11/6/2023
Saturday was noteworthy because I heard from Niki for the first time in a long time. Since October 21st she vanished from my world. I presumed she moved back to Massachusetts and forgot all about me.
But no.
Sometime on October 20th or 21st she developed pancreatitis. Per Wikipedia, "Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas." The same article says a common cause is heavy alcohol use and may develop into diabetes mellitus, other infections, and bleeding. She was unconscious most of the time and only woke up on Saturday afternoon.
When I saw her in the hospital she seemed a bit rumpled, her right arm was bruised and scarred from the IVs, but I could see the Niki I know down underneath. We chatted, we played cards, and I enquired of her nurse about the prognosis. Since it involves the pancreas and Niki was using dire language, I was concerned I could lose my friend forever. Rather the nurse said Niki is responding well and has a very good prognosis.
Still there's something about Niki that takes all my energy. It's 7:15 p.m. EST in Jackson, New Jersey and I'm already exhausted by the day.
But Niki is fine.
Thank goodness.
As an aside, and a very important aside, but I really hope there are immanent changes in my life for the better. This little black kitten named Pip over at the rescue has stolen my heart and I believe he has chosen me. But then again there's Peach the Tortie and Good Ol' Chimera.
