Sylvia's Journal

Sylvia and Axel were able to reunite today for a few hours at Axel’s new digs. It was pure voyeuristic joy to see Axel and Sylvia reconnect, exchange kisses, and quiz each other about their respective maladies. Both look and behave markedly stronger than that at the last visit about a week ago.

The other day Axel heard some of your Guestbook entries read to him. He found these so very moving and comforting. Today he has begun reading the Journal entries himself. These were equally moving, but in a different way. The entries by Sita and Tessa, which reveal their courage, strength, and resourcefulness, brought up a father’s tears of gratitude, pride, and love. We should all have such children.

Relief #6 – Axel sat up, and then stood up, and then took steps to settle comfortably (sort of) in a wheel chair – all with the help his new “physical terrorists”. We achieved lift-off at 2:30pm ET and the Eagle landed at 2:32 PM. I don’t remember if Orville and Wilbur Wright did as well on their first flight, but Axel was superb. Once in the wheel chair Axel realized that he was able to do one more important task of daily living, drink without a straw. When sitting all the way up, even with a neck brace, the likelihood of pouring liquids down your collar diminishes dramatically. He stands. He takes steps. He sits up. Bravo.

A second realization was that he no longer had to respond to a leash – not to a bed, or wall, or anything. With catheter bag slung from his wheelchair under-carriage (reminiscent of Paul Bunyan’s mythical great ox, Babe), we were wild, free and ready to rumble.

LET’S ROLL! So, without further adieu freedom was on the move and heading for the deck garden on the roof of the third floor. With the exception of the transfer from hospital to ambulance yesterday, this was Axel’s first fresh air and open sky in two weeks. Flowers. Fountains. Tomatoes in planter boxes. Sky.

That trip outside, plus the flight from bed to wheelchair were all unexpected happy achievements today. Axel responded like anyone being informed of an imminent pardon from prison. He was breathing in the air and the real prospects of returning to a full life beyond a hospital room.

It was a big day, a turning point day, and, I’m sure he will sleep well tonight. Perhaps the first good night of sleep in two weeks.

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” – Jonas Salk