The ups and downs continue for my mom. another spiked temperature and chest x-ray overnight. during the day on monday, they found a new infection in her blood that they think is causing the temperature spikes. she had another spike during the day today. i think they are affecting her more emotionally than physically (although running a fever isn't any fun). the conditions aren't that serious, but it just seems like there is one thing after another. it is wearing on both her and my dad. they long for a day without incident.it was a big day otherwise. have you ever gone on a camping trip or some trip when you never felt really "clean" the whole time? well, today my mom got her first real shower since being in the hospital. is that too much information? the patient care assistant had to tell her to get out because she would have stayed in there all day. she is very afraid of developing what she is calling "old people smell". she has asked every nurse if they think old people smell....how do you respond to that?
her throat is still very sore and swallowing continues to be a hardship. the doctor told her that it was going to be a week or two before her body could heal the tenderness there. if you're thinking that a sore throat has dampened her ability to talk, you would be WRONG. ask anybody at the hospital. that's right......anybody.
today was a generous mail day for her. she got a big envelope of cards/letters from the students/teachers that she works with (there's that dangling preposition again - shh). i had a few emails/posts to read as well. along with another stack of cards, it took my dad and i about 30 minutes to make it through them. if anybody wonders why my mom still teaches at age 76, i'll post a couple of those notes. the word continues to spread that she is in the hospital and messages keep coming in from far and wide.
my cousin, missy, sent my mom a picture (posted above) of her grandmother and her grandmother's brothers and sisters. she asked my mom to help identify who was who. (my great-grandmother is on the far left). i'm betting those women could make some great fried chicken and pie. i'm pretty sure my aunt irma could have done it, but it gave my mom a nice memory activity and an opportunity to show the nurses a picture of her grandmother. i guess the "nose" picture was getting a little dog-eared.
continued prayers for her progress are always appreciated. she feels the presence every day.
many blessings,
tim
Dear Char,
ReplyDeleteThe blog about you is the first thing I read online each morning, even if I have talked to Angie or Tim and already know the details. Today was no exception, and I am especially glad to hear that you were able to enjoy the rejuvenation of a good (and hopefully, I can add, “hot”) shower. I loved seeing the picture of your ancestors and thought the most amazing part of it was the smile on everyone’s face. What must have been said just before that shot was snapped??!! So many pictures of that era (of print dresses!) show stern, serious countenances. So…now we know at least one origin of your great smile and wonderful sense of humor (clearly passed on to those sons of yours). I’m sure it is pushing even your limits of optimism to be going through what you’re experiencing now, but your nature is to attack everything head-on with spirit and resolve, and that will count for more than (or at least every bit as much as) all the treatments those professionals can conger up. You and Jim and are in our frequent prayers and we send lots of love always.
Now, speaking of (and to) Jim… We enjoyed seeing you briefly while we were retrieving our dogs and watching a couple of grandsons’ basketball games. (And thanks for giving up your bed.) You’re doing a great job of “being there” for Char and it’s clear she treasures (and needs) your presence. Fifty-something years together counts for A LOT!!! Pace yourself, and let the boys (and daughters-in-law) pamper and take care of you. This is an ordeal with lots of curve balls, fumbles, and overtimes, (get the sports analogy here?) and you’ll want to have plenty of gas left when you get to cut down the nets and celebrate the big win. We’ll pray for an extra shot of energy, patience, and peace for you as the days go by. Malissa & Ken