Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Sep. 26, 2022

TODAY WOULD BE MOM's 96th BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! (09.25.22)

Sunday, September 25, 2022

7:48 PM

Hello, thank you for joining us on Larry's 2nd day back at Royal Columbian Hospital.

   I had a lovely start to my Sunday. I went to 9:00 Mass at the parish church I grew up in & got married in, Our Lady of Lourdes. It's about 1/2 way to the hospital & our dear friend Fr. Larry has been the pastor there since mid-July. I realized just how much I've missed him since he transferred from our parish. The other nostalgic feeling was remembering sitting, quite possibly in the very same pew when I was a little girl. There is a lot of family history in that church. I'm so happy that I went.

 Larry was being transferred by a physio, to a wheelchair as I arrived, immediately followed by a visit from a speech therapist. The nurse today was wonderful, in every way. She very much tries to make Larry as comfortable as she can. I noticed that Larry had a Holter monitor attached to him. It seems the doctors are leaving no stone unturned. I'm so grateful that I stayed a bit longer than I planned, as I met another doctor who explained what they are looking for & how they are going about it. Larry's rash is not something they are taking lightly. Adjusting his meds & a liver scan checking for possible repercussion from sepsis at the end of July. That's the bump in the road! When doing inventory of his organs' function, I would think "Well, at least his liver is fine!" The doctor was pleased that there were no signs of yellow eyes, or dark urine. Larry was listening as the doctor spoke. When she asked if he had any questions, he said "Can I exercise?" Hopefully rehab will begin again tomorrow, after his encouraging sessions last week.

  It was a very busy day for visitors. Linda first came. Larry thanked her for coming & a "Nice to see you!" followed mostly by him seemingly sleeping, while she gently stroked his arm. It was very sweet when she was saying good-bye, as he thanked her very much for stroking his arm. Linda has always done this beautiful loving & soothing gesture through her gentle touch.

 I stepped out for a bit, when three friends of Larry's Wed. 6:30 a.m. men's group came, accompanied by one of the friend's 7-year-old son. To see Larry's hand gesture & animated eyes, were so wonderful to witness. He was so connected & excited this little fella, who has always had a great fondness for Larry. He calls him Scary Larry (introduced by his dad), & of course, 'You know who' at Christmas time! With 3 other patients in the room & their visitors, I thought I'd leave it up to the nurses to limit the number of Larry's guests. It seemed they behaved themselves, as they got to stay for a wee while, for a much-appreciated visit by all!

  Erin came to spend the evening & Jason arrived shortly after her. This was when the doctor came to check on Larry & give the low-down that I spoke of earlier.  Jason brought a gift he'd made his Dad. Out of mirror, he cut-out & etched a great Santa face. We had a bit of fun trying to line up the 2 Santa faces.  Larry was still quite alert when I left. I'm sure they're enjoying a good visit.

  Driving home from RCH is crazy fast, when taking the freeway then Mary-Hill Bypass. I was home, heated my dinner & was eating it in 35 minutes. Especially if I stay much past 6:00 it’s a relief that it's not too long a drive.

  So, I'll say "good night" to this day of some news (not the greatest), mixed with a huge dose of love from family, friends & care givers. Included in the 'good stuff' are beautiful messages of encouragement & love that pour in from so many of you. Thank you!

 By the way: Today would have been our dear Mom - Katherine Barbara Lovrenich Bowen's 96th birthday. 'We love & miss you, Mom! Thank you for your ever-giving love!'  xoxoxo