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    Wish to Live: 1, #1
    Wish to Live: 1, #1
    Wish to Live: 1, #1
    Ebook510 pages6 hours

    Wish to Live: 1, #1

    By Avishai Levy

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    About this ebook

    When his 4 year old son catches a rare kidney disease, Avishai Levi goes on a desperate journey to save his life. He tries every treatment, consults with every doctor and even turns to rabbis and mysticians in order to bring his son back to health. He refuses to despair, and harnesses super-human optimism to 

    fight through insurance, bureaucracy and financial problems. Finally he is able to collect the funds for a kidney transplant. 

    But then the disease starts affecting the new kidney…

     

    The story of a father in a crazy race against time with the aim of saving his sick son's life in kidney disease. The journey lasts for years in hospitals, with personal sacrifice.

     

     

     

    "Want to Live" is Avishai Levi's first book, from the beginning of the fascinating journey, which continued in his second book "hanging by a thread" .

     

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTali Levy
    Release dateJan 15, 2021
    ISBN9781393007463
    Wish to Live: 1, #1

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      Book preview

      Wish to Live - Avishai Levy

      WISH TO LIVE by AVISAHI LEVI

      Foreword – Self-Examination

      THE EDGE OF SPACE. Is there an edge? Or any ending at all? Who knows where the end is? Does anyone even know what an end is? The end of life. Is there new life out there, where the soul goes to? How do we feel it? Is there anyone who knows the limits of suffering? Or to what extent a regular guy can take emotional beatings and keep on running? – Keep on fighting? What is the limit of endurance? – Of bitterness, of disappointments, of emotional pain? – Of sorrow? What, in fact, is the limit of the suffering of one little boy? Has anyone ever tried to measure his suffering? – Or the tragic suffering of humans in general? – And especially the suffering and sorrow of this little boy’s father? The relentless drifting through the mad race against time, that is running out. The extraordinary will power and survival drive of a little boy. The obsession of the father, in the search for healers, superstitions, various sorcerers, Rabbis, Hassidic Rebbes, vegans, vegetarians, etc., etc., ad infinitum. He, that father, is just a man – modern, progressive, liberal – who lives in the age of computers and progress. He believed in everything, in every ray of hope, in every morsel of a story about one miracle or another. Can anyone swear that they witnessed a miracle? – An actual heavenly miracle? Of course! They all swore that only a miracle saved them. And this rabbi, or that wizard, it was he who brought about the great miracle. Even the father got carried away with the full force of his faith and his spirit. Without inquiring, without asking – Why? How come? Wait, it doesn’t make any sense. He had to try everything, everything. And the boy? It was as if he caught the bug that plagued his father, who was running amok. He cooperated with every attempt. He did everything, whether reasonable or not, without ever asking, Why? He knew that it was all done in order to cure him. His strong desire to get well, to be like other kids, to run, to play, to study, to laugh. He did not want to be dependent. He did not want to be a pampered patient. He was a person with desires, with hopes, with dreams, and with many prayers. He, too, clung to any glimmer of an imaginary light. He, too, was eager to fight, to defeat his illness. Persistently, within an infinite space of beliefs. Faith? What is faith? Is it only faith in the invisible God? The intangible one? Hidden behind a cloud? Or somewhere in space? Or is faith something else? Some beautiful bronze statue? Or perhaps the God of Christians? Or of Muslims? Is their God not the same as the God of the Jews? This belief spreads, is put to shame, and returns. The need to believe strengthened the father and his son. They believed in each other. This was their mental, spiritual power – one to be healed, and the other to heal. How far will they run? Or show their faith and trust in that eccentric doctor who has performed many miracles? They will emit all of their being with warmth and hope and, most importantly, with an unwavering faith. Following the miracle that did not happen, after imbibing the quack medications, belief in this healer ended. And a new belief emerged, and the cycle began again. And once again, fate toyed with them, fate that encompasses the great miracle. All attempts to find the light, to catch the miracle, to conquer a hidden target, led the lone man in his battles to harsh, bitter twists and turns. In fact, every path and every road, every day, evening and morning, the entire duration of the unending war, became one giant trial. Even the most modern doctors at the most advanced hospitals lived with their faith, particularly regarding their healing attempts, that did not succeed. They tried everything. They consulted, day and night. More than once, medical ego, and pride in their lofty titles, prevented them from admitting that they did not recommend, at the right time, other renowned experts. They would never admit that they failed. Therefore, they kept the child within their own realm, continuing their futile attempts. Add to that the greedy, thieving bureaucracy, which adds insult to injury; that conceals thievery within its predatory papers; that determines a person’s destiny for good or bad, to life or death – obliviously, without touching the soul, remotely, tearing hearts to shreds with mere words, frustrating fathers and sons with a brush of the hand, with files that were lost or files that became obsolete. In conclusion, watch closely, read carefully, and try to understand the feelings, the desires, the yearning and, especially, the power of faith and hope.

