In a change from my usual diaries, I wanted to post something lighter. There will be a bit of an update along the way, but the main thrust of this diary will be somewhat lighter. But first:
THANK YOU!!
I will never forget what you all have done for Kim and our boys. Because of you all we have already begun work on getting our house ready to go. This weekend was spent on finishing flooring, and getting the garden tub fitted in the master bathroom (doctor approved - Kim needs something big and comfortable to bathe in!) and the rest of the week will involve arranging septic system and foundation for the house itself.
We have a great quote on a toter and crew for actually pulling the house in, which will be in the next 1-2 weeks, and then it'll be moving-in time!
None of this would have been possible without you!
I have been moved, stunned, amazed, gobsmacked by the outpouring of support from Daily Kos. I've been active here a while, on and off, and have seen this site grow and become a community that we can all be justifiably proud of, and today, Kim and I are proud and happy to call ourselves a part of this. Everything that follows from here on can be attributed to you all. You amaze me. You humble me. You all have our gratitude.
To anyone reading this who needs help, and who hasn't plucked up the courage to ask, please do. It's only in the depths that we can see how genuinely good our fellow humans are, and around here, there are some very good people!
I'd like to thank njm, WYgalinCali, BMScott, Aji, Besame, DoReMI, Avilyn, Mvgal92691, and everyone else who simply rolled up their sleeves and tweeted, shared, donated, supported and generally spread the word about our cause. You all inspire me. And to everyone I left off that list, I apologise; if anything, there were simply so many people who helped I couldn't keep up!
On a slightly more serious note; our story is one of millions in this country. Healthcare debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. Think about that. Bankruptcy and healthcare. Two words that shouldn't even be in the same sentence together are the norm in this country! We need to bring that to an end, and we will do all that we can to ensure that outcome.
Finally, a little update. Kim's doing ok, still weak and tired, but calmer, happier than I've seen her in months. Her ultrasound revealed no major issues related to her circulation, so no worry there. Her treatment continues, her levels are coming into balance, and her markers are slowly inching in the right direction. We have a long way to go, but we have a strong team behind us, both at the hospital and here.
You are all awesome. Never forget that. And never forget the stakes we fight for; healthcare, an equitable and just society, criminal justice reform, the machinery of society itself, but all of it, at heart, a story of people.
Healthcare always has a human face at heart. For me, past the debates and the hand-wringing, it has one face; one I will love forever. And she thanks you.
Callum and Kim