Red barchetta

My lie in. Hard to get myself going. Completely weary. The boy did not lie in. Also tired. Smooth transfer to local hospital. The boy missed the excitement of the ambulance journey by sleeping through it. Local hospital gave us warm welcome.

After my lie in I found it so hard to get going (the wife found much the same yesterday). Getting ready a real effort of will. As if the extra sleep reminded me of the sleep deficit.

The boy playful, if tired. Had refused to go to sleep until very late. And got up early. He had been playing in the little outside area. Then he and I tottered off to the neuro ward to say goodbye. Well, I said goodbye, he wanted to play with the red and yellow car.

Met the parent of a girl who had been on the ward with the boy previously. A truely upsetting experience. They have been having a terrible time. Their child is very, very ill. So shocking after we saw her walk in only a few weeks ago. Doctors are very gloomy about the prospects. They have asked the dreaded "If your child arrests do you want us to resuscitate?" I have no idea what we would say. There's little you can say to parents in that situation. You perfectly understand what they are going through but nothing you say can really help. So, you say don't give up hope and other platitudes we tell ourselves. Felt utterly inadequate.

Ambulance came on time for the transfer. Lovely nurse who has looked after him many times before came with us. Said our goodbyes to the ward and thanked them for letting us 'squat' with them for a few days.

Managed to transfer a sleeping boy from ambulance stretcher to the cubicle bed. They seemed pleased to see him. Have done the usual of giving his history to the ward doctor and his care routine to the nurse. Felt a bit of a sham really since it's us who have to be with him and do cares. But it is not a problem when he is so cheerful. He was soon racing round the ward in a little red car.

It may be tempting fate, but the consultant says we may be able to go home on Monday if he has a good weekend. But secretions up considerably today, so we're not holding our breath.