Angela's Blog

Another restless night.   She is definitely finding her vocals and Josh said she used them in varying volumes over the entire night....no rest for Josh.

This morning she got a bath, "washed" her hair, sat up in the chair, "wrote" to us on the board, and started a bit more verbalization to questions.    It is so hard to give her space.... once she starts, I want to have a conversation and I need to pace myself and remember she only has a short attention span.    First day....30 seconds;  2nd day .... 2.5 minutes....   I have to focus on the expansive improvement rather than the shortness of the time.

I also want to tell you about the nursing staff.   They are always running!   Josh and I call them the glue that keeps all the teams together.   They listen to all the parts the doctor teams share and then fill in all the holes and gaps.   Not only do they provide care for the patient, they also teach their aides how to do better efficient patient care, and they keep an eye on the family.   They notice when I need a word of encouragement and sometimes they tell me and sometimes they tell my daughter how lucky she is.  Subtle hints to relax, take a break, offer of coffee, encouraging word.... 

As always some are more experienced, have had personal experiences, or are just that special brand of amazing people that make them extremely special.   I have been keeping names so that Angela can make batches of spaghetti sauce when she is back to her normal food preparing self.   In the meantime, say a special 'thank you' prayer for each of them.   Some of the patients here have no family to help and some are in their more antagonistic stages so some of the nurses have to take a lot of abuse and also have to do a lot more of the kind of care that we do for them.   

Josh or I comb her hair, wash her face, put on chapstick, lotion her legs and arms, do her exercises with her, reposition her on the bed when she slouches down, help with moves, and otherwise visit/sing/dance/read/etc.   What do they do when they have no help?

We certainly are sustained by your prayers, comments on the website, phone calls, and love.   We could not do what we are doing without all of you.

Teresa