Small update: StE's breathing on his own, and is "stable", though still critical. They're keeping him on the vent for now, to supplement his breathing. But his nurse sounds very positive. We're breathing a bit easier. I believe all the good wishes help, I really do. Thank you all.

Any vibes or ~ma that you could aim toward Boston would be greatly appreciated. My sister's surgery and cancer staging is today.

I have been and will be grey for the next few weeks as I've had to leave my new, stuff-still-in-boxes apartment to come to the Vineyard to take care of my niece and nephew (my sister got her diagnosis two days after taking the kids on vacation). Don't know when I'll be back home but I'll try to check email every few days at the library.

Posting on Calli's behalf:

Calli's mother died early Sunday morning, surrounded by her family. I saw Calli tonight at her mother's visitation, and asked for permission to post this here, because I knew that you all were keeping her in your thoughts. She asked me to thank all of you for all of the kind words and thoughts and hugs you've already given.

Calli is doing OK, all things considered. She expects to be back at home on Friday.

Some ~ma please. I have to take S to the ER right now. I won't go into detail, but it's for something we've been to the hospital twice already this year, and something we thought was finally taken care of. I'm really frightened and freaked out.

Many of you have my cell number, but I lost that cell, so I can't be reached there, sorry.

Bit of a late night check-in. I'm back at home, about to try to get some sleep. S is still in the hospital, but doing a little better. I hope to be taking her home within a couple of days, but it's unlikely to happen tomorrow (Thursday). Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. It helps.

I could use a teeny bit of job-ma for a meeting about a part-time, work from home gig that could be easy money.

I have left UPS, whoop!, and started writing/freelancing fulltime (freak out!). Needless to say, I am very nervous about this, losing my health insurance (but getting UPS retiree insurance) and so on, but things are going well enough, so far, that the decision is justified. Mostly.

Any spare ma you can direct my way would be appreciated...

S is home from the hospital, though we'll have to go for a follow-up visit or two. We're both relieved. That will likely last only until we get the bill.

Thanks all for your thoughts and prayers.

Beverly asked me to let you know that her son's condition has deteriorated and they have, at the doctor's advice, called relatives to come to the hospital. There still is a small chance of recovery, so good thoughts for his health and for strength and peace to Beverly and her family would be appreciated. She does ask for no one to try to call her.