Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

The Waiting Game

            French_locket

My Father is in the ICU. He passed a very large kidney stone causing his kidney to tear. It is still bleeding. Because of his other illness (a rare bone marrow cancer) his doctors prefer to wait, hoping his kidney will heal naturally therefore forgoing surgery.

During this waiting game, he is in pain, he cannot eat nor drink, and as he slowly heals he is sometimes grumpy. But grumpy with a twist of bad humor.

Though his bad humor makes me laugh, it is not easy to see him suffer and wonder what will tomorrow bring?

He has asked me to tell you thank you for your thoughtful prayers and good wishes, and if you could please send him a cold beer too.

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Comments

110 responses to “The Waiting Game”

  1. eb

    Dear Mr. Amaro – I have placed a Saranac Black and Tan in the cooler for when you are ready – it is my favorite and I suspect you will trust my good taste in northeastern breweries – I am hoping that as a result of my good taste you will be as well behaved as is necessary to heal up and hop on that motorcycle – tell your lovely daughter Happy Birthday and that I am holding you both in my heart and will dream you into beautiful and fast moving motorcycle dreams in about 10 minutes…
    love and very best wishes…
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  2. tlchang

    Oh Corey, I’m so sorry. (We had kidney stones and ER visits over Christmas break this past year… Not as serious as what you are experiencing, but no fun and very painful – I can somewhat relate to your situation).
    Sending best wishes, virtual beer, and many hugs your directions.

    Reply
  3. Catalina

    ok for the beer…and a big hug.(I guess your father will be receiving hundreds! but no one as a venezuelan one…)
    Thank you for taking the time to tell us Corey. And continue recovering Corey’s father, I still need a motorcycle ride…I used to have a Triumph when I was a teenager…:)…tell him Corey!)
    A big hug! Thinking of you and your family

    Reply
  4. Catalina

    “no one as a venezuelan one” : the beer I meant…no the hug…;)

    Reply
  5. le petit cabinet de curiosites

    I have a cold beer ready for your father and a bottle of champagne with macarons for you .

    Reply
  6. Julie Ann

    How glad he will be to have you by his side Corey. Will continue to pray for Daddy Amaro and Happy Birthday to you belatedly. My guess in the event the big 50 was the least of your worries. Birthdays do not seem important at such times. Keep going & much love Jxx

    Reply
  7. Paris Parfait

    Thanks for taking the time to let us know! A sense of humour is always a good sign in these situations, grumpy or not! Best wishes to your dad for his continued recovery and to you and your family, Corey, as you play “the waiting game.” Hoping for brighter days ahead. xo

    Reply
  8. Maddy (Maddy’s Glass House)

    All my love to you and your father Corey, I’ll be thinking of you and send all my love across the ocean.

    Reply
  9. Jeanne

    Blessings to you and your Father and all the family.
    Love and hugs and prayers.
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  10. Darla

    I’d be driving a cold beer right to him if I thought there was any chance those ICU nurses would let me smuggle it in.
    Hugs to both of you!
    Darla

    Reply
  11. Katy

    I don’t drink beer, so I don’t have one on hand, but I’d surely consider going and seeking one out! All the best to your Dad and prayers are still with you.

    Reply
  12. nancy

    oh corey!
    well now we know where you got yor spunk from!!!
    and of course ten beers if necessar….anything else?
    and i am till praying!
    wink and xx nancy

    Reply
  13. pauline

    grumpy is good – tell your Dad the beer’s in the mail 😉

    Reply
  14. apt a

    hahahahhaha! ok so now I’m praying that someone around him will indeed smuggle Mr A in an ice cold brewski too:) wish I could! ummm I’m guessing he would prefer more of an old school beer…pabst? Miller? Budweiser? but I’m just guessing;) I’m so Glad to hear he still has his spunk!

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  15. tut-tut

    Oh, that sounds like healing is taking place already. Prayers for you all, and especially your dad.

    Reply
  16. Vicki

    Glad to hear your Dad hasn’t lost his sense of humor and now another question has been answered…I always wondered where you got “that special something”. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers!!!

    Reply
  17. qualcosa di bello

    that is funny! your daddy is one cool dude…i am continuing to pray for all of you with lots of love…rest on the quilt that is patched together with these prayers from all over the world 🙂

    Reply
  18. Massilianana

    A cold beer !!! Okay , there is plenty of that down here in Brazil : uma cervejinha geladinha for Daddy Amaro ! Brazilians drink their beer very cold , with ice flakes in it….Hope you’ll like it !
    Being grumpy is okay , wishing you Mr Amaro the fastest healing and recovery .
    Hugs to you and Corey !