      Ofir

      AUTUMN WINDS OF 1977 were blowing tree leaves. The sky was dark and furious, as if hinting that there was a winter right around the corner. A band of cats was wailing, where are those beautiful sunny days with blue skies? Or maybe they were weeping for the days to come?

      The trail of scattered leaves traced the dark path. A sea breeze told the leafless trees, pray, carry the burden, the heavens. Treetops swayed to one side and swung back, as if begging, Do not uproot that which is planted, we are still breathing. Or perhaps they knew?

      But the man rushing towards the pretty house, hidden between the mango and lemon trees, was entirely unaffected by the weather. He was smiling, laughing.

      Orly, Ohad, he called out.

      Yes, Dad.

      You have a brother, his name is Ofir, replied the father.

      Hooray, said Orly, jumping on her father.

      Handsome Ohad, with a fair face and curly blond hair that tended to grow darker, came slowly down the stairs and echoed his sister: Hooray!

      Would you like to come see him?

      Sure, sure. They both danced.

      They made their way to the hospital through the neighborhood of fine homes and beautiful scenery with great excitement and loud singing.

      The three of them were out of the car even before the engine was off.

      There’s no need to lock the doors. Follow me, he said and darted, then opened the room door like a gale and continued towards his wife.

      Hey, stop! Where are you rushing? The nurse shouted at him, but it was too late; he was already gone.

      How are you, Avivit? Aviran hugged his wife, and kissed her forehead.

      Avivit, in her early thirties, was slim, with short black hair that from time to time changed color and style. She was beautiful and gracious. Her green eyes were flooded with a layer of tears of happiness and serenity.

      How are the kids? she asked.

      They will come in right away, if the nurse lets them, Aviran answered excitedly.

      Sir, please leave, the doctors are doing their rounds now, the nurse called out from the doorway.

      I will be out in a moment, but could you tell me where I can see the little ‘man’? he asked.

      You can access the baby viewing window at the end of the hallway, but please hurry up.

      I’ll be back shortly, Avivit, he said, and disappeared.

      When he reached the window overlooking the cribs with yellow notes hanging on them, he said, Nurse, could you come over?

      Yes, whom would you like to see? asked the nurse.

      My son, Ofir.

      Which Ofir? What’s the mother’s name?

      Goshen, Avivit, please, said the father.

      Wait.

      He was impatient, bouncing form one foot to the other. Here came Ofir, in the nurse’s arms, fully wrapped, with only his head peeking out of the blankets.

      Ofir’s eyes were wide open; brown, smiling eyes. The father looked into his son’s eyes. He felt a shiver down his spine, as great excitement gripped his entire body.

      With each passing moment, he felt how this newborn baby was a real, veritable part of him: the same eyes, the same curly black hair, the same skin color, the same thin, smiling face.

      Ofir, Ofir! the father awoke from his contemplation. I am here! he called through the thick glass.

      Suddenly, without a response, Ofir disappeared in the nurse’s arms into the crib with the yellow note.

      Where was I when Orly was born? Aviran’s forehead wrinkled as he tried to remember.

      "Oh, right...in Germany, at the soccer team training camp. I returned home to a two-week-old eldest daughter. Everyone wondered about it.

      "Avivit accompanied me to the airport when she was heavy with child, barely able to move. And then, when we returned, she was a woman with a nice figure and a baby girl in her arms. The guys made a big deal out of it.

      And Ohad? Right, I wasn’t there at his birth either. I was staying in the south for business. When I came back home, they had already been waiting for me for two days, my newborn son and my wife – who was already used to the situation.

