August 9 (Thursday) - 1045am

VISITATION INFORMATION:   This is not an update per sey, but rather an important note that Rich is now ready for visitors.    But there are some very important things anyone wanting to visit Rich needs to know, hence this important "update."  

#1--We don't want to overwhelm Rich.  Consequently, please let Rich's sister, Maryann, know who you are and when you want to visit, and give her the time you plan to do so.  While the hospital has no set "formal" visiting hours, a general guideline would be to come sometime between 10am and 9pm.   Just "text" a short message to Maryann before you want to come, or give her a short call if you aren't  "text savvy", and let her know.  Her cell number is 315-725-7887.  She will give you his room#, and let you know if the time you want to see Rich looks good or not.

#2--If you are sick, have a cold or sore throat, etc, please DO NOT VISIT.   Rich's immune system has been pushed pretty hard, and he doesn't need a visitor to give him something.  Please wash your hands prior to the visit, and afterwards, and avoid direct physical contact if you can.   

#3--BEFORE you enter Rich's room, it is imperative that you put on a yellow "gown" and gloves prior to going into the room.  There is a cart outside of his room with the stuff you need, but there might not be anyone there to remind you to "gown up" before you go in.   But you must!   Rich is still recovering from his drug resistant bacterial infection, and it is very important that anyone seeing him put on the protective garments before going into his room.   Then, just before you leave his room, you take them off and put them in the hamper. That way, your clothes do not become contaminated and you won't accidentally spread the bacteria throughout the hospital.   

OK, with all that said, Rich is in the "talk" mood, so visits should be helpful now, and will allow Maryann the ability to manage her time between seeing Rich and seeing Jeannette.   He wants to talk, and it will help Maryann if friends he knows well are there to listen and carry on conversations with him.  I would suggest you keep visits to Rich a reasonable length and if he dozes off, then let him sleep!   - John