    Reply
  19. Beverly

    Grumpy is good Corey! Better than other alternatives…
    I’m so sorry to hear that your dad is in pain and that such extensive healing needs to happen, but I am happy to hear that he has a bit of spunk and that the doctors are on top of things.
    Give him our best wishes.

    Reply
  20. My Melange

    Only a beer? His only request? Not only can THAT be done…but I think it means good, bright days are ahead for sure!!! Gotta be a good sign when he is a little grumpy and wants a beer. He’ll be on the mend very soon.
    Take good care of yourself too Corey! Hugs and prayers still coming your way 🙂 And thanks for the update…
    xoxox
    Robin

    Reply
  21. Gill

    I am so glad his sense of humour is still intact 😉 I’m sure that is a very good sign! Thinking of you all and praying Corey

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  22. the farmers wife

    I’ll send him along a nice beer from the local microbrewery. Grumpy is OK because grumpy means you’re more motivated to be on the mend.

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  23. Paula

    Sometimes only a cold beer will set the world straight!
    Angels are looking over you and your family, Corey.

    Reply
  24. carol

    I’ll send him a case! Wishes for recovery and enjoying a “cold one” with your family.

    Reply
  25. Shannon

    Beer on the way. With all the beer being sent to him, he should feel no pain very soon 😉
    Your poor dad!! I hope he heals up VERY quickly.

    Reply
  26. Sher

    Corey, please let him know that the beer would be warm and badly shaken by the time he received it. I’ll meet him at the corner bar instead.

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  27. Marva

    Corey – I love his sense of humor! Humor and positive thoughts help more than you could ever know. I’ll keep him in my prayers that he heals quickly, and you take care of yourself. Marva

    Reply
  28. Dee/reddirtramblings

    Corey, I’m sending him a virtual gluten free beer right now. There it goes! Glad he’s grumpy and still has a sense of humor. As we say in the south, Bless his heart, and yours too.~~Dee

    Reply
  29. Caffienated Cowgirl

    Am sending him a good local German beer…although with him living in CA, there’s not much better than a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale!

    Reply
  30. Anna

    Humor…the best medicine, and I’m sure a bit of the bubbly wouldn’t hurt either, along with continuing prayers.

    Reply
  31. rochambeau

    Dear Corey,
    I’m sending a case over right now!
    Hug to you dear friend. You Mom too.
    xox
    Constance

    Reply
  32. rochambeau

    Dear Corey,
    I’m sending a case over to your Dad right now! that and a ton of prayers and good thoughts too!
    Hugs to you dear friend. Your Mom too.
    xox
    Constance

    Reply
  33. Lea

    Oh, Corey! My thoughts are with you and your family! I hope your father is feeling better and that you have maintained your strength in this difficult time!
    Love and all the best,
    Lea

    Reply
  34. kristen robinson

    Corey my friend my thoughts are with you in this hard time of waiting and wondering. You are all in my prayers. Where shall I send the beer 🙂
    XOX
    Kristen

    Reply
  35. Melissa’s Cozy Teacup

    Happy tears for you today my friend. What is your dad’s favorite bear? I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I would enjoy a cold beer better than some of the champagnes I have tried. My favorite is a Honey Ale from a local brewery here in town.
    Much love and prayers from Colorado!

    Reply
  36. Mo’a

    Ouch!!!that is so very painful…my Husband knows that well and when I told him he said Ouch!!!
    Whenever my Father gets testy I know that he is on the road to healing. When we almost lost him five years ago…he woke up from a diabetic coma and asked for a Coke…he was told that he was not allowed a Coke, he then said to the nurse “I will give you a $100.00 if you get me a Coke” she said “I will be right back”
    I am keeping your Father in my thoughts and prayers.
    Happy Birthday!!!, dear Corey.

    Reply
  37. Mary

    Now I know for sure where you got your great sense of humor! Dear man – keep on wishing for a beer if this will make you well again – and having Corey by your side to pour one soon should help!
    Dear Corey hang in there too, know how stressful this situation is. You are all in our thoughts and prayers – thanks for keeping in touch.

