I almost have to laugh … there conyinue to be so many highs and lows, our lives playing out like a soap opera; filled with glamour, drama, tragedy and triumph.
Shortly after my Make-A-Wish blog entry posted, I was contacted by the Foundation. Someone had shared it with the board of directors and President of Make-A-Wish. Lulu was made the featured wish child, and they used part of the entry and pictures on their site. I soon received another call asking if I would be comfortable speaking at a fundraiser at the yacht club (I told you, GLAMA!). Of course I lied and said yes, knowing I would be very UNcomfortable beforehand, but fine once I hit the stage. Jimmy and the kids have also gotten used to these events, and I suggested we all go up together.
Lulu was unexpectedly crabby that day, and I got a phone call from her teacher letting me know Lulu was really tired and a little warm. I picked her up immediately, so grateful to be working at a nearby c’office. I got her home, laid her on the couch and wondered what we would do about the speech that evening. She had been very excited about the event and I had been throwing her a few random questions throughout the week, in preparation for her part. She perked up and was determined to participate, grabbing her rainbow piñata to bring along … somehow grasping exactly what was expected from her.
Jimmy and I volleyed the highlights of the wish trip. The kids stole the show as usual, Max with his old-soul eloquence and charm, speaking with his hands in the most natural way. Lulu chimed in, sharing excitedly her dolphin encounter, and telling the crowd that she loved Hawaii so much that it felt like she went home. We received a warm standing ovation, and felt so grateful to be able to give back to such a wonderful organization.
Lulu ended up with a fever that night, unfortunately over that magical 101 degree mark, meaning we had to go to the hospital. This would mark the beginning of more unexpected trips to Children’s, as Lulu battled the recurring flu, and multiple ear infections. The flu is much more serious and harder to treat with kids on chemo since their immune systems are compromised. She’s been on two rounds of strong antibiotics and two rounds of Tamiflu, but her fevers have continued to return.
Of course, Max got the flu too and I was scheduled for two jobs in NYC, a few days apart. To make matters worse, Jimmy’s dad had an emergency. I’m going to give you a cringe alert here, so skip this paragraph if you’re squeamish. After a routine procedure, he pulled out his own catheter accidentally. YEEEOUCH!!! He went septic and was rushed to the hospital and placed in ICU. It was touch and go for a few days, and the doc said if Jimmy’s sister hadn’t gotten him in immediately, he would not have made it.
I felt helpless in NYC, and it was strange to be the one who was working while Jimmy was dealing with the crises. My dad had happened to be coming through town heading north from Florida, and helped out. I was grateful to be able to bring home some bacon, and it was easier than I would have thought to be distracted by work. Lulu had a reprieve while I was gone, making it more palatable to be away. I was also with one of my favorite crews, people that have become my friends over the years. Lulu had generously given me her favorite bunny to ‘keep me company’ and we all had a blast taking pictures with Purple Bunny.
I got to see a friend in a Broadway show and was able to meet a couple of college buddies for a drink. One offered me free tickets to another show the next night, and I learned my college was having a reunion while I was there! I couldn’t believe my luck! That was, until … I got the flu. O. M. G. I got SO sick (cringe alert 2). I threw up about 10 times throughout the day, each time sneaking off to a (public, ugh) bathroom, and popping gum in my mouth to continue working. It was awful! My model could not have been sweeter about it. I was so grateful I had an assistant on set, and I would have her watch things as I would disappear to ‘take care of business’ throughout the day. There would be no reunion or show for me, no dinners or shopping, but I was still grateful to be there.
The studio had a great view of Freedom Tower and on my last day there, the spire was placed atop the building. What an inspiring symbol of resilience, determination and strength. A perfect reminder that it’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get back up.
I flew back home as Jimmy’s dad ended up back in ICU with breathing problems. I spent Saturday night in the ER with Lulu, who had 104 degree fever (she has bounced back once again, and was back in school yesterday). Jimmy is frantically catching up with a huge edit, and in pre-pro for a major film he’s working on this summer. We have been asked to be the featured family in Make-A-Wish’s Annual campaign. The What If Book will be published soon, proceeds going to the Go Bo Foundation, and our Love for Lulu fund. Oh, and our house has been turned upside down as Jimmy turns our attic into a home office and we get the carpets cleaned!
So, it’s best to laugh at the craziness, and only occasionally break down. We are rolling with the punches, appreciating the highs and getting through the lows, seemingly stronger and prepared by last year, which was spent in an even more dramatic fashion.
And so you have it: These are the days of our lives …
Love,
a.l.l. of us
a.l.l. of us 