LAUGHTER THE BEST MEDICINE

It has been a very rough 4 days since my last entry. I went to see Pierre in ICU as he was was critical. Trying to get a flight with very short notice was a problem and in the end I drove to Johannesburg. I felt like a celebrity as I had a lot of camera's flashing me all the way (Speed camera's)...... I reached Jo'brg in record time safe and sound.

I was allowed by the staff to see him for a few minutes only. Being a qualified nurse could not prepare me for what I saw and how I felt. If you look at his foto on today's entry u will See he has an acute sense of humor. Always full of jokes in a dry cynical at times sense of humor......He was not holding his own and everything was being controlled and treated. Luckily I was staying with my other brother Mike and his wife Estelle. strange how just being amongst people you love helps so much. I slept 8 hours that evening fr the first time since Hannes had left. The next day his condition was much the same. I did not really like to now a little of the medical side as all the what iff's are always there........My mom arrived from Cape Town and was very shaken to see her son in ICU. Luckily she was also amongst her other children. That evening we went out for dinner and that is where the laughter began and I realised that we have superb coping mechanisms for stress and worry. Pierre's one daughter, Marquax, had a wonderful idea. She brought an IPod to him with one of his favourite songs and got permission from the doctor and staff to play it for him. The song was from Harry Belafonte. The name is "Mamma look a boo boo dere" The songs goes like this: Mamma look a boo boo dere. Oh no dat is your daddy. Oh no, my daddy can't be ugly so. Shut your mouth, go away, mamma look a boo boo dere ....ect. This is such sharp humor as Pierre,we all know, will laugh his backside off at this. The songs are different every day and his kids choose them to motivate him, and also fit the situation. We had so many funny thing to tell about him at table that night and all was so good as we all felt better and stronger after dinner. His children know him so well. His eldest daughter, Bicki, said to him that she will not shave her legs until he is awake, so he better hurry up.!!!!! I believe he hears us in his subconscious as the next day he stated slowly to stabilise although he was still very ill. I also believe in a persons will to get better has a huge influence on the circumstances. The combination of wonderful doctors and their knowledge with the patients will is a good combination. Pierre is so strong willed and always in control, that he cannot wait to get better and start with all his challenges again.......... The next big laugh I had by myself, as I has left in such a rush that the overnight bag I packed seriously lacked clothes, underwear. toiletries ect. In fact I packed a pair of shoes and a toothbrush and one blouse.I had to go shopping the next morning. So thanks Pierre I now has new jeans and underwear (which i needed but never took the time to go and buy.) JC my eldest son also came to see me and we had a good time together, and with all the other family at the table. We went to my favourite Chinese restaurant and we had an evening filled with laughter, stories and personal memories about Pierre.

I left this morning and went to see him in ICU and he really looked a little better and slowly making his progress in the right direction. I will now go to Dubai n Tuesday with a lighter hart. I went to see Rossouw, my middle son, and met his new girlfriend. She is very nice and Sweet and good to Rossouw. The two of them begged me to stay so that we can visit some more, but I had to get back to Dian as he was alone. I am Happy. When I got home, Dian my youngest son, was so glad t see me and said it is not nice without me. That made me feel so good. All 3 my boys kept phoning while I was travelling to find out that I was still OK and gave me instructions to drive safe and phone them to say that I am safe at home. They are now taking the new responsible role in my life. Wonder if it is because Hannes is not here, or just that they are getting mature and now the right way to do things......

Hannes seems to be settling in well but I think he is a little lonely. He goes for swims in the sea over weekends, and goes to our apartment's gym. He had a South African get together to watch rugby today with a braai . He wore his Springbok supporter jersey as well. I only have 2 more sleeps then I go to Dubai. I cannot wait.

I realised today that Dubai is 2 hours ahead of us. I thought it was only an hour, but Hannes confirmed today it is 2 hours ahead.

Hannes did the cleaning of the apartment and has to iron his own clothes. Here came the next laughter for me. He says he questions his Dubai decision only when he is cleaning and ironing. Other than that he is still very excited about this move and decision. He joked and said that you nearly do not have to turn the meat on a braai as the fire from the bottom and the sun and heat from above does the job......

I was worried about my visa to Dubai but it arrived today, so I now can leave on Tuesday without any delays. All i have left to do is pack and beautify myself in the hair department and off I go. Dian is settled at school and is in the middle of his trial exams while I am away. I was very proud of Dian as when I arrived tonight the flat was neat and tidy. He went out tonight to see some friends for a while, but he phoned me early to fetch him. I think he did not have a good time. We will chat tomorrow as he was not in the mood to discuss what happened.......

I will add a foto album application when I am in Dubai to share all the foto's of my visit with you all. I just have t go and figure out how to do this.........

I do not have much more now in my mind so I am off to bed......

Chat later again. L