    Reply
  38. marcie

    Our continued prayers for healing are coming your way,,,,how could anything go wrong with all the prayers,,,,and all the shipments of brew on their way,Ha!,,better plan another party! But really, I think of you and your family often in the day. Faith, Hope, and Love.

    Reply
  39. colleen

    I hope he feels better very soon. I wish you could come for tea. It’s still warm.

    Reply
  40. Dee

    We will let your dad get away with being grumpy for a few days!
    So happy you are home safe with your mom and dad. Be sure you take care of yourself.
    Our prayers will continue for your dad and your family until he is safe at home again.

    Reply
  41. Holly

    George,
    Are you being ornery?
    Sounds like you are on the road to recovery! Get well soon…
    I miss harassing you! Besides that, it sounds like I’ll be coming over for a beer!
    Many, many thoughts and prayers.
    Love
    Holly

    Reply
  42. Star

    I’m so glad you’re there and safe. I’m sure it’s a comfort to your family to have you there with them (and I’m sure it is just where you want to be as well). Your father still exhibits spunk, and that’s a wonderful thing.
    Continuing to send healing thoughts his way each time I feel the pebble in my pocket.

    Reply
  43. Donna O.

    And a chilled glass. I’ve been thinking about you these past couple of days. Good thoughts and love to you all.
    D.

    Reply
  44. lk ludwig

    salty pretzels with the beer? ;> You and your father are in my prayers.

    Reply
  45. Lynda

    I’ve got a cold beer ready to give him just as soon as he’s feeling better. Give him a big hug and tell him to feel better soon!!
    ~ Lynda xo

    Reply
  46. Beachy

    Your dear father is in my prayers, Corey! If I could, I’d deliver a beer in an instant! =)

    Reply
  47. Betty @ She’s Sew Pretty

    Corey, I will include your Dad in my prayers. My mom is also in the hospital with a hip fracture. I understand about the cranky sense of humor. Is it a Portuguese thing? Oy!!

    Reply
  48. Teresa

    I would send him a whole six-pack!! Praying your father is relieved from his pain and can heal at a rapid speed. God Bless!!
    Teresa
    x

    Reply
  49. martina

    Mr. Amaro-you get better and I’ll send you a six-pack! What is your preferred brand?
    Corey-Yes cranky and spunky is good. A bit tough on others but definitely shows that your Dad is doing better. The pain must have been dreadful. I’ll keep on praying for a speedy recovery. Thanks for the cheering news. Hope your family gave you lots of love and hugs on your birthday.

    Reply
  50. ~Kim

    Ha~ha! Getting your father a beer is the easy thing…
    going through all that pain and waiting is the hardest. I hope he is feeling better and able to drink that brew soon! 🙂

    Reply
  51. La Donna

    Corey,
    Your dad me me laugh, I we haven’t even meet! What kind of beer does he like !?! ; )
    Prayers & Love,
    La Donna

    Reply
  52. Jeanette

    His sense of humor is a blessing. I will continue to pray for his recovery. Remember to take care of yourself during this time as well.

    Reply
  53. Sheila

    Glad to hear your Dad is grumpy, and still has his sense of humor. Both good signs.
    A beer now and then is GOOD for his kidneys..!
    Best wishes, and I hope he will soon be feeling much better..
    hugs
    xx

    Reply
  54. annieelf

    Dearest Corey –
    Here is a funny story to share with your dad. Tell him I went to my first superbowl party on Sunday afternoon. While there, I was introduced to red beer. Now, I’m not talking about RED beer, or amber, or green, etc. etc. I’m talking about tomato juice MIXED with beer. It takes the edgy zip off of the beer and actually taste really good (if you like tomato juice). I sure liked it.
    The one thing I would warn you about though is that your dad may laugh because it sounds so weird. That might produce a big wince. So approach the story with your usual delicacy and a big dose of caution.
    Love and Prayers,
    Annie

    Reply
  55. Lorene

    Corey,
    That is soooo your Dad! Thanks for the update and I hope that he continues on the road to recovery. Take Care.
    Lorene

    Reply
  56. deirdre

    Bad humor is a very good sign. I’m glad to hear he’s feeling well enough to be grumpy.

    Reply
  57. Kas

    We are holding on to you all as you wait for healing.

    Reply
  58. stephanie

    It’s our sense of humor that will get us through…..both yours and your dads!!
    Sending all my love,

    Reply
  59. leslie

    Bad humor is always a good sign!!
    You and your family will be in my prayers.