      Slowly, he turned around towards the offices, to the dreadful bureaucracy, to fill out forms, so that he could release his wife and son and take them home. He walked as if floating on a cloud, walking and wondering. Never in his life had he had this feeling of a thrilled father. He loved his two older kids, his flesh and blood, with all his heart, of course, but with Ofir...

      The excitement came immediately, the strong, clear bond that stabbed him in his chest like a sharp, red-hot sword. That’s it!

      He knew why.

      Now he knows.

      With Ofir it came immediately, hot as a flame, something he never knew before. Only when he returned from the office, with all the paperwork, did he realize that he had forgotten about Orly and Ohad.

      He ran and arrived back at the maternity ward to find Avivit already dressed, with Ofir in her arms, all covered up. Aviran looked around, and there were the other two, playing and fighting over the wooden horse that was placed in the ward. He relaxed.

      Only now did he see for the first time the flowers, the bouquet that he himself had ordered over the phone. It was a marvelous bouquet.

      How are the flowers, Avivit? I forgot to ask you.

      Lovely. Thanks, Aviran.

      This made him feel like he was on cloud nine.

      Fortunes

      SUMMER, 1981, SPAIN. Avivit and Aviran were traveling on vacation: bullfight, soccer match, sites, people, restaurants, fun.

      In the morning, they had croissants with black coffee that they had brought with them from Israel.

      I wonder what the kids are doing now, said Avivit, a little concerned.

      Avivit, you’re always thinking about the kids. I promise you that they are playing and having fun, said Aviran assuredly. They have no time to think about us. They are grown up already, and Ofir is almost four.

      You with your constant optimism, she protested. Don’t you miss them?

      Of course, I am dying to see them, but right now we are having a good time, and all I want is to bring you pleasure, and make sure you enjoy yourself.

      In the evening, at the entrance to a flamenco club, a gypsy woman holding a flower in her hand welcomed them with broken English. Aviran gave her a dollar coin and brought the flower up to Avivit’s face.

      Smell the lovely rose, he whispered.

      Let's go, before she asks for more money, Avivit replied.

      But the gypsy had already taken his hand, felt it, examined the lines, and said: Okay, okay. Avivit laughed in amusement.

      You don’t believe in these things, do you? she challenged him. Do you always laugh, and do not believe in the Evil Eye?

      Not even in the devil. Give me a break with this nonsense, he dismissed her.

      And you’ve never been to a fortune teller? Maybe we should go for once, she said, ignoring his teasing.

      You know what, I am willing to go with you, just for laughs, he agreed.

      I know you don’t appreciate these things, Avivit tried to convince him. They know your character, how many kids you have, they tell you about the future.

      I don’t care about the future, Aviran mocked her, and I know my own character; so now try to convince me again.

      They heal sick people, Avivit tried.

      Thank God, all of us are healthy, Aviran replied tersely.

      Okay, okay, you and your nonsense. I will take you one day to a fortune teller and then we’ll see how you react.

      In Cordoba, the couple went into a gypsy fortune teller’s den. They enjoyed strong coffee in a mysterious, mystical atmosphere, dim candlelight hitting the corners of the crammed room, the walls covered in sticky mildew over ancient stones. The odd arches tempted the imagination and made visitors feel that they had arrived in a world of sorcery, immersed in the shadows of a primeval, bewitched room.

      The gypsy took the cup in her hands, twisted her face in deep concentration, her eyes becoming two narrow slits, and then she started mumbling in broken English:

      Life good, or not good, beautiful wife, and other such obscure, incomprehensible nonsense. Avivit was hypnotized; devouring every word and every syllable, fascinated and enchanted. Avivit – the serious and practical person, of all people. On the other hand, there was impulsive and energetic Aviran, the one who trusts people, who smiles and laughs about the whole world. The Evil Eye? The devil? He did not believe in the unreal.

      And now, here was Aviran, seated, looking at his serious wife, all tense with eyes shining with a burning light of curiosity. Had he only known how deeply he would be involved in those things... The Evil Eye... Nonsense!

      The spell was over. The gypsy put the cup down. She had exhausted all the words she could mumble in English.

      Avivit, did you understand anything? he mocked her.

      The future isn’t too bright, I think, that’s what the gypsy said, replied Avivit apprehensively.

      Emerging from the den, Avivit was still in a bit of a shock, but Aviran laughed out loud.

      Well, was it worth it, Avivit?

