Peaceful Sabbath

Peter, Xiomara, and 11 month-old Andrew drove down to Bethesda from the Bronx Saturday evening. We all visited David Sunday morning, then went to the ward (Mormon congregation) for young single adults in Chevy Chase, MD. Jim and I introduced David by proxy to the congregation during the sacrament meeting. I was deeply touched by our reception, as members gathered around us, offering friendship and support. Many young Mormon singles are in training at Walter Reed Medical Center or work and live nearby. David will get quite a few visitors this week. By the time we arrived at his room after church, three of them were sitting on his couch chatting and a fourth year medical student dropped by later.

David looks good, is not in pain, and laughs and talks freely. His anti-nausea medication works well. He enjoyed Andrew’s visit, although Andrew stayed near his mother and kept a safe four to six feet away. The subject heading of a recent family email by Army Specialist Johnston read “Having leukemia in the army does have its positives”. Inside were two selfies of the bearded Army medic and this further commentary: “Unfortunately, I just took a massive hit of chemotherapy, which may or may not cause all good things to end in this department.”