    Reply
  60. julie christie leary

    Thinking of a nice, cold beer is a good sign. I’ll be thinking of him later tonight when I have my current favorite “Magic Hat Roxy Rollie” with a badass biker on the label! Kind of fits, dontcha think?
    Good Thoughts…

    Reply
  61. Carolr

    I love your dad. What a good sense of humor. We are praying for him also. My husband suffers from a rare blood cancer (WM), and it complicates everything else that happens. Carol R

    Reply
  62. Jamie V

    I’ll have a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for your dad – maybe two! You and your family are in my thoughts! Jamie in MT (formerly of Chico, CA)…

    Reply
  63. teresa

    Darn – I drank his beer. Still sending thoughts and prayers across the miles. Glad he is better enough to be grumpy and demanding.

    Reply
  64. carolyn

    Cold beer on it’s way, at least in thought.

    Reply
  65. Rosemary

    That made me smile Corey!
    I would gladly send him a cold beer if I could.
    Take care!
    Still thinking of you, and saying my prayers.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  66. Carol in Mass.

    Corey, My prayers are with you and your dad and family too. It is so hard to see those we love in pain. May God speed his healing and bring comfort to you all!
    Carol

    Reply
  67. Elaine

    Corey, there are no words, only prayers at this time.

    Reply
  68. Mari-Nanci

    “Send him a cold beer tooooooo.” Gotta love that man!!!!
    Yes, I’d love to send him a cold beer. And I’ll bet you would *bathe him in it*, if you could. ,-)
    Continuing good thoughts and wishes, going to the West. This is such a hard time, for all of you….
    Hugs,
    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  69. Cheryl

    This Bud’s for your dad! Prayer works, so I’ll keep it up…for your dad and you!

    Reply
  70. Steph W

    Blessings and healing to your father — and you. And congratulations on the article in Somerset Life magazine. Gorgeous!

    Reply
  71. Paddie Pie

    I have been really sad about this, but you know he must be getting better when he asked for a cold beer!
    love you

    Reply
  72. melissa @ the inspired room

    Oh, he sounds delightful, Corey! Funny guy! So sorry about all of his troubles and pain. Prayers and hugs to all,
    Melissa

    Reply
  73. marita

    your dad sounds great, corey!
    tell him i’ll sent him a refreshing cold heiniken along… good stuff for a speed kidney recovery ;))

    Reply
  74. clarice

    Thank you for keeping us updated, so we can be praying more specifically. Love Clarice

    Reply
  75. amber

    🙁
    In a can or bottle?
    🙂

    Reply
  76. Pat

    Corey, what a wonderful dad you have! The cold beer is exactly what J would ask for too!
    My prayers continue.
    Pat

    Reply
  77. Colette

    Cold beer on the way (and I won’t tell anyone!). Get well soon, Corey’s Papa.
    xoxo

    Reply
  78. Deb Lewis

    Continuing prayers headed your way… and let’s work on getting that “beverage of choice” past those nurses!! xox Deb

    Reply
  79. Nancy ~ Fete et fleur

    Will pray for that Kidney to heal quickly and well!
    Hugs! Nancy

    Reply
  80. Eunice

    Corey,
    I have been praying for you and your dad since I read your Saturday post. I’m glad to see that he is recovering enough to ask for beer! Wish I could bring him some, and share it with him (and you, if you’d like one!)I would also love to share stories of rides on Harleys. We have a great tourer, and I wish we could sneak him out for a short ride….
    Eunice in WA

    Reply
  81. Mental P Mama

    Blessings and Budweiser; in that order.

    Reply
  82. Cindy

    I think if we poured it into a couple of those little apple juice containers and he sipped with a straw, he could wet his whistle ~ and no one would be the wiser.
    He is in my continued prayers. May GOD bless you all~
    Cindy

    Reply
  83. anna

    I learned that when my son had cancer, laughter is the best medicine. (A nice glass of wine didn’t hurt either. Give him the beer!) Sending you happy thoughts.

    Reply
  84. Carole

    Thanks for the update. Continued prayers for your father – and all of you – as he heals. Hope he soon will be able to have that cold beer!

    Reply
  85. Di

    I too am wishing for a quick kidney heal! I do hope he gets that cold beer soon – until then you are both in my thoughts!

    Reply
  86. Alice

    Thank you for the update, Corey. I’m so glad that you made it to your father’s side. Be safe, and I hope that your father steadily improves.

