Functioning on Autopilot

Many of you might already know that Paulie is in ICU at a local hospital have an array of test being performed to determine what is causing his shortness of breath. It began over a week ago and has progressively gotten worse, along with several other symptoms all of which are disturbing. He had been in the hospital last month due to a gnarly leg infection so after being on antibiotics for almost a month I would have expected some kind of side effect but nothing like this. I get startled awake in the middle of the night when he is wheezing on the edge of the bed and it scares the crap out of me.

An assortment of tests are being run, checking his hearts, lungs, liver and extensive blood work. He is in the best place at the moment but it does not make it any easier to be here without him or caring for the menagerie of animals. I find missing the simplest things like chatting over dinner about our individual days and the silly jokes he typically comes home to share with me. Just tonight I realized just how much I have relied on him, even the little things like having the cash ready for the law care tomorrow which I completely forgot to get ready.

Paulie will be moved to a regular hospital room tomorrow while the tests continue, there really is no need for him to be in ICU but no bed was available tonight. As a matter of fact, his nurse, mentioned a funny term for someone like him used in the ICU - Walkie Talkie - because he is awake, aware and mobile, unlike most ICU patients. You know that made me crack up and I'll be utilizing that in as many upcoming conversations as possible! LOL

I am overwhelmed by the sweet and considerate well wishes pouring in from Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. I even told Paulie that the 'Prayer Posse' is doing their thing on his behalf, which made him laugh. Its incredible to me that people who don't know us in person still share so much love! Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us! Each and every one has made a difference.