Sunday, July 10, 2022

7:10 PM

   Thanks for checking in!

    So pleased with a few surprises. Beyond the parroting of commands that Larry hears from the doc & nurses, today he answered (in his growly voice) to the questions: What is your wife's name, how many sons, names, where do you live? That was wonderful to witness.  Obviously as he never opens his eyes except for the occasional flutter when asked to, and in his constant sleeping state, he is not aware of how hooked up he is. He said he needed to go to pee & argued with me that he did not have a catheter, "yes I will get wet".  No matter what, though he would not be reassured, so I can't imagine how disturbing that is, let alone other things. We felt the strength of is arms today as he was trying to use both of them to take away restraints. Larry is never embarrassed about anything, so I know he's ok with this info.

  The nurse again today was a gem. She had music playing for him when we got there, explained so well, how his day was, affirming us in our interaction with him. We just cannot say enough about the superb care they are giving to Larry & to us. Our beautiful Doctor is leaving tomorrow. He came in with Larry's arrival at RCH on Jul 4. As I thanked him for all of his love and care, he said "I'm a hugger!" Exactly what I hoped for. God has blessed this young man with every quality that we could hope for in a doctor taking care of our loved one.

   Shane drove me in this morning and stayed for a few hours, then my sister Erin & John came for the rest of the day and drove me home. They live in Tsawwassen, so that's quite the trek fr. Pitt Meadows. It was John's Bday yesterday, so the Uber ride included 'skip the dishes' from his celebration dinner.

  I was able to find songs on the tablet that Larry loves and sings. He's also very calm when I read aloud the special healing prayer and verses from scripture that speak of God's loving care and words of great hope & encouragement. He puffed out a few word sounds while I was doing that. Once, as I just stroked his head quietly, he said "I love you!", without any prompting. Such a treasure! Thank you Larry!

  Please pray for a practical side of things for me. As of this week, I become the bill payer, on line for the first time. I've got help to do that. But I must say of all the times to learn… yuck. But I have to get on it as I just saw today that my phone will poop out if I don't take care of it.

  Larry's bone is still absent from his skull. I don't ask! One minute at a time. I keep telling him "You are so strong!" just like I have done forever…."and handsome!" I thank him for working so hard at getting better and letting everyone take good care of him, as he has done for so many, all of his life.

  I was thinking today, "I'm sure glad Larry & I didn't have a fight last week, as there is always a day of 'stale-mate' before things are all better." So if that's any of you reading this, please consider that 2nd chances are not guaranteed. It's too much to deal with, without having the burden of regret. As we observe other visitors to the ICU, we are seeing/hearing some pretty awful effects of past & ongoing hurts & disagreements, adding tremendous pain to this already horrific time with their loved one in critical care.

  I'm looking forward to more "I love you!" from my growly bear voice hubby. Hand squeezes are also lovely. Xoxo

 God bless you.