      I don’t know. The atmosphere was magical and interesting, but what about the future, that I didn’t understand.

      Okay, now we have flamenco, Aviran changed the subject, let's go.

      The brilliant dancing and the tempo of the music made them forget all doubts about the future.

      I love you, Avivit, he held her hand tightly.

      So do I, Aviran, I love you very much; and I miss the kids.

      Kidneys

      BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAYS of 1982. On the coastal plain of Israel, near the seashore, one could feel the salty, pleasant air of the sea. Almond trees and jasmine blossomed, tempting the nostrils with the aroma of peace and satisfaction.

      The insurance business was growing, and Aviran was employing eight skilled clerks. The children had grown up, and Ofir was already four and a half years old.

      Avivit was dressed in a T-shirt that just came out of the closet, and shorts that nicely highlighted her lovely figure. Aviran was seated opposite her in the sunny kitchen, and both were enjoying their morning coffee.

      Well, what did the little rascal do yesterday? asked Aviran, sipping his coffee.

      Don’t even ask. He drove me crazy, Avivit complained. He plucked the mango blossom, trampled on the new seedlings, and broke the beautiful large flowerpot; and there is more. You’d rather not know.

      That’s a good sign, Avivit, Aviran calmed her down, As long as just objects are being broken, it’s fine.

      Oh, you and your philosophy... Stop already!

      Please, listen to me, there’s no need to get angry, Aviran soothed her. Ofir is a very warm and smart boy, mischievous and with a sharp tongue. He is slim, has brown skin – or, if you wish, is as tanned as me – and he certainly is as stubborn as I am. And notice that you can't fool him; this he got from you. Aviran went on. He listens to every conversation with great interest, and he is therefore always involved and engaged; so be happy, and don’t worry if something breaks.

      Maybe you’re right, Aviran, but he is a difficult child, and he doesn’t make my life easy.

      Give it a rest. Look outside at spring and the beautiful bloom. Take a breath, and let's go for a nice walk, enjoy the fresh air and flower fragrances.

      Okay, maybe we’ll take a trip on Saturday, she replied, trying to dampen his enthusiasm.

      Good morning, Daddy, a soft voice came from the staircase. Ofir came down slowly, unbefitting his mischievous character.

      Good morning, Avivit replied, and gave him a warm hug.

      What happened to your eyes, that they are so swollen, Ofir? she asked in a concerned tone.

      Nothing, Mommy, nothing, I'm just a bit tired.

      Aviran, come take a look please.

      Aviran came over to Ofir and kissed him affectionately. It's nothing. Can't you see that his eyes are puffy because he just woke up?

      I also think the eyes are nothing but, Daddy, I don’t know why I'm tired. I’m tired all the time.

      Without another word, Avivit stood up, picked Ofir up in her arms and went to the car.

      Where are you going? asked Aviran.

      To the doctor. I'm concerned, she replied with determination.

      Okay, if that’s what you want, go ahead.

      The doctor welcomed Ofir in the narrow old room, and sat him on his desk, which was covered with paperwork and pens, as well as medical examination devices. As usual, the big box of candies was always at the center of the table.

      Take one, Ofir, the doctor offered.

      Ofir sucked on the candy while the doctor examined him and then stated, Well, there’s nothing to do at this point. Here is a form for a urine test. Go to the lab and come back tomorrow to receive my answer, along with the results.

      The son and his mother returned home. Ofir did not go to kindergarten, and Avivit remained tense and restless.

      At dawn, Aviran was already out of the house on his business. At nine o’clock he came back, smiling as usual. How are you doing, Avivit?

      We’re going to the hospital!

      What?

      Just what you heard.

      What did the doctor say? asked Aviran, and this time he was worried.

      Ofir has a kidney problem; the level of protein in his urine is very dangerous.

      For a moment, the optimistic father did not process the meaning of the words.

      So? Is it serious?

      That’s why I’ve been waiting for you; let’s go to the hospital. I have a doctor’s referral to the children’s ward.

      They arrived at the hospital in five minutes.

      Please, take a seat, the doctor offered the parents, and he sat Ofir down on a high stool in front of him.

      Your son Ofir is suffering from nephrotic syndrome.

      Okay, what does that mean? asked Aviran with concern.

