How many hotel rooms are in Chicago?

June 9, 2005
Well, my phone calls yesterday and this morning have still not produced a reservation for Monday night. It seems there is at least one (I'm sure several more) huge convention in Chicago next week and the hotels that are the closest to Rush are all booked up. I really don't want to leave home at 2:30 am Tuesday to drive to the hospital by 5:00 am, but I will if I have to. (the first train out of Dune Park does not get to Van Buren St. until 5:38.) Our original plan called for us to take the South Shore up to the Loop on Monday afternoon, check-in to our hotel and go somewhere for a "nice bowl of soup", then hit the sack early and be at the hospital by 5am. I'm sure it would be less stressful for both of us, so I'm still working on it.

Katie made spaghetti & garlic bread for dinner last night; Earl was salivating when he walked in & smelled it, but after a gallant effort with approx. 2 T. of spaghetti on his plate, he then tried to eat the tuna noodle casserole that he had taken in his lunch box. I would say about 1/3 of that made it down, then it was on to the Boost. If it were not for those nutritional drinks like Ensure & Boost, I'm sure he would have lost more than the 15 lbs. he has already lost.

You know how after you buy a new car you always see several just like it? I never even knew it was possible to have this surgery and live to tell about it. Three of our friends (or family) have told us about at least one person they know who has had their esophagus removed. All are apparently adjusting to life after surgery. I think it would be a good idea for Earl to talk with these people, but he will have to make that decision himself.

Thanks again to everyone for your kind notes and your prayers.