Monday, October 31, 2022

7:32 PM

Hello, welcome to our exciting day. (So happy to be able to say that!)

  For the past 3 days & off & on before, Larry has been Mr. Grouchy, "No I don't wanna! Let me sleep!" That's how today started, but I took the "OK, this is what we're going to do!" approach. When I got the hair/beard clippers out, he said "No!", as I was wrapping the fabric around him to catch the falling cut hair. He's always so relaxed when I play barber, & that's exactly what happened. It was tricky while he was in his bed & he can't really sit forward for me to get the back of his head, so he has a mane of hair down the back. I took a photo of him before & after. See for yourself the huge difference in 'Pics'. When I showed them to him, he couldn't believe how rough he looked before & agreed that it reflected his grumpy, negative attitude. He brightened up so much at the 'new him', also wearing a shirt from home, rather than the hospital gown. I passed him some of his therapy equipment & he got right at it, in time to impress the O.T. who came to work with his swallowing & his hands. A few whistles at his new look! There were 2 students as well.

  I couldn't get into the parkade this morning & my 2 hours of street parking was up. I had to leave to move the car & didn't witness any therapy. When I returned, 2 physios were wheeling Larry down the hall. I followed & they invited me into the wee rehab equipment room. I was going to see Larry walk! What perfect timing. I'd have just waited in his room till he returned, if I hadn't caught him in the hall. He said he'd like me to stay. He took 15 baby steps to the end of the platform, holding on to the parallel bars with his hands (photo above). When he sat, they asked would he like to do it again. I was waiting for the usual "No!" when he's exerted himself. "Sure!" When he told them how much his hands hurt, the physio massaged & assessed what is going on, as he's had pain for a few days. For the next walk, the 2 physios supported Larry at his elbows. 2nd walk = 10 steps, a little farther apart. And 'how exciting', "Yes!" to trying it a 3rd time. This time, it was one foot in front of the other, 8 steps well-placed & well-paced. He was so happy, they were so happy & of course I was so happy, in part thinking of how encouraging this was for everyone who loves & supports Larry.

  I thought he'd crash when he got back to bed, but no, he was so happy, reclining quietly with a smile on his face & eyes wide open. I was giving him a pedicure as we listened to John Denver's "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy!" Larry cried. I was so happy for him to be able to express his emotion. Later I asked what he was thinking about. He said "You! How are you?"

 He dictated messages as I typed them to a few people. He made a couple of quick phone calls & Mary-Lynn came. He was so happy to see her, as she's stayed away, nursing a cold for a while. Larry told her about his hands & from her experience caring for long term bedridden clients, she assessed his hands & wrists & identified what was going on. Massage is a big part of helping remedy the problem.  It was time for me to go & I'm sure Larry's enjoyed a few hours with his very attentive & helpful sister. Staff will say tomorrow, that they heard a lot of laughter coming from Larry's corner of the room, as happens each time the 2 of them are together.

 Larry was disappointed that the nurse didn't bring him candies to give out to the kids tonight. He was sure there would be some trick-or-treating in the hospital. (No way!) But he'll be smiling tomorrow when I share the Halloween photos that are coming in, of costumed kids. Even our 2 aunties in their mid-80's dressed up & sent pics, & their building is in lock down with a covid outbreak, they can't leave their room. If you have pictures of dressed-up munchkins please fwd to me, to share with Larry. 

 Looking forward to the 'new & improved' Larry tomorrow. The light switch sure got turned on today. We are so grateful for this inspiring, exhilarating day