      This is a rather common kidney disease, the doctor explained. A lot of children suffer from this illness, in which all protein is secreted into their urine; or in plain English – there are big holes in Ofir’s kidneys, through which the protein finds its way out into the urine. Usually, children with this condition are treated with medication and within about a month the leakage stops and they are healthy again, getting their old lives back. However, this phenomenon repeats consistently a few times a year. Therefore, you have to be alert all the time, and when it recurs, you have to treat it right away.

      So, when will the boy be completely cured? asked Avivit.

      In a large percentage of cases, the illness continues for five to ten years. In your son’s case, I estimate that by the age of twelve he will be completely healthy, with the condition coming and going throughout the time until then.

      Avivit’s response was very harsh, and it showed on her face. She became pale; her hands shook while she caressed little Ofir.

      Don’t worry, sweetie, you will be better soon, she tried to reassure him and, turning to Aviran, she said, It’s nothing, right?

      While they were putting Ofir in the large hospital bed and changing his clothes, Aviran stroked Avivit's head. Please don’t worry. I do believe that Ofir will overcome this illness soon. I'm going to work and will be back in the evening.

      Aviran went to work, but was not able to do his job. He started wondering, What is this disease? Is it possible that my son will suffer for so many years? The thoughts disturbed him. No, it can't be, he tried to reassure himself, and yet, he could sense fear creeping into his heart. His eternal smile was still on his face, but somewhat dejectedly.

      As the hours went by, he regained his strength. I do not believe it will take years. It won't happen to my Ofir. My son will fully recover in one month’s time. I'm sure and certain about that, he convinced himself.

      In the evening, he returned to the hospital with a big, confident smile.

      Avivit, I'm here. How is Ofir doing? Is he okay?

      They’ve only been doing tests so far, without giving him any medication, was her tired reply.

      Well, you’ll see, it will be just fine.

      Aviran gave Ofir a warm hug and kissed him on his cheek.

      Go home, Avivit. I’ll call you later. You’re tired and stressed out.

      Fine, see you later.

      She walked away in slow motion, as if afraid of leaving, hesitating. Before the end of the hallway, she looked back and sent Ofir an air kiss.

      Swollen and Bloated with Water

      DAYS TURNED INTO WEEKS, and weeks turned into months. Heat waves returned, in spite of the modern air conditioning system. The trees bore delicious fruits, but the Goshen family did not enjoy their juice.

      As a result of his protein leak, Ofir’s slim, worn out body had no antibodies, and one disease followed another: hepatitis, measles, pneumonia; and, of course, he had biopsies twice – samples taken from pieces of tissue in his kidney. His lean body was full of water, that entered his lungs and constantly hampered his breathing. The attempts to cure him and to eradicate his illness did not succeed. He was given so much cortisone that he ended up with no hair on his head. He also received plasma and protein almost daily, but the situation kept deteriorating.

      Aviran, as was his habit, still smiling and holding on to his faith, kept working from morning till evening. When he’d arrive at the hospital, he would send Avivit home to take care of the house, and see to the older children. Neglect was already noticeable, both in the house and in the garden, that had always been well kept before.

      When evening came, the heat wave did not wane, but rather became worse. The air was still and stifling. Despite the overall darkness, sweat was easily visible running down people’s faces.

      Aviran parked his car in front of the ward and quickly marched over to Ofir’s room. Avivit was standing near the bed, exhausted and teary-eyed, her hair disheveled, her clothes wrinkled. She looked confounded. Aviran turned his gaze immediately to little Ofir, lying in the bed.

      This time, Ofir looked large and bloated with water. His head was so swollen that his eyes could not be seen. His ears were hidden all the way to their lobes inside the swollen neck, that connected straight down to his narrow shoulders, which now looked very large. His legs became rounded, and if a finger was placed anywhere on them, it sank into the accumulated water.

      He was connected to IVs and plasma drips, and there was a respirator next to him.

      Aviran’s legs shook when he kneeled by his son’s bed.

      Ofir, how are you? Can you hear me? It's me, Daddy.

      Yes, Daddy. How do I look?

      You look fine, the father lied, his throat choking. It will go away.

      Daddy, what did you buy me?

      You know you’re not allowed to have sweets.

      Daddy, why is Mommy crying? asked Ofir, I heard her crying.

      No, she isn’t crying, you only imagined it, the father whispered.

      Daddy, when will all the water get out?

