Sleepless nights

I've had a very busy week which culminated is a long-sleepless night worrying about my daughter. This week started like any other week. I fretted and worried about work and my responsibilities at home. But this week was different. I had to teach a corrections class at Columbia Basin College. So after work each night I would drive to the college and teach until 8:30 pm. This did not leave a lot of time with Kat and Kylee at night and as this week wore on I was starting to get depressed.

Last night was my last class for the week and I was able to get off early. Excited to be able to see my wife and daughter and glad to be finished with the class I hurried home. Kat called me while I was on the road and told me that Kylee was throwing up in the car. As we both pulled into the driveway I could see that Kylee was not feeling well. When we got her into the house she immediately wanted to go to the bathroom. She had the back door trots and sat on the toilet for a long time. Kat went to the store to buy 7up and pedialite. At the time we thought she just had the stomach flue. She started to throw up and continued throwing up about every half-hour. Kathleen was in tears and I was on the verge of breaking down myself, but I tried to remain supportive and helpful. After Kat called Kylee's doctor we decided that we should take Kylee to the hospital.

We rushed Kylee to the hospital to find that there would be a 2 hour wait. Kylee continued to vomit, but fortunately did not have the runs any more. She was miserable, Kat was emotional, and I just wanted both of them to get better. After two and a half hours we were finally able to meet with a doctor. He gave Kylee a nausea medication that has recently been released to the general public. Apparently then used to use the medicine for cancer patients. Kylee was supposed to keep the medicine down for 20 minutes. Ten minutes after taking the medication she threw it up. So they tried once more. Kylee kept the medicine down and after she ate a Popsicle we were released from the hospital.

We finally made it home this morning around 3 am. Shortly there after Kylee threw up again. She was feeling a little better. Kat had to be to work by 7 am so we all slept in the front room. I rocked Kylee in the recliner while Kat slept on the couch.

Kylee has been tired today, but is getting back to her old self. If she is feeling up to par tomorrow we hope to join Grandpa Daryl, Uncle Jeremy, Ashlee, Devi, DJ, and Ethan tomorrow to go fishing and camping at Scootney reservoir. So far so good.

It's moment like these that makes me question why I do the things I do. Although Kylee is doing fine now I do not know what I would do if something happened to her, Kat, or anyone of you. Right now I feel really selfish for teaching class...all in the hopes to make a few extra bucks. But...it is also moments like this that make me realize that I have come a long way in my life. I am proud to have the compassion and examples of my father and grandfathers. I love each and everyone of you!

Forever in my heart,

Joe