Pen, proszę (Sleep, Friend), Round II

ANOTHER UPDATE ON WALT’S CONDITION:  He’s home!   🙂 “Rest and TLC rules the day. He’ll be back to okay sooner than soon. (Knowing him, it will be even sooner than that!) Thanks. Melissa”

To This Wonderful Poetic Community:

I’ve received more news on our Fearless Leader, and have been given his blessing to share with all of you here. Below is what Walt’s lovely daughter, Melissa, had to say.

“I’m not sure what my father had revealed as to his sleep disorders. He has struggled through sleep apnea as well as narcolepsy and recently restless leg syndrome and insomnia at times. I can tell you his recent situation is a bit more serious. He has had violent episodes in his sleep – punching, kicking, screaming and even flinging himself out of bed.

Last week he had one such turn and had smashed his head against the nightstand. He has a slight fracture of his skull and suffered a major concussion; he has been disoriented and very confused. The vision in his eye has been affected. The doctor suggests he may have even had a mini-stroke.

But as things progress, hopefully he will be home sometime this week. He has been comforted by your concerns and prayers. He appreciates that very much. My family thanks you all again for your friendship and support. It eases things a great deal. I will keep Marie abreast of his condition.”

And then, just later today, Melissa updated me with some good news. She believes he will be released from the hospital tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. They will have an aide available, and an Occupational Therapist. She said she saw him at lunch today, and that the swelling and bruising have gone down. He is having problems with the vision in his right eye. Melissa says, “It is blurred and is slow in clearing due to the swelling.” He is sporting an eye patch. Always knew he leaned toward being a pirate, eh?

You know our Walt …  he is frustrated because he wants to write, but the “words won’t come.”  We all know just how hard that would be on him. I’m guessing that is nearly as painful as the head injuries he suffered.

Melissa wants you all to know that Walt very much appreciates all the wishes and concern from all of you. She says they “continue to roll in,” and he is touched by the “love.”

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Published on June 24:

All,

Walt’s condition is worse than I let on yesterday.  Most of you will remember that in October of 2011, he was hospitalized for treatment for a severe sleep disorder.  He is back in the hospital again, with complications from this condition.

Walt’s daughter Melissa has kindly kept me informed, and is more than willing to pass along any prayers, poems, and well wishes to her dad.  They may be sent to wojisme@roadrunner.com .  As I told Melissa, I think that’s a great idea, and will remind him that there are those of us out here who think highly of him and miss his presence.

PLEASE KEEP ALL INFORMATION OFF FACEBOOK, as not all family members have been informed of our dear friend’s hospitalization.

Last October, Dyson McIllwain wrote the most compassionate and insightful poem for Walt.  Dyson, I hope you don’t mind my sharing it again.

Thanks to all of you for your care and compassion.

Marie Elena

HOLD YOUR BREATH
(By Dyson McIllwain)

Treading to keep your head above water,
catching a lungful from time to time.
Going down too many times to count,
but you struggle to survive. You remain
alive with the words that drip with the emotion
that has always been your forte. Drowning in a sea
of night sweats and blankets tangled, and things
that go bump have you stumped as your sleeplessness
offers only anxiety and paranoia. Hold your breath
and allow rest to resuscitate your muse.
You’ve abused yourself far too long. Be strong
and let nature heal what it has destroyed.
The king is not dead, he merely sleeps.
We think it is about time.