      Don’t worry, Ofir, tomorrow morning you will be fine, as the doctors said. Do you remember what they said, Ofir?

      Yes, Daddy, they said that just like the illness came suddenly, I’d wake up one morning and I’d suddenly be healthy.

      That’s right, Ofir, that’s right, you remember it very well. Try to get some sleep, my angel. Sleep a little, okay?

      Aviran’s face changed colors and became pale and shaky. A fiery tear rolled down, and he gagged when he swallowed. A sharp, burning pain spread throughout his body, and gradually reached his heart. His raven-black hair started to show first white streaks, and great exhaustion filled his aching body.

      Go home, my dear, the confounded father said, as he lay his head on Ofir’s large belly and closed his eyes.

      Go home, get some rest and sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, and maybe the sun will shine on us a light of healing. Go gather new strengths, my wife, and don’t be angry. Tomorrow Ofir will wake up healthy, so said the doctors; we will hear the lark sing, Avivit. Can you hear me, Avivit? Avivit?

      Aviran stood up slowly while Ofir fell asleep.

      He looked around and couldn’t see his wife. She had gone home to sleep, sleep, sleep... Good night, my love, he whispered.

      Won't be Able to Serve in the Army

      THE OPERATION WAS JUST to extract a tissue sample, to check the status of the kidneys and to find out whether their condition remained as it was at the beginning, or had it worsened. The hospital was one of the most advanced in the Middle East. The nephrology department was run by a renowned professor, whose department treated only children.

      Aviran had first heard about him from the doctor that treated Ofir, and immediately asked for his home phone number.

      The summer of 1982 was coming to an end, and chilly autumn air welcomed the couple and their son as they arrived at the town near the new hospital.

      Ofir, still wrapped in a blanket from the previous hospital, was held tightly in his father’s arms. Avivit, thinner than usual, was dressed in jeans, a thick flannel shirt and a scarf wrapped around her neck.

      They arrived at a seven-story building and took the elevator up to the professor’s office. A man in his fifties opened the door for them, of average height, cropped black hair, with a tough yet trustworthy face.

      Please sit down, said the doctor, undress the child and have him lie down on the couch. He approached the boy, examined and felt him. The examination lasted about half an hour, in silence.

      Okay, you can dress him again now.

      Where were you born? he asked the father

      In Israel.

      Where did your parents immigrate from?

      From Yemen.

      Are they still alive?

      Yes, my father is seventy and my mother is about sixty.

      What do you do for a living?

      I’m a member of the Egged bus cooperative; I play soccer; and I am an insurance agent.

      How old are you?

      35.

      Have you suffered from any disease in the past?

      No.

      Have your parents had any diseases or are they suffering from any now?

      Yes, diabetes, but only recently.

      Okay. Now the wife. Did you or your parents ever have any disease?

      Neither me nor my parents.

      Now on to Ofir, the doctor continued. Ofir, how old are you?

      About five.

      Do you attend kindergarten?

      Yes, but lately I’ve been in the hospital.

      Would you like toffee or candy?

      No thanks, I'm not allowed.

      Wow, you are such a smart kid. Ofir, can you sit on the couch, please?

      Okay.

      The doctor turned to the parents.

      Avivit and Aviran, I would like to tell you a few things that may not be very pleasant to your ears. The situation is not good. Ofir, in spite of all the doctors’ efforts, has not responded to the treatment and, during all this time, there has been no improvement in his situation; on the contrary, the condition of the kidneys is now worse. However, I am certain that at some point we will succeed in stopping the protein leak, and the disease will go into remission – until it reappears again. Therefore, I have to ask you to hospitalize him tomorrow morning, so that I can treat him, and I also want to perform a small biopsy operation, to check the kidneys’ condition. This will tell us if this is indeed the disease we believe it to be, and whether we did not misdiagnose him.

      One more thing: please go to the ward and pick up material to test Ofir’s urine at home. On the days when he is at home, you will have to check his urine protein levels and note them on a special sheet you will also be given. This will be done for years. And one last thing: I must tell you that Ofir will not be able to serve in the army. This disease might continue with interruptions until he is eighteen years old.

      Aviran could not accept this easily: Doctor, can you tell me whether there was a case in which a child recovered after a shorter period, and the disease never returned?

      I haven’t heard of any case like that, was the short answer.

