Saturday, September 24, 2022

8:48 PM

Hello, welcome to our busy day!

  I was leaving this morning, for 9:00 Mass, until I rounded the corner to see one of those very long trains. I knew it would make me late, so I turned right instead of left. I wondered if something might be up & arriving at the hospital early had a purpose. I was told that Larry was being transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital today, but they wouldn't know the time, until the paramedics came to get him. I hoped to not have another somber day, so In the meantime, I danced around Larry's bed with super cheeriness, until his smile matched mine. We enjoyed some time together, then the nurses got him ready to go. When they finished, I sat beside Larry & prayed our daily healing prayer & Psalms of consolation & encouragement. I quickly wrote a note of gratitude to the staff for the loving care they've given Larry … and me!

 The transfer happened at noon. I asked Larry where he was going & he said "RCH!" I told him I'd meet him there. I really looked & felt like an old lady, carrying bags, pillows & a guitar across the parking lot. I couldn't wait to get in the car & meet Larry as he arrived. I had to get gas, so Larry had been in his new room a few minutes when I got there.

 We've been so spoiled most of Larry's hospital stay, not having to share a room, but for just a few days. Larry is one of four patients in his room on 6 South. Two other men & a poor dear lady who is quite confused. There is little space for 2 visitors at most, plus the lack of privacy & interrupting the peace of other patients.

  Mary-Lynn & I asked Larry to do a few leg & hip exercises, & he did. He is getting stronger every day. Mary-Lynn joined us from early afternoon. Again, it was so helpful to have her hear & share the details of Larry's care needs, & progress with the medical team.

  Larry's nurse is a darling and the hospitalist who took care of Larry being admitted and all his needs met, was super. He looks just like our grand-nephew Danial, with a similar sweet nature. He went through (without notes) all the concerns leading up to this point for Larry & how he will move forward. This is a medical unit that he's on for now, & when a bed opens up on the stroke unit, Larry will go there. It's where he went before, once he was out of critical care in July.

 The concerns I had about Larry being lost in the shuffle or neglected, were put to rest by the nurse & doctor. The doctor said that rehab will start on Monday & in a couple of weeks he will likely go to a rehabilitation centre.

 It was a very long day, by the time we left & we grabbed a bite on the way home from the hospital. With Mary-Lynn, I can always rely on endorphins from sharing laughter. We moved tables 4 X at the restaurant because of the cold draft, carrying menus & cutlery with us. We agreed that if people think we're funny, their opinion is no concern of ours. It's so good to laugh together!

God bless you! Good night! xoxo