On the 20th, Friday, Nicolas and I visited Chris. This time we took a train from Liverpool station, a half hour ride to Harlow Town Station. Actually it was not bad at all, and the settings of stations and speed of the train reminded me of Metro North, with which I commuted for a couple of years. We were knocked out for 15 minutes or so, but it reenergized us, recouped from the flight and little sleep. We found Chris on the second floor, in a hallway, along with other patients. The patients on the second floor are more active and I enjoyed watching some interactions among the patients. Chris was in a deep sleep, and it took a while to wake him up... Sorry Chris. But he lifted his head and saw us, looked at each of us, into the eyes, and we saw his facial expression that welcomed us. I started massaging his neck (I remember he always got stiff neck), and it was obvious he liked it. We kept talking to Chris, calling each others' name and tapping his laps and hands. I did not see Chris for 1.5 year, and probably longer for Nicolas. We did not see any difference, or new improvement, but he looked healthy. I somehow felt he was content.

We pushed his wheelchair around the hallway, and went into his room. His room was clean, well organized. We found the PT communication book placed on a desk, in which there are many pictures of his family and friends, and what he likes, his hobby etc. On the last page it goes "What I dislike", with 2 pictures: one is a cigarette and other is G W Bush. I showed the second pic to him, close to his eyes, and said "Chris, no more Bush, No more", writing a big X over his face with my finger. "Bush is gone. We have a new president Obama now. No more Bush, Bush is gone". Chris smiled. A long time ago, Chris gave Nicolas a t-shirts with Bush's cartooned face, emphasizing his stupidity. Nicolas said Chris must be happy to know that infamous president is now a history. I talked Chris, with words straight from my heart, while Nicolas went somewhere, and he stared at my eyes filled with tears. I thought he knew what exactly I wanted to say. When Nicolas came back, I left 2 alone in the room, for boys talk.

It was a very short visit, and we had to rush out to take a train back. The sun was already low and Chris' dinner time was near (i smelled something very good). When we gave many kisses to Chris, saying good byes, Chris opened his mouth, as if trying to say something. He was agitated at least. His clear blue eyes showed some emotional changes. It was hard to leave. In a cab to the station, the driver asked us if we spent all day at the River hospital. we said "No.... it is just too sad to stay there for a whole day. "

In the following morning, we all went to the Holland Park for Gabriel's soccer practice. He is strong, fast, and fun. We now see more Chris in G than before. He has grown up to be such a nice boy, very smart, very loving. Chris would have given anything and everything to him. Gabriel is a part of Chris, and he must be very proud of his son. We are so proud of Koo, as a mother, as a wife, and as a human being. Gabriel is Nciolas' buddy now, sharing games and DVDs (Nicolas can easily be 5 years old), and speaking in French (Gabriel is taking a French class as an optional after school curriculum). It was the mothers day weekend in UK, and Gabriel created a wonderful card for his mother, along with a hand-made gift at school. He loves his Mamae, the smartest, most beautiful mother and friend for him. He believes his Papai will get better someday. We miss you 3, and we love you 3.