My friend Daniel and I actually did have a rupture -- I felt dismissed by him late this spring and as a result haven't been in touch, though I've certainly been thinking about him. We have been close at times. In fact, he performed Robert's and my commitment ceremony four years ago and did an admirable job. Earlier this spring, I was actually rather stunned to find myself sitting on the outside of his circle when moments earlier I was inside.
Well, by my calculations, Daniel has been in the hospital for over a month. I didn't hear about it when he first went in. But since I found out, I have tried to stay updated about his condition and to offer my support to those who are closer to him right now, including his former partner and dear friend, G.
He was quite sick and quite weak, but started to make some good progress and was even moved to a "normal" room, if any such thing still exists. Apparently, last week, he suggested that it might be nice to see me or hear from me. And of course, last night, I finally had the wherewithal to start working through the small circle of caretakers to ask if he still had the same wish.
This morning, I got the following email:
Daniel is back in CCU and he is not doing well. His breathing was getting more and more difficult and he was put on a ventilator last night. The doctors have been unable to determine what process is going on and so don't have any specific way to treat it.
At this point it seems that the only way things will resolve is if Daniel is strong enough to fight off whatever is going on. He is in a very weakened state and it is unclear that he will be able to do that.
Very grim news indeed. I've been feeling stunned all morning. The connection tightens, the connection loosens a little. Right now, I am hoping that Daniel has some hidden reserve of fighting strength and that he's able to overcome this setback. I know that he has a huge community of caring friends who are all hoping the same thing.
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