I spent the past 10 days on the 9th floor of Erlanger Hospital with my dad as he underwent two spinal taps, a brain biopsy, and a brain craniotomy to confirm that the extensive tumor in his brain is, in fact, advanced B cell lymphoma. And then last night they discovered a blood clot in his leg and he underwent another surgery to install a filter in his vein.

This evening an ambulance transported him from Erlanger Hospital and dropped him off a couple of miles down the street at Parkridge Hospital where we’ll stay another two weeks on the 5th floor, hopefully helping him regain some of his strength and balance before undergoing six months of aggressive chemotherapy as soon as his craniotomy heals.

Looking out his 5th floor window I can see Lookout Mountain to the southwest and Missionary Ridge to the southeast.

And though I was unable to capture it with my Blackberry, less than two miles away is also the Chattanooga National Cemetery. This Memorial Day weekend will find its paths lined with American Flags as we remember those courageous men and women who have fought and given their lives for our freedom.

As I look out toward Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, I’m reminded of the extensive Civil War history in this area, where friend fought friend and brother fought brother. Many thousands of men died in and around the hospital where my dad and I are tonight, he battling cancer for his life, me hoping to make it through tomorrow though still separated from so many and much that I love and miss more than life itself.

For some reason that quote came to mind as I looked out this 5th floor window at Parkridge Hospital, my dad lying beside in the hospital bed, me sitting in a chair in which I’ll try to get some sleep tonight.

Tonight when I try to close my eyes I’ll strain hard and look for that, “change of rut” that’s “as good as a vacation.”

Last night about 8pm I made a quick dinner run and drove across the street to historic Engel Stadium, home to the Chattanooga Lookouts, until they moved into their new stadium in 1999. Built in 1930, Engel Stadium is located at 1130 E. 3rd Street, adjacent to the historic Fort Wood neighborhood, Norfolk Southern Debutt’s Yard, and Erlanger Hospital.

Billed as the biggest movie to ever be filmed in Chattanooga, the studio built a monster green wall around the entire stadium, the kind used to project special effects upon. And as of last night they had already begun populating the bleachers with period dressed mannequins. Look closely at the photos and you’ll see them.

I’ve been told that as of this morning major thoroughfares around the hospital have been blocked off so my quick dinner runs will undoubtedly become more complicated the next couple of weeks.

And if I see Harrison, I’ll be sure and tell him you said hello.

photos by nathan michaels