She is still here

I thought I should do a little update on my Aunt Linda....

My parents have been doing a great job on keeping us updated on her condition, and let me just say it is a veritable roller coaster. 

One minute they are calling in the family, or we are hearing things about her body shutting down, and then the next minute you hear that she is perking up and showing signs of improvement. 

But as of tonight, as I type this, my Aunt is still here and we are still holding onto hope. 

As far as her condition? It still sounds bleak: Kidneys are not working, and most likely she will be on dialysis the rest of her life. They have to take out the respirator soon and if she is not able to breath on her own then she will require a trachea. Her blood count is still elevated and she's still running a fever. And I've also heard something about maybe losing some toes. 

UGH. 

But she is here. 

My hat wearing, wig wearing, question asking, beautiful smiling, fun loving, Aunt Linda is still here. 

Lastly I just wanted to share this... Linda taught for 40 years, and one of her students wrote this about her, and I think it's beautiful. Kalen Anne Carty-Kemker 12:36am Oct 29 Linda was just my teacher at Eastern in the 5th grade, but you see, saying she was just my teacher is not even remotely correct. I was a busy, talkative student who had my desk strategically located next to her desk to try to curtail my verbal enthusiasm. I was certain that I was not particularly smart or special because I had spent most of my first few years in school bored or reprimanded...... Until "Mrs. Wisecarver". She was the first one to show me that learning is an adventure! She was the first one who never let me be bored. She was the first one who seemed to have as much energy and enthusiasm as I did. Without a doubt, I am the doctor I am because she was " just the fifth grade teacher" that she was. Although I am not a close family friend who has kept in touch, I have prayed for her daily. I cannot imagine the emotional struggles you must all be dealing with. I felt compelled to share this and you may do so as you wish. I hope someday, you will have the opportunity to share this with her along with the many other messages that I am sure she has received. Kalen