We take so many things for granted. A breath of fresh air, a busy day at work, that TGIF feeling, weekend plans, walking, laughter, family and friends. We presume we control where we go and when we go there.
Debbie (cousin) and her family visited Elaine on Friday night and Tom & Michelle visited her on Saturday morning.
The folks at the home got Elaine out of bed, dressed and seated in her wheelchair. This morning Elaine, Tom and Michelle went outside and sat and talked for an hour or so. She ate soup and pureed peaches and drank a high protein drink. Her diet was changed to puree so she could eat easier (still no appetite). Her wheelchair is now a modified version (no Tim Taylor involvement).
Apparently the pain in her left shoulder was caused by some misalignment due to poor muscles not holding stuff in place (sorry for the tech talk). The modified wheelchair helps hold her shoulder in place and should help eliminate that pain.
Even this afternoon, she was in good spirits, but tired from activity.
Please do not be offended if you have visited Elaine but not mentioned. It simply means we did not know you were there.
She obviously cannot go anywhere, does not control much, would love to say what a great Monday morning this is to co-workers and friends, and spend time with friends.
Visitors do make a difference. Frederick is quite a way from Baltimore, but close to Mom and Dad who tend to so many of her needs. Thank you for your notes, the cards sent to her, your prayers, the comments you post. When getting by, these things do make a difference. She will say once in a while, they make me laugh.
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3 comments:
Hello Elaine...cha cha cha...this is your dance instructor...cha cha cha....Geri
Want you to know that I'm thnking about you and that I love you dearly, like you are one of my own.
I think of you often throughout the day especially when my phone rings because it plays "Dancing Queen" (saw JoAnn's note). I, too, remember al the fun we had at the receptions or celebrations we attended...getting out on the dance floor and kicking up our heels. Well, at leastthe shoes came off!
I pray that God blesses you with His love and healing. Remember, He's only a whisper away, has radar hearing, and loves to carry His little lambs...you know how the song goes..."winter, spring, summer or fall, all you gotta do is call"...
My love is with you always...
Geri (cha, cha, cha)
Hello everyone...I spent some time with Elaine tonight. She doesn't start out remembering much but once she gets started she tells me about her visitors and those that plan to come. She truly loves the visitors because she does not like to be alone. She's trying to eat more so if you go to visit her would you please take her some ice cream, pudding, or jello. She said that the Jello goes down best. Be sure to help her eat it since she can't remember to do that herself. Because she can't remember she would like visitors to make sure the nurses button is where she can get it before you leave. I tie it once around the railing and then let it rest on the bed. But just don't make it long, since it will get caught under her body. Then show her the cord and have her practice getting it once before you leave. She said it makes her feel better/secure. Also ask her if she would like a drink before you leave. She said she never remembers and then when she is there alone there is no one to get her a drink. Also she would like to put on chap stick before you leave. So be sure to ask her about that. She said that she hates that she has to ask for everything and that it makes her feel like a baby, so that if people would offer she feels better about it. I'm guessing alot of people already do these things, but I told her I would let everyone know. She was tired and kept falling asleep, but she didn't want me to leave. Her roommate went home today.
Hello Everyone: Yesterday morning (Tuesday) at Elaine’s request, I printed out your collective blog messages (however, I did not print the health updates). She was able to read a couple of your messages on her own but her eye tired and it became difficult for her to focus, so she asked me to read the rest. She thanks all of you for your kind words.
Elaine was truly touched by the loving and caring thoughts expressed in your comments. Some messages brought tears (which we called happy/loving tears); others brought a smile and/or laugh ---- and I know she felt close to each of you. We kidded a lot about numerous messages referencing her dancing talents; seems a lot of us enjoy having Elaine as a special cha-cha partner.
The messages seemed to be very good “therapy” for Elaine; if possible, I know she would love to continue to hear from you regarding comments/memories via this blog. Reading the messages to her makes her feel like you are right there with her and she loves being surrounded with caring and fun thoughts of friends and family. Many thanks to Steven and Kevin for setting up Elaine’s Blog.
All the Best,
JoAnn
PS She also loves going outside in her wheelchair to feel the sun and breathe fresh air, and as she puts it, “get away from all those sick people in there”.
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