In 2007, when Tim was in the hospital, he let me take a few photos. When I was in his room Thursday night, going through a bag he usually hauls around with him, I found his camera. When my eyes lit up, he said, “NO.” But if you ever think I’m a wonderful friend, let me dispel that with what I did when he was helpless while phoning home yesterday:
His room looks over the entrance to the Houston Zoo. If anything escapes, we’ll be in the perfect spot to watch the drama unfold. He also has a view of the downtown skyline. At least he does if he sits up, scoots down, and can focus through the pain (pausing for groan at the pun):
Apparently, X-rays show that his lung keeps trying to collapse again. This is the reason for surgery, which has now been rescheduled for Monday afternoon. They are removing scarred parts of his lung and assure him he won’t even miss them. Then they are attaching his lung to his chest wall so it won’t collapse again. It sounds like a good time to me!
I spent the afternoon with him yesterday and am about to see him again before Greg’s signing. Friday evening, Rhonda and Lindsey arrived at the hospital with Greg and a care package containing movies, gum, magazines, and an electronic device with some word games (which he told me on the phone last night he likes). After he received the wrong dinner (all liquids), they finally delivered a cheeseburger and fries. I don’t know if it was any good, but he scarfed it down. We left him in good spirits, considering. I know it was nice for him to see something other than hospital walls and my old face for a change.
Note to Tim stalkers: There’s a policeman stationed outside Tim’s room 24/7. We suspect one of his roommates may be entangled with the law in some way. Tim really should write a group of short stories detailing the colorful cast of characters he’s met on his two stays in this hospital.
I arrived home last night to the best evening ever. Greg had spent the afternoon making his fantastic potato and leek soup. Rhonda and Lindsay and Tom made a big salad. All the dogs were fed and happy. We ate, watched Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and Lindsey baked cookie brownies which she and Tom served up hot with scoops of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. I suspect we had a better night than Tim. Well, most of us did. Then there were the ones who don’t understand why he doesn’t come home:
Sad Rex curling up next to Greg.
Tyson ignoring toys.
For those who asked, you can send cards to Timothy J. Lambert, P.O. Box 131845, Houston, TX, 77219. Thank you again to everyone who’s been checking on him.
Thanks for the update, Becky!! Sending good thoughts down Houston way!!!
Thank you, Gary. =)
My thoughts and prayers to Tim. That surgery doesn’t sound like fun, but hopefully not having to worry about a collapse lung sound really good. Willie Nelson wrote in his autobiography about his own experience with having one of his lungs collapse and it didn’t sound too pleasant!
However, taking pictures of Tim while helpless? Now that’s funny! 😀
Yes, I’m a terrible person to use my cell phone camera against him.
Thank you, Jeff, for all your good thoughts directed this way!
Becky, when it comes to cellphone cameras, it’s every man for himself . . . or Southern belle for herself! 😀
I was going to send him a DVD, but I can’t find Coma anywhere. 😉
It’s too bad he needs to have surgery, but hopefully that’ll take care of the problem.
We only get police watching a patient if there’s been a threat against them, say they were an attempted murder victim. If they’ve been arrested, they drop them off on our unit and tell us to call them when the patient is discharged so they can take them to jail. See, we’re helping to save tax dollars!
Oh, man, his poor roommate is HANDCUFFED. All the time! I’ll save the stories for Tim to tell.
Wow. Blue polka-dots. Just when you thought hospital gowns couldn’t get sexier.
Best thoughts to him.
I think it’s the off the shoulder look he’s going for that makes the outfit work, ‘Nathan. 🙂
The come-thither shoulder is quite alluring, but doesn’t it strike you as a tad outre?
He’s working it.
Hospital gowns are not quite as hot as reading… Thanks, ‘Nathan.
Tell his lung to stop doing that!!! It’ll listen to you. Poor baby dogs 🙁 Thanks for the update.
Don’t you worry–I’m giving his lung a stern talkin’ to.
Thank YOU. =)
Poor Rex and Tyson; they really do look sad. I hope all goes well with Tim’s surgery. More good wishes coming your way.
Thank you, David. =)
All the best to Tim, Becky (and to you, too. Must be very stressful and upsetting having this going on). You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Chris. Everything good being directed this way definitely makes a positive difference to us all!
Thanks so much for the update – hope Tim’s surgery goes well.
The dogs do look a bit sorry, but since they’re being well fed and no doubt spoiled to the hilt, I’m sure they’ll be okay!
It’s so good to know you’ve got good, caring friends around you at this time.
Thanks!
Friends are the best. Surgery is Monday at 3, unless something changes, and I’ll definitely be updating. Thanks so much.
And yep, the dogs are getting extra love and attention. We’re already plotting how to get Tim and Rex back together in a way that won’t result in Rex leaping on him and taking out another vital organ. =)
At least he’s already out a uterus. ;P
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’ve been away and just got home a few hours ago. I hope Tim is okay and stays okay and will always be okay. Thanks for the address.