Several days ago I had asked Brad’s doctors if they could make an exception to the isolation rules of the bone marrow transplant unit and let him see the girls. They assented, but at the time Brad was still feeling sick enough that he wasn’t sure it would be a good idea. Now that he is walking more steadily and more alert, though, I suggested again that they come in to see him, and he felt more ready.
This afternoon we had a very happy and emotional reunion, all four of us. I waited until very close to the visit time to tell the girls (lest anything come up that would force us to postpone) and when I told Lucy, I said we were going to see someone and asked her who in the world she would most want to see. Her eyes and her smile both got wide and she said, “Daddy?” (When he heard this, he seemed very flattered to be ranked above Taylor Swift.)
We arrived at the family visits room on the oncology floor to learn that an eye doctor had shown up to visit Brad just as he was leaving to visit with us, so we had to wait a bit while Brad got eye drops—which, in the event, made his eyes an unearthly and unsettling green color (with invisible pupils). His eyes were almost all of Brad that the girls could see; the protocol of visits demands that Brad wear a hat, gloves, gown, mask, and booties over his socks. At first both the girls found the weird-looking eyes a bit offputting, but some hugs (pictured) broke the ice. Irrepressible as usual, Lucy was so excited she could not stop dancing in the family visits room. Brad can’t see much but he could definitely see the movement of her dancing. Lucy’s exuberance was unusually, as everyone else—including the nurses—shed plenty of tears, but they were happy ones.
We’ve had a lot of tough days and there will be more ahead, but this was a good one. And the girls and I are going back to see him again tomorrow.
The Aspiring Chimera 
So very amazing and happy (not an adequate word) for you. Not able to imagine your experience but so happy and grateful that this may be okay-/that this will work. Love to all of you–children included. Hope!!!! Love!!
LikeLike
I am sure this visit and these touches between a father and his babies are medicine for the soul. Thank you for sharing your day with us.
LikeLike
Lucy’s profile shows such an intimate moment of pure love for her father. Thank you for sharing such a precious moment.
LikeLike
Well, that must’ve been quite the day for everyone. And to rank above Taylor Swift no less. That’s something.
LikeLike
Kate dear we are all in tears this morning. How absolutely lovely. Love as always Judy
>
LikeLike
Shedding happy tears over here … what a wonderful update!! Hugs to all…
LikeLike
That is just so great. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
There is nothing more healing than a hug. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
LikeLike
Brad and I were friends back at McGill. Seems so long ago. I have been following the ups and downs of Brad’s illness and treatment with hope and, at times, a heavy heart. I haven’t spoken to Brad in years. But I am sitting in my office weeping right now, so moved by your account of this reunion and so so sad at the shitty hand you have been dealt. I am so impressed with the deep and deeply articulate humanity you are all demonstrating in the face of this. My thoughts are with you and Brad and the girls. When you next talk to Brad please pass on my kindest regards, and tell him–as I should have months ago when he was on Facebook himself–how much I valued his friendship when we were young men. Good luck.
LikeLike
The piece brought tears to my eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers
LikeLike
I’m so happy for you all to have this reunion. Thinking of you and wishing many more quickly!
LikeLike
This was a moving post. Please tell Brad I’m rooting for him, and also tell him I have him ranked two spots below Taylor Swift.
LikeLike