Friday, October 7, 2022

8:35 PM

Hello! Welcome to our day!

  Mary-Lynn spent the earlier part of the day with Larry, as I wanted to run a few errands. When I phoned her to see how he was doing, she didn't answer, she gave the phone to Larry. When he said "Hello!" I responded with "Hello sweetheart. How are you doing?" "Who is this?" he said. I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. I told him that I was calling to ask his permission (ha, ha) to spend a wad of money on a new fall wardrobe… from Value Village. It's the first time I've spoken with Larry on the phone during all his time in hospital. His voice was loud & clear. It was a 2-way conversation. I really enjoyed that. 'Thanks, Mary-Lynn!' And by the way, I got a sweater/coat for $15 that I'm really happy with.

 Larry was pleased to tell me when I arrived, that he had a physio session, & did not get sick afterward. He was happy to say that the therapist told him, that she was very pleased with his progress. I think too, that it must be encouraging for therapists, when their patient cooperates, & gives it their all.

  Oh, I forgot to say! Mary-Lynn told me that Larry's hearing aids have gone missing. They turned everything inside-out, looked through each drawer & under the bed. Nope! When I was there, a nurse asked another to call down to the laundry, as a blanket from Larry's bed had been removed. That would be a miracle, if they find it there. Larry's hearing is so much better when he's wearing his aids.

 I brought Larry's ear-phones that he wears at his computer. He got to listen to some music & a podcast from his favorite, Fr. Mike Schmitz. We did do some speech/swallowing exercises. The visit felt fairly full, although I didn't stay as long again today.

  When nurses were working with Larry, I took my lunch out to the waiting area on the same floor. A patient & his wife sat there at the same time. He's had a stroke, she had cancer, they moved from their house of 48 years to a condo, he had his knees replaced… We enjoyed discovering how our lives have travelled similar paths. He's in a deluxe room for two, with a window facing the Pattullo bridge & down the Fraser River. He said he would put in a good word for Larry & try to get him moved in with him, as his room-mate is leaving today. That's wishful thinking!

  Our sisters have shared that their visits with Larry have become more 2 sided, with Larry initiating conversation. Sometimes he takes prompting, but he's coming along. When I told him I was leaving, he nodded 'yes', then stroked my face, just looking at me. I closed my eyes & would open them to him, still gazing. He is becoming more capable of giving, than he was when he was so ill with all those complicated issues.

  Why the photo of our tomato plant in what seems to be its final stage? I look at the drying leaves & stems each day, while the plant produces new blossoms & tomatoes continue to grow & ripen. It reminds me of Larry's journey since his stroke. There are parts of him that we thought were finished, even dying, but each day, we witness more & more fruit being produced. The output of the tomato plant is not as prolific as when the plant was perfectly healthy, but all the same, I am still enjoying delicious & nutritious fruit, more & longer, than I hoped for.  Since most of Larry's medical issues have stopped being obstacles to producing good results in his strength & mobility, it's much easier to enjoy the anticipation of his continued healing & recovery. When I showed him the photo & shared this analogy, he said he could see that!

  Larry, I'm happy to say, seems more settled & accepting of the pace his recovery is going… for these past few days. I pray that that continues for him & he continues to be encouraged by the great effort he is making & the fruit that comes from it, every day.

  God bless you. Thank you! xoxo