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Into The Wilderness ...

A Most Unusual Day ...

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		$computer woes {CW:_(}$

[quote][i]Originally posted by richfed[/i]
[br]... for me, anyway.

[b][u]Saturday, December 21, 2002[/u][/b]

I was alone. That, unto itself, is unusual for me. All day to myself.

My turn had come to sit with my little [very], nearly 11 week old daughter, Sophia ... hospitalized since birth. This'd be in Asheville, a 45, or so, minute ride west of here. The night before, I dreamed of pancakes - really, I did! - and so, I decided to have a pre-Hospital breakfast at ...

[b]IHOP[/b] ... once known simply as [i]The International House of Pancakes.[/i] It had been a very long time since I had sat down for a stack of pancakes at a place of this name. Maybe since the Hussy Bus days of 1974. Though I eagerly awaited the surge of of reminisces I surely would be overtaken by, it soon became apparent that I must've missed something during that name-change phase. I sat down, in somewhat familiar surroundings, and ordered a plate of those famous - and delicious - pancakes that had so many times before heard the formulation of great plans, dreams, and desires, along with some link sausage & coffee. I sat. And I anticipated the taste that I had for so long not tasted. I was absolutely certain that biting into those pancakes would bring to life many adventures of years ago right there on the table at "IHOPs." I poured the syrup onto the mound before me. Things had certainly changed, as I had to put my damn glasses on to read the names of the syrups! I released my mind, allowing for the memories to spew forth and with great excitement chomped down ... nothing. Nothing happened at all. There was no great reawakening. No familiar taste sensation, even. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't changed the recipe for these pancakes along with the name of the establishment. Nothing special. Just pancakes in a drafty restaurant - crowded, too, on a Saturday morning. Jeez Louise ... even the coffee carafes were of a different color ... oh well. The memories are still there.

On to my next stop ... little Sophia.

But wait, pulling out of IHOPs, there before me was the [i]Beaucatcher Cinema[/i] ... and on the marquee, along with 7 or 8 other flicks, was one [i]Gangs of New York[/i] - released just the day before. On the spur of the moment, I decided I was going to see that picture - TODAY! I pulled in to check the show-times. 3:50 was the most convenient for me. I would come back ...

[b]Memorial Mission Hospital:[/b] Compared to the bustle at IHOPs - and the usual commotion here - the parking lot was still. I pulled in, parked, and trucked on over to the 6th floor Neonatal unit- my heart pounding with excitement and anticipation, as it does every time I go to see my special daughter.

