As much as it hurts to think about this, I’m going to reach out to the electrons in my computer for solace (tragic, isn’t it?).

My youngest son, Nate, has been diagnosed with a fairly rare blood condition that causes severe bruising (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura). Basically, it’s a poorly understood condition (hence “idiopathic”) wherein the spleen destroys the platelets. His platelet count is so low that any sort of minor bump on the head poses severe risk. So, I’m at home caring for him to the best of my ability. No, the play-doh bucket isn’t functioning as a helmet.

I’ve never put a lot of trust in the medical community. But, I will say, I’m thankful for them at this moment in time! Early in the week, we were referred to a childhood cancer clinic, because the symptoms of Nate’s ailment are very similar to leukemia. Turns out that diagnosing ITP is purely a process of elimination…and the diseases they have to eliminate to get to that diagnosis are not pretty. At that clinic, I was struck by the bravery of children afflicted with cancer, and saddened by the hollow, scared look courageously masked by the strength parents must conjure up at times like this. Upon finding out that leukemia had been eliminated, I was so thankful. But I was also aware that such a blessing hadn’t been bestowed on the families in the next rooms over.

As it sits, we’re in a waiting game, hoping that the treatment ($2000 a shot) will counter the platelet loss, pulling Nate of immediate harm’s way, and that this syndrome will work its way out of his system. You see, there is no available cure…

I’m so very thankful to the courageous people at the center, who daily give comfort to the ill children and their families.

Now, I’d love to go off on our lack of nationalized health care. For me, it’s as obvious as asking why a modern nation, governed by free and intelligent people, wouldn’t make universal health care a basic right. But, I’ll save that rant for later, because anger is the last thing we need right now!

So as to get my mind back into the game, I’ll post the following CUKT (comparatively useless knowledge turd):

A competition has been set up to reward the person who can describe and provide evidence that Windows can be booted on the new Apple iMac Duo. Today it is over $10,000.