Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace
Aug. 21, 2022
BIG *WOW* DAY (08.20.22)
Saturday, August 20, 2022 6:46 PM
Hello, thank you for joining us today!
It started as Shane & I walked in just before noon. Shane usually comes earlier in the day, & Larry doesn't seem to be at all alert until later in the day. Jason always goes later in the evening, & almost always gets some 'action' from Dad. (Action often has meant opened eyes for a few minutes & maybe an attempt at a few words, and a firm hand hold.) Well today, totally shocked us with delight. Larry's eyes were wide open & he was wide awake, not staring into the distance. He followed us with his eyes right away, we didn't have to put our faces in his line of vision. He was very attentive to our conversation, raised his hand toward Shane, had a bit of an arm wrestle with him. I think Shane was doing a jig. He even sang along to Dad's favorite "Edmond Fitzgerald" of Gordon Lightfoot. Larry was super attentive to the video that our friends had sent of the orcas splashing & breeching in the little bay at Pender Harbour.
It was 4 hours into the visit & Larry's eyes stayed open & alert most of the time. I continued to show photos from my phone & ask him or remind him about the people & places.
I asked if I could have a kiss & he did the 'fish kiss' gesture with his lips. And we did have a few real ones, over the visit. Along with showing affection with kisses, when I slid one arm under his neck & the other around his chest to have a close hug, he raised his arm & gave me a few "It's O.K.!" taps on my back. That for sure was "My Larry coming back!"
Being so alert, also means he's very aware of all the tubes he's hooked up with & then reaching for them. So over & over I remind him of what they're for. He was turning his head on his own, so I had him look at the food bag & tube, Air Compression Leg Massage cuffs, catheter tube. Once I explained what they were, reminding him of when he worked with these things with his patients at GF Strong, he would settle down…. Except when it came to him insisting he needed to go to the bathroom. Pretty hard to convince him that a toilet isn't an option for now. After several 'debates' I sarcastically told him to "Just do it & get it over with!" He looked straight at me & stuck out his tongue. He doesn't smile, but he knew he was funny, as I could not stop laughing. First crazy laugh in 7 weeks.
My brother came from the Island & also our nephew & niece-in-love from Prince Rupert. Larry was wide awake & very attentive to them. Linda was also doing a jig, as she's seen Larry often & this was a first. She held up the beautiful heart decoration from the magnet board that Abby had made us. He reached for it & held it in his hand. That was so exciting.
As Brad & Stephanie were saying goodbye, Larry (without prompting) waved 'good-bye'. Don't be jealous if he's never waved at the end of a visit, you didn't drive 1,000 miles like they did!
So I'm home, & the best kind of exhausted. Today was an amazingly uplifting gift of hope. Each day I tell Larry of the deep love that is being sent to him by so many. He is very attentive as I tell him names & read messages of love & encouragement. He breathed through his nose most of the time & his coughs were very few & they were dry.That's a huge improvement.
Shane shared with me today that a co-worker suffered a stroke & was in the state of delirium (similar as when fully sedated) for what is common, 2 weeks. He said that he remembered the voices of loved ones & what they said to him. So I hope with all my heart that Larry hears & absorbs the love that is shown & spoken to him during these times.
Please God, more progress tomorrow! Thank you for your contribution to the Niagara Falls of love that Larry is being blessed with. Xoxo We love you & pray for you in thanksgiving!