There she was, in her now familiar little "Giraffe" incubator in the corner. Ah Sophia, how I love you. And I told her that over & over & over again - all day long. She looked good. Her bruises & scabs had cleared remarkably; her skin looked smooth & soft. Color was so much better than it had been, pre-surgery. She had been breathing room air for several days, with no assistance at all, but this day, she was back on C-pap - a brace-like looking contraption that fits over her nose & supplies needed oxygen. She still breathes on her own, this just allows her to labor less. A semi-rough breathing day had convinced the staff to allow her body to focus more on growing new tissue, and less on breathing. Thus the change. That was ok. I could still see her mouth ... something you can't do when the respirator is on. And, she was back on mother's milk - tolerating it well. Early on, in my visit, she was mostly sleeping. I chatted with the nurses a bit, looked my baby over thoroughly - several times [her surgical scar well healed; her arms & legs looking fuller and more robust; still a bit bloated in the belly, but oh so much better than it had been] - and then began to read a book I had brought along to pass the time, [i]King Philip's War ... The History & Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict[/i], by 
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T O P I C R E V I E W
richfed	Posted - December 22 2002 : 08:40:51 AM ... for me, anyway. Saturday, December 21, 2002 I was alone. That, unto itself, is unusual for me. All day to myself. My turn had come to sit with my little [very], nearly 11 week old daughter, Sophia ... hospitalized since birth. This'd be in Asheville, a 45, or so, minute ride west of here. The night before, I dreamed of pancakes - really, I did! - and so, I decided to have a pre-Hospital breakfast at ... IHOP ... once known simply as The International House of Pancakes. It had been a very long time since I had sat down for a stack of pancakes at a place of this name. Maybe since the Hussy Bus days of 1974. Though I eagerly awaited the surge of of reminisces I surely would be overtaken by, it soon became apparent that I must've missed something during that name-change phase. I sat down, in somewhat familiar surroundings, and ordered a plate of those famous - and delicious - pancakes that had so many times before heard the formulation of great plans, dreams, and desires, along with some link sausage & coffee. I sat. And I anticipated the taste that I had for so long not tasted. I was absolutely certain that biting into those pancakes would bring to life many adventures of years ago right there on the table at "IHOPs." I poured the syrup onto the mound before me. Things had certainly changed, as I had to put my damn glasses on to read the names of the syrups! I released my mind, allowing for the memories to spew forth and with great excitement chomped down ... nothing. Nothing happened at all. There was no great reawakening. No familiar taste sensation, even. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't changed the recipe for these pancakes along with the name of the establishment. Nothing special. Just pancakes in a drafty restaurant - crowded, too, on a Saturday morning. Jeez Louise ... even the coffee carafes were of a different color ... oh well. The memories are still there. On to my next stop ... little Sophia. But wait, pulling out of IHOPs, there before me was the Beaucatcher Cinema ... and on the marquee, along with 7 or 8 other flicks, was one Gangs of New York - released just the day before. On the spur of the moment, I decided I was going to see that picture - TODAY! I pulled in to check the show-times. 3:50 was the most convenient for me. I would come back ... Memorial Mission Hospital: Compared to the bustle at IHOPs - and the usual commotion here - the parking lot was still. I pulled in, parked, and trucked on over to the 6th floor Neonatal unit- my heart pounding with excitement and anticipation, as it does every time I go to see my special daughter. There she was, in her now familiar little "Giraffe" incubator in the corner. Ah Sophia, how I love you. And I told her that over & over & over again - all day long. She looked good. Her bruises & scabs had cleared remarkably; her skin looked smooth & soft. Color was so much better than it had been, pre-surgery. She had been breathing room air for several days, with no assistance at all, but this day, she was back on C-pap - a brace-like looking contraption that fits over her nose & supplies needed oxygen. She still breathes on her own, this just allows her to labor less. A semi-rough breathing day had convinced the staff to allow her body to focus more on growing new tissue, and less on breathing. Thus the change. That was ok. I could still see her mouth ... something you can't do when the respirator is on. And, she was back on mother's milk - tolerating it well. Early on, in my visit, she was mostly sleeping. I chatted with the nurses a bit, looked my baby over thoroughly - several times [her surgical scar well healed; her arms & legs looking fuller and more robust; still a bit bloated in the belly, but oh so much better than it had been] - and then began to read a book I had brought along to pass the time, King Philip's War ... The History & Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict, by
12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
daire	Posted - December 27 2002 : 11:26:08 AM That was beautiful, Rich. I hope Sophia continues to improve and you can take her home soon! Doc M, there are still White Castles out there, we have some here in central Ohio. Blech. Krystal's are better.
Enchilada	Posted - December 26 2002 : 10:46:37 AM Hi Rich, I honestly had NO idea that you and Elaine had another child! Congratulations! I must've missed it somewhere along the way. However, so glad to hear that Sophia is coming along. Do keep us posted. God bless you both, and you're lovely family, Enchilada
caitlin	Posted - December 24 2002 : 6:22:17 PM quote: Originally posted by Doc M The chain is long gone, I guess, but you can get the frozen/microwavable White Castle burgers at the store. They taste like crap, of course, but the smell...Proust's madeleines have nothing on 'em. I know they still have them in Bloomington, IN. Except now they are "combined" with some chicken place... "Church's"? caitlin
Doc M	Posted - December 24 2002 : 12:31:47 PM I orginally emailed this to Rich, and he suggested I post it, so here goes: Rich, I just had to tell you how moved I was by your post, and that I'm so glad you had that special time with Sophia. It must have been magical. I have every faith she'll come home with you...soon!!! As far as IHOP, I had to laugh. No, it's not the same. My primal "food recollection" is White Castle hamburgers. I'm assuming you ate your share, as we grew up in roughly te same era and area. My dad traveled a lot and my mother hated to cook, so whenever he was away we tooled right into the local White Castle and bought a large bag to take home. There was something about that bizarre mushy meat texture and the grilled onions that was irresistable. My sister and I could usually suck down six or seven between us. And the main rite of passage in our teen years was to pile into someone's car and hang out at the White Castle parking lot after a movie, smoking cigarettes and being madly sophisticated. At that time you could still get a tray hooked to your car and a carhop would bring your order -- how cool was that?? The chain is long gone, I guess, but you can get the frozen/microwavable White Castle burgers at the store. They taste like crap, of course, but the smell...Proust's madeleines have nothing on 'em. So let's see -- in one day on your own, you experienced life, hope, tried to recapture your past, saw a movie that whipsawed you through the depths of human depravity and despair, ending with the final emotional shot of New York with the twin towers and the birth of modern America, and drove home by yourself under a star-filled sky with a full moon on a mountain road. Just another boring day, right? Thanks for sharing it with us... and wait awhile and see "Gangs" again. It's one of those movies that's so overwhelming in various ways that it deserves a second viewing. I think it's an experience like "Apocalypse Now" was, where you can love parts, hate parts, debate it endlessly, and still not grasp the whole thing. I think Scorcese is the one true authentic genius director working today who has original vision and passion, and throws it right up there on the screen, flaws and all. Have a great holiday, Ricardo ... and that goes for everybody else in Mohicanland. XXXXX Doc M
Chris	Posted - December 23 2002 : 8:05:07 PM OK, Rich. Now you've got me crying too. I echo Brenda's reaction: you are a wonderful writer. I also could see Sophia, and what a great picture! It takes my breath away. A precious Christmas present for you, and from you to all of us. Thank you. With love, Chris
Gadget Girl	Posted - December 23 2002 : 12:45:37 AM Rich, Wept (almost sobbed) at the end of GONY myself. Regarding glasses, eating out this evening with my family, I realized how age was gaining on me. DIDN'T have my glasses with me, and remarked "You know you're getting old when you have to push your Buffalo Wings away from you to decide where to bite next!" Moments like that make the sound of the years marching on a little clearer! Visiting home now for the holidays, I too enjoyed the crisp view of the mountains that day. Glimpsed Table Rock in the distance...and memories!!! Di
Brenda	Posted - December 22 2002 : 11:17:31 PM Rich, I have to say that you are an incredible writer! I swear that I could see you there in the hospital room with little Sophia, and it brought a tear to my eyes. I am happy to hear that she is doing so well!
Theresa	Posted - December 22 2002 : 6:51:39 PM Rich, It is so wonderful to hear of little Sophia's progress. Sounds like she has "turned the corner" as you've said and perhaps it won't be long now until she can come home. I know you will keep us updated as you can. As for GONY, haven't seen it yet but will most definitely and soon. In watching all of the interviews and documentaries I realize that there are so many people (myself included) that had no idea of what the times were like in New York during this period of our history. And...I understand about the glasses thingy, too! Take care of yourself and see to it that Lainey does as well. You want to be well rested for when that little darling daughter comes home. Love you guys!
ladylight	Posted - December 22 2002 : 3:42:45 PM quote: Originally posted by richfed ... for me, anyway. Saturday, December 21, 2002 IThe Drive: 45 minutes of quiet bliss as I reflected on my day ... it was quite an emotional one for me. To help me out, the sky was incredibly clear, stars aglow everywhere ... and the moon ... a nearly full, big & bright moon ... lingering low just above the Blue Ridge Mountains ... oh man! It was a most unusual day ... for me, anyway. Rex, you made me want to weep, yet I have no tears left, you've shed them all, for you, the world, and me, as well. Love you and Queenie.
caitlin	Posted - December 22 2002 : 3:40:14 PM It's so wonderful to hear about little Sophia and her progress. We look forward to your finally bringing her home. Our thoughts are with you.... caitlin
Wilderness Woman	Posted - December 22 2002 : 12:23:02 PM ...talk about tears!
securemann	Posted - December 22 2002 : 11:54:52 AM Thanks for sharing your story pal- Yeah,I know about those damn glasses too.Things just seem to get fuzzy at times.

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