking.  Once you got over the apnea and got breathing again you looked better.  We sure wish you'd start picking up because you're scaring us out of at least a year's growth.  I'd use another expression but Grandma doesn't want to teach you bad language. A nurse by the name of Mary took care of you till 11:30.  Then John Kane came on for the 11:30 - 7:30 shift.  Mommie, Aunt Mary and I were very impressed with John.  He made us feel confident that you are going to make it.  Did you know it's very difficult to have a strong faith at times like tonight?  Grandma believes that "nothing happens unless it's God's Will or He permits it". As you get older you'll realize what I mean.  Your life is very precious to us.  We also know that it's precious to God, too. That He loves you and has given you the gift of life.  We ask God to give us the faith to live this belief and put our Faith in Him.

You are lucky because your Mom and Dad love you very much.  Your mother called your Dad and he came up to Albany to see you.  He was sleeping when Mom called and he drove up almost immediately. He was so tired that he had to pull off the road.  We were happy to hear that he had the good sense to do that.  We were worried that he'd have an accident.

Aunt Mary Beth is crazy about you, too. And of course, Grandma thinks you're great too.  Please, please, do you best to give us a big surprise tomorrow by being 100% better.  With God's help and all the medical attention you can do it!   Love, Grandma"

I remember the terror of this night very well.  We thought we were loosing Luke and the pain was unbearable.