To Leave or not to Leave

Beware the routine operation. It seems that removal of wisdom teeth has become a right of passage in the adolescent life. Everyone's kids I know have had it done. Drew was no different. His modern skull just can't accommodate all those damn teeth. And who really needs them anyway? When Alex and I visited our great primate ancestors in Central Africa last summer, it was clear why a long row of grinders was necessary. Chewing on fresh foliage all day long requires a lot of dental surface area. Certainly, the 22nd century classical musician requires only limited gnashing capacity for the likes of pate' and brie. So we sent him off to the oral surgeon's office. Afterward things seemed to be just fine. Post op day number five he played three hours of basketball on a local playground.

The next day, however, he awoke feeling like crap---neck pain, couldn't swallow, fatigued. A trip to the surgeon secured the diagnosis of infection and antibiotics and pain medicine were prescribed. Three days later, with things no better, he returned to the scene of the crime (the procedure room at the surgeon's office) and underwent a procedure that simulated the one that finally got Khalid Sheik Mohamed to spill. Several gallons of local anesthetic were injected into the region in order to proceed with an "Incision & drainage" procedure. The local anesthetic was of dubious benefit and Drew hurt, big time. I was in the room the whole time and must say that watching Drew undergo this procedure ranks near the top of the "worst experiences in my life" category. Fortunately, pus poured forth like Victoria Falls (had to get another Africa reference in there). A drain was sutured in place and antibiotics were doubled. Drew has improved slowly but consistently since then.

Today his surgeon felt his improvement was considerable and removed the drain. Drew is perky and joking again. We have many, many wonderful friends that have offered to pinch-hit as surrogate parents. So we screwed up our courage and got on the plane. Drew has the cell numbers of a boat-load of physicians (and one personal injury attorney) who stand ready to swoop in and meet his any and every need.

I am sure Cathy and I will communicate with him 97 times a day and I have already figured out how to get back to Chicago in a jiffy should that become necessary.

BTW, our first hour in Stockholm has met my expectations exactly. Overcast, drizzling, dark, slightly chilly but pristine and beautiful despite the weather. It feels like every Kurt Wallander book I have ever read. The people seem delightful. More soon,

Bill
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Location:HOTEL RIVAL, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN