Sleepless in Ithaca

Photo compliments of Mr. William Kay.

Days back in Ithaca have been wet, but great. Little Kellyn is overall very cheerful. However, at night, Dr. Jekyll arrives. She is having a heck of a time getting back into sleeping on her own - and as a result so are we. Sweet Evie does her best, but she is rocked awake with some regularity. Kellyn is tired as all get up, but is peeved off to be on her own. So, that is taking some work. Pediatrian confirmed that there is nothing related to the surgery that seems to be affecting this. So, come 7PM we get our paramilitary gear on and go head to head with her to help get her, and the rest of the family some sleep.

Looking forward to a restful weekend. I have a date with Kellyn at 10AM for ESPN's College Gameday from our west coast home of Eugene were our Oregon Ducks host the Stanford Cardinal tomorrow night. Huge game. Evie and I are planning to, delay the bedtime a bit and cook up some popcorn and watch the Ducks at 8PM. Feels like a good weekend on tap with this, fall foliage, and Ithaca Apple Festival - and some more restful nights!

I wanted to take a brief moment to send an open letter of thanks to our friends and family as well as medical staff that have assisted us along the path to recovery.

-Dan and Diane Doyle (Mom and Dad) along with Rose Merle (Mom) have been so helpful before and after surgery with places to stay, care for Evie and all sorts of support - thank you.

-Our extended family members - both Doyles and Merles. Thank you for all your thoughtfulness.

-The staff at the Strong Golisano Hospital includlng cardiac surgeons Dr. George Alfieris and Dr. Francisco Gensini along with Gina Cable. Dr. Eaton and Matt. PICU staff Dr. Karen Powers, Dr. Eugene, nurses Adrienne, Kate, Jerry, Sarah, Ginny, Beth, Stacey, Kristen, Sharon, Christine and Stephanie. The outstanding nursing staff of 4-1600 where we spent the bulk of our time including Gina S., Amy, Nancy, Patti, Holly and Maureen. All of the Patient Care Techs including Ada and Petronia as well ass the Environmental Service and Dining staff were really helpful as well. Thank you all - and the many others - we will never forget your help.

-The Ronald McDonald House staff especially Carolyn and Carol Anne. The ability to get a few hours of rest within a quick shot of Kellyn's bedside was so critical.

-Our workplaces - Tompkins County and Cornell University and many other friends who have dropped off food to help as we transition back to Ithaca - thank you.

-The many fine folks who have sent a message or note of support, or made a donation to the International Children's Heart Foundation on our behalf. Thank you.

And many, many others whom I likely am overlooking - we have been humbled by your generosity.

Thank you.