concern for the kneedy

Unfortunately, Dad got a bit damaged over Thanksgiving—he fell on his knee on the bathroom tile and was significantly injured.  Thankfully, nothing is broken, but he has been in the hospital for several days.  Alert Reader and Fantastic Friend Margaret McAllister was up to Nashville from Atlanta for Thanksgiving and along with her parents visited Dad in the hospital.  She sent me a photo of Dad's condition—no one else would, it is pretty horrific.  Even the jaded students who come through on rounds involuntarily gasp and take a half-step back.  Much to my father's delight mind you.  I hear he's gotten quite adept at milking the tension-reveal moment for all its worth (again, LOVE my dad).



Adding, well not insult but perhaps inadequacy to injury, of course the hospital is on a holiday schedule so none of the usual doctors or staff are available, and the continuity of care is severely lacking (nurses are working 12-hour shifts and so far none have been seen twice).  Today things are purported to return to their  "normal" schedule and there will be more news about his condition and expected treatment.

Thank you all for your loving concern and these will be passed on to Papa John.

On the upside, he remains in good spirits.  Dad generally generally has a really good attitude about things when he can. He's been joking around a lot and I think this photo captures the dichotomy between his injury and his mood.




Every shift they ask him lucidity questions such as "Do you know here you are?" The answer they want is "in the hospital" but he was usually over-specific in his response, along the lines of "Vanderbilt University Medical Center." Although with the preponderance of students attending to him, he has switched his response to "Vanderbilt University Medical School." That is, when he is not having a little fun at their expense.

"Do you know where you are?"
"Why, are you lost?"

Lotsa love to Papa John!