Joe is in the hospital

I won't be doing much with the recipe book for a few days at least. 
Joe was complaining about a tickle in his throat, and then a scratchy throat.  Yesterday it got worse so he went to see his doctor who prescribed antibiotics.  He came home and went to bed.  He would get up and take sips of water but it really hurt.  Around suppertime he came out and his voice was awful - sort of squeaky and he seemed short of breath.  I asked him if he would let me call my neighbour to take him to the ER.  He agreed so I knew he was sick.  When the neighbours saw him, they said I should call the ambulance.  We did and it was a good thing.  I guess he has a large abscess on the left side of his neck that was getting bigger.  The paramedic was afraid it would cut off his airway.  So off we went to the hospital.  You get looked after pretty quickly when there is a chance of airway obstruction!  After doctors, resident doctors, nurses, Respiratory Therapists saw him and he had been given drugs by IV and inhalation therapy, and had a cat scan and chest X-ray, they decided he should go to the OR and have it lanced.  But after surgery, he would have to go to intensive care because they would have him intubated.  They want to make sure the abscess does not fill up again.  The doctor today said it could be better in a day or 2 or 2 weeks! 
He is heavily sedated, though they cut back a bit on his sedative for a bit so he woke up.  He is intubated so can't talk.  He tried to tell me something but I just didn't get it.  He even tried sign language - but I never learned it! 
They were not sure how extensive the surgery would be so they cut off his beard.  He looks so scruffy!  For those who know him,  he is much scruffier than usual - shaved but not at all well done!
Lisa:  Keep a watch over your dad.  When I saw him, so many memories came back.  The main one is being in the ICU with you.  Dad has not shaved since the time he came home clean shaven and shocked me at 1 am.  I screamed and started to laugh.  You came out - took one look at him and began screaming.  He had to stay clean shaven for the summer as he had a job that required a smooth face.  You never did warm up to him until he grew it back.  I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy