Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Oct. 16, 2022

GOOD DAY…GOOD NIGHT! (10.15.22)

Saturday, October 15, 2022

9:16 PM

Hello, here's a quick update on today. It was a fairly good day. Larry enjoyed sitting in his wheelchair by the window, watching a ball game in the park across the street. The field is so green, I'm sure that was a refreshing change from staring at the ceiling. He did various arm exercises with the elastic resistance band. He felt his bicep muscle & raised his eyebrows. 

  There was more interaction today. I started by sitting quietly, holding Larry's hand for 40 minutes before he opened his eyes & saw me. I said nothing, waiting for him to speak. A big growly "Hello!" with a twinkle in his eye. I relayed all the well wishes from folks I've seen over the past few days. Someone here from Montreal, remembering us from previous Cursillo conferences assured me of their prayers for us. People we haven't seen for ages, telling me that when they can't sleep in the night, they pray for Larry. We are so blessed by a world-wide community.

 The doctor prescribed cortisone cream for his 'growing' rash. He's not itchy, when the area is creamed. I sure wish we knew for sure, why it happens.

 Linda came for a while, then we went together for dinner & she dropped me off, back at the hospital. I've never done that before. Larry was quite alert when I got back. He asked when he could start eating, even baby food. I replied by asking him how many swallowing exercises he did today. Out came the yellow ball. After he finished those, we had some fun with tongue exercises & exaggerated mouth moves through the alphabet. I started to sing "You ae so beautiful to me!" (by Joe Cocker), Larry took over & was very cutesy while he sang, especially the high, high notes.

   I'd say Larry's day was quite peaceful. There was more of 'Larry' today! 

 Last evening & this morning I attended gatherings, that I thought I should participate in, as a change of pace & nourishment for my soul. I was nervous about the terrible flue that has affected many family & friends. The last thing Larry needs is for me to bring him the flue, or Covid (which has not gone away). Most people I know are huggers, and the same for Larry & I. I have to decline hugs these days, for Larry's sake. Some folks share their sadness over it, as well as the fact that I am not a social butterfly at these events. It's actually not easy for me to be in these environments since Larry's been in hospital. I don't analyze it, because it just is, & I have to take care of me & do what I can to take care of Larry. No one should take it personally. I don't have a lot to give, socially. So if I seem distant, I am & it has nothing to do with anyone personally. Thank you for understanding, or at least respecting the me, that is me, these days.

  Fr. James said today at Mass "Pray for the courage to hope!" Wasn't exactly sure what it meant, but it sure felt familiar. Hope does not come easily, when stones are being hurled against you, like all that has tried to destroy Larry. I never thought before, about having courage to hope, but that is precisely what it's been, that's kept our heads above water & focused on the 'lighthouse' that's guiding us to safety! God bless you!