    Reply
  87. Elaine L.

    I know all about how hard it is to watch your father suffer. As an only child, I have spent many hours in doctor’s offices and the ER praying for my dad who has had to endure many painful procedures. There were so many times I had to endure hearing him say he wished he could just go to sleep and not wake up.
    A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought my dad would still be with us, however, my father is, now, doing so much better. He has cancer, which is under control and gets dialysis 2X per week. Although he is not able to be as active as he once was, he is back to enjoying the small joys in life, like spending time with the grandchildren continuing to share his wonderful stories of bygone times.
    Don’t loose hope and I will continue to pray for what is best for your dad.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  88. Suzanne

    Already on the mail to California, Corey!
    Portuguese cold beer for your father to taste!
    Big hug for you and your family*
    Love*
    Suzanne

    Reply
  89. Amanda Wright

    Best wishes to you and your father, and to the rest of your family. I hope the healing progresses quickly.

    Reply
  90. Cre8Tiva

    ouch…i have had one of those nasty kidney stones…it hurts…still praying…still hlding you dear…love, rebecca

    Reply
  91. herhimnbryn

    Crates of ice-cold Aussie beer would be sent poste haste, if I could.
    Pain drags you down and down and those you love are the safest to lash out at.
    My love sent.

    Reply
  92. Bethany

    Sooo sorry to hear about your dad and his, I’m sure awfully painful condition 🙁 I am glad to read that the nasty stone passed…I will pray for a swift healing and recovery of his kidney….It is awful to be ill and I’m sure he must just want to be out of the hospital quickly. Sending him a {{hug}} cause I can’t send a beer! lol so I hope this will help a bit 🙂
    xo

    Reply
  93. Ani

    Hi Corey,
    Long time no blog. It’s been so long since I’ve blogged I forgot my password! I will start up again in the near future.
    I will keep your father in my prayers. Keep your head up and keep sharing your wonderful pictures with all. 🙂
    Ani

    Reply
  94. TACE

    *hands a nice cold virtual beer to Corey’s father*
    Get well soon!

    Reply
  95. CAMILLA

    Dear Corey,
    A crate of Beer winging it’s way to your Father from England. Please send my good wishes to your Father, best wishes too for his recovery, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    xx

    Reply
  96. marge

    Hi Corey!
    Well…can’t offer your dad a cold beer (LOL), but I can and will offer many prayers for him and for you too during this time.:)

    Reply
  97. Hasmin

    Wishing I could send your Dad a cold brewsky…and hoping he has a quick recovery!!! ((hugs)) to you both. 🙂

    Reply
  98. shannon in oregon

    one is heading his way…

    Reply
  99. Gail

    You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
    xoxo
    Gail

    Reply
  100. kenju

    I will pray for healing and no surgery needed – and if he could have the cold beer, I’d send twelve!

    Reply
  101. DuBuhDuDesigns

    I had a Negro Modelo at dinner on his behalf 😉 Ok I had two..
    ~Christine

    Reply
  102. April

    Praying, praying, praying, Corey. May peace and strength surround you!

    Reply
  103. tinker

    Oh what a great guy your dad sounds like – I am sending him thoughts of a tall, frosty bottle of his favorite beer right now or does he prefer mugs or cans? Whichever is his favorite – I only wish virtual ones could be as satisfying to him as the real deal. Keeping him and you in my prayers~xo

    Reply
  104. mary

    all my kind thoughts are with you Corey, and with your father…

    Reply
  105. Nora

    Oh, how I wish I could send him a cold beer! Thinking of you, both. x

    Reply
  106. lindsay

    My thoughts are with you and your family Corey. I wish your father a quick recovery. I’m sure he will benefit from having his children by his side. In cases like this, sometimes laughter and hope is just the medicine you need.

    Reply
  107. Bejeweled

    Sending good thoughts to your father and wishing him speedy healing!

    Reply
  108. Marie-Noëlle

    Ale? Lagger? Ginger?
    No draught beer here, I’m afraid…
    only CANS and a can HOPEner …
    Thinking of you, Mr Amaro !!!

    Reply
  109. Marta

    Im with you and your Father. I hope He will be ok. Greetings from Poland (and a cool beer too :D)

    Reply
  110. Alicia P.

    Prayers for you dear Corey and Mr. Amaro.

    Reply

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