Sunday, October 16, 2022 8:53 PM

Hello! Hope you had a great day! I just came across this great memory to share with Larry tomorrow, of last year's cranberry harvesting that we were thrilled to just happen upon.

 Today took hard & persistent work, to get Larry to do the great things he ended up doing. I learned some muscle work, from my head to my toes, from Nurses & Mary-Lynn on how to reposition Larry in his bed. Today I feel like I worked harder than that, without moving a finer. Today was a psychological effort of love. As it is with any challenge, when we give it our all, it is very rewarding, especially if there is fruit from our labour.

 Larry had just missed the boat again for physio, because of nausea. The physio did get an update on all the things we do on our own each day & noted a few concerns to put in Larry's file. One, being St. Paul's hospital allergy clinic, that the allergy specialist said he would be going to, to help get to the bottom of his rashes. The rash is back again since Friday. It spreads more each day. The cortisone keeps the itch under control.

  So, what did Larry do today??? He mouthed the words to music I played close to his ear & enjoyed that for about 20 minutes. When he sat in his wheelchair, we started the serious speech therapy. He said "No!" at first to getting in the chair. I have found that "No!" is frequently the answer to any request, when he has to be stirred or woken up, especially if he does not open his eyes. His listening & reasoning are much more positive when his eyes focus on the person speaking. His hearing is so bad also, which contributes to him not trying, as he can't hear much. When he first opens his eyes, its only his left one that opens. He showed me today where his vision is, and it is only from his nose to the left side peripheral. His head gestures have significantly changed for him to focus in on anything.

  In the wheelchair, he first enjoyed the park across the street, with a ballgame going on. He kept closing his eyes. His facial muscles need to be restored to working as they should.  They were pretty much closed for 2 solid months, with his mouth wide open (unless he was intubated). I took a photo of him when we began, to show him how 'down' his facial features have fallen. We started with the usual tongue & lip exercises, then letters & words. I took another photo & he could see the difference. We did a great eyebrow, eyelid, forehead exercise. Then another photo. He was genuinely smiling to see the 'before & after' shots. I think he was encouraged by these results, to hopefully do the routine, without needing to be coaxed each day. I'll just remind him with the 'before & after' pics. ***I've posted the transition in the 'Pics' section. We also did a few rubber band resistance exercises. The physio asked if we used the yellow (easiest). She was happy to hear green & red, which are tougher. His upper body is getting quite strong. I think one of the reasons why, is that he does pull ups above his head on the bedrail, when his feet are scrunched at the bottom, from sliding down.

  Oh, the fun thing in the chair was that he was projecting his voice while singing (the Hawaiian) "Somewhere over the Rainbow" He also strummed his guitar a bit, but said that he needed the tuner. (which I'm looking around for in his office right now) I'll have to google what I'm looking for, as I have no idea.  I'm going to stop at Long & McQuaid for a light (plastic) guitar cover, because his case ways a ton & my back isn't happy about me carrying it. The pillow case I used today, just didn't cut it. Between him growling the song & strumming his guitar, I'm a little nervous about irritating his roommates.

  I went to Mass tonight at 7:00 on my way home from the hospital. A lovely young priest, Fr. Bryan said very encouraging words about persevering in the face of trial & not giving in to discouragement. He, actually was someone I had thought of to call. He has a PHD in psychology & I know he'll be able to shed some light on a few concerns I have for Larry, regarding how he is processing / grieving his loss. When I got to my car, I saw that my phone had been neutralized. I couldn't do anything. I got out to look for some 'young' person to help me. Right beside me were 4 young adults, (2 of whom I've known since they were little). They of course got the phone back to working. They hadn't known about 'Uncle Larry' and now, we have 4 more people praying for him. They were so lovely & sweet!

 Speaking of lovely & sweet, 2 videos came today of little ones: One, our 4 yr old niece, laughing & frolicking through autumn leaves with her wooly dog; the other is a 2 yr old sweetie, delightfully playing a harmonica. Great heart massages, I look forward to sharing with Larry tomorrow. Little ones always bring a twinkle to his eyes.

 I'm energized for tomorrow! Look out Larry, because "No!" or "Not right now!" aren't options. Actually I was inspired by Larry's positive response to the tiny nurse a couple of days ago, as she talked him into playing his guitar for her.

  We'll make our motto "Carpe Diem!" (Seize the Day). By grace, we did it today & we'll do it again tomorrow! Hoping that you will too! God bless you!