Friday Night

Judah managed well today for the most part. He had a bout of fibrilation earlier today that surprised everyone but was under control in no time. Dr. Forman came around a little later and told us that this kind of fibrilation is unsettling, but it is not the lethal kind that we have been afraid of. He also told us that it is very common to see this kind of thing in the ICU. Also common, but more pernicious is the staph infection that Judah has sprouted out of cultures drawn from his arterial line. The doctors may consider removing and replacing the lines surgically, but for now, they've chosen to let Judah be.
Florenda, his dialysis nurse is with him now and for the next few hours. Our cousin Libby showed up just in time for Shabbos dinner under the magnolia trees. Judy and Hilda made a great meal for us. Only thing missing was Judah, of course.
As for the rock, it's amazing to see a piece of history so close. It is a very loving gift that E. Gordon sent to Judah. Mom and Iss have wrapped Judah's fingers around the velvet pouch that holds it. If there is any magic in this world, I hope it rests quietly under Judah's hands, leaking slowly into his body.