      Is it possible to transplant a new kidney?

      I don’t think he will get to the point of a transplant.

      But my wife and I are willing to be tested. If one of our kidneys is a match, why can it not be done?

      Because his kidneys are fully functional, except for the protein leak, pronounced the doctor.

      They went down the elevator in a bad, depressed mood, with Avivit carrying Ofir, but not before Aviran wrote out a hefty check for the ‘news.’

      They drove back in silence among the orange groves, with only the sound of the engine tearing through the darkness of night, a long, sharp shriek that exhibited the effort that the aching, struggling engine was making, fully exerted.

      Within half an hour, they were all covered with autumn woolen blankets, each keeping their thoughts to themselves. Tomorrow morning, I will take Ofir to the hospital, said Aviran to himself.

      But when morning arrived, he went to work, and Avivit and Ofir went to the hospital in the additional new car they had bought.

      Is This a Situation We Can Smile about?

      THE BIG OLD ROOM WAS filled with huge beds, each with a little child lying on it.

      Aviran entered the room like a storm and rushed from one bed to the next.

      Where is Ofir? Ofir, where are you?

      Nurse, nurse, he called out after a nurse who was passing through the hallway. I'm Ofir’s father, where he is?

      In the treatment room, at the end of the hall, she indicated.

      In a split second he arrived at a narrow room filled with medical devices, illuminated by many large lights. Ofir was lying on a large bed, uncovered; but the thing that stood out, despite the many edemas on his body, was the bright, jarring red color covering his leg.

      What is that, doctor?

      We think it’s erysipelas.

      Aviran gave his son a pained hug. How do you feel, son?

      It hurts, Daddy, it hurts terribly.

      How was the biopsy operation?

      That still hurts, too, but less than yesterday.

      You are strong and you will overcome it, right?

      Yes, Daddy, I must.

      You are a big boy now, Ofir, right?

      Yes, I'm a big boy, Daddy, he answered, whispering.

      Do you know that I love you more than I love myself?

      Yes, Daddy. I love you too.

      Don’t worry, I’ll be with you forever.

      Nurse, when do we return to the ward? asked Aviran.

      You can already take him back, the nurse answered.

      Avivit looked more tired than usual. Her face showed added lines of suffering and stress.

      Please, Avivit, go get some rest, I will take him.

      No, I'm not going home today.

      Avivit, I bought you the car to make things easier for you, so I implore you: drive home and get some good sleep, but make sure you first eat something. You must get stronger, there is no other choice; and please, Avivit, smile a little.

      How do you expect me to smile?! she replied angrily. Is this a situation we can smile about?

      Yes, Avivit, this is a time of love and unity. Otherwise, how can we keep going on?

      Don’t you worry, I will keep going on.

      Avivit, everything blows by like the wind. in the end, Ofir will run and play in the sand, just smile a little and you will see everything differently.

      I can't. You always smile. You don’t feel what I feel here all day long, day after day, from morning till night. Your highness comes only to watch over him while he is asleep. Right?

      For the first time, he started feeling guilty. ‘Hold on; maybe I am wrong? What should I do?’ he thought. ‘I have a business where I have to be in person. In Addition, we need money, and a lot of it. We already have huge expenses. What can be done? How should I do more?’ But then he came around.

      You know what, Avivit, maybe you’re right. I will think of a way to dedicate more time and attention to you and our boy.

      Don’t do anything more for me; spend more time with Ofir, that's all I ask of you, she explained. And now, please be quiet, Ofir fell asleep.

      Avivit, come over here and get into the bed, get some sleep. I will sit outside and will also come in to sleep.

      No, you go home, don’t leave the older kids alone. She was furious.

      In that case, good night, Avivit. And he disappeared into the darkness.

      From Hospital to Hospital

      THEY LEFT THE OLD, renowned hospital and went back to the previous hospital, the one with the dedicated doctors and nurses, who had hoped not to meet them again.

      Ofir, how do you feel? asked nurse Galit. She came over to warmly hug and kiss him. You weren’t here throughout the holidays, for over two months, and I was sure you were fine by now; but don’t worry, we will take care of you and cure you here, right?

      Yes, I trust you, replied Ofir with quiet confidence.

      Aviran, the doctor asked that you go into his office, Galit suddenly remembered.

      "Okay, we will

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