#180 / 2011 Winter: Albuquerque

JOE'S LAST STORY
#180

While driving past the south entrance to Bosque del Apache our VW broke a fan belt. We spent a quiet night on Highway 1. Not one motor car drove by from 8 pm and sunrise. Pamela used her AAA privileges just before the card expired. We were towed to the Artesian Hot Springs in T or C and the owner of the RV Park, Bill, replaced the belt.

Then I broke down and Pamela hauled me to the emergency room on the Emerald Coast. My right calf had been painful for two weeks. I was limping to the beach. When my ankle swelled up it was time to seek help. Our friend wZ recommended the Sacred Heart Hospital at Miramar Beach. 

An examination revealed a deep vein thrombosis which could lead to a pulmonary embolism. They expeditiously admitted me to room 219 with oxygen in my nose and a cable connected to a blood vessel. They inserted an umbrella like net in my groin area to prevent an embolus from reaching my lungs or brain. 

Pamela moved us in and it was more fun than a Holiday Inn Select. Our cozy quarters had cable TV, WiFi, and a bedside phone to talk to family and friends from around the country. If I chat with someone on her TracFone she is soon giving me the wrap it up sign from our studio production days. With incoming calls on a land line she did not worry about the frivolous consumption of her minutes. And room service brought us hot meals on a tray. 

The Sacred Heart Hospital is a not-for-profit service whose primary mission is to serve the poor. They have a wonderful staff devoted to high quality health care. While talking to the doctor I complained of a pain on the left side of my belly. A scan revealed a suspicious lesion on my liver and pancreas. So they used skewers to extract a core sample of my internal organs for a biopsy. Now in addition to my dermatologist I might have to find me an oncologist. 

Thanks to the e-mails and phone calls. Such positive energy helps bolster the healing process. Pamela gives me two injections a day of Lovenox to manage the blood clots. The VW and I are back on the road. Below are a few e-mails from friends:

This is one of those times in life when you reach a junction or a crossroads. One path leads to spiritual advancement, and the other leads to confusion and much sorrow. Which road to choose?  When in doubt, always go with your heart. As Pascal said, "The heart has its reasons about which reason knows nothing." You can always go to Mexico later. Get well first, worry about the future later. Of course, the one sure way to make God laugh is to make a plan. So I would concentrate on the basic task of putting one foot in front of the other. Isn't that the meaning of progress? 

Steve Jackson

PH & JS, I've spent a bit of time on the Redneck Riviera, Ft. Walton and thereabouts...know Destin fairly well.  It ain't that far from N'ville.  If it turns out that you'll be there awhile, I may drive down to tell jokes to Joe and make his stitches hurt from laughing.  'Least I could do for a friend...you're both in my prayers.  

Grant Houston

You know, I have great memories of Windows on the Cumberland, and Mr. Gatti’s Poetry n Pizza – Volcanic Heat (my experiment in multi-voice poetry) - the two of you were so supportive of me, and the other me (Larry & Larry, my experiments in poetry with drums).  I was not at all surprised to read the testimonials in Scott’s e-mail with tales of all of the seeds of support you have planted across our land – poetry sprouting everywhere! Joe, you are the Johnny Appleseed of the American poetry scene!  Pamela, you are the nurturing rain.  I love you both!!

Larry Simons

And humor: OK, I've just got to say this upfront: I am VERY jealous. Pretty nurses, bedside attention, and the Florida Coast in November... you know that if it wasn't for the fact that Joe can't drink anymore, I'd probably be willing to trade places with him right now! 

Durable Brad