Sam begin his birthday attempting to make himself feel good enough to welcome the day. He showered and dressed and said he would try a little hot cereal on the porch. I brought him the small stack of birthday cards to open, and he gave it a valiant effort.

Just a few bites in, he decided he probably ought to get back in bed.

This afternoon, as I work on the laptop, he is at the local hospital getting fluids after his pump unhook, still not feeling the best.

His daughter arrives this evening, and I am hopeful her presence will lift his spirits and these fluids will begin to make him feel like he’s ready to take on a new decade.

I am grateful for quarantine parties and the invited guests who sent cards for Sam to enjoy.

I am grateful for blankets and saline and nausea meds and a pump unhooked.

And I am grateful for this day, any way it happens. He’s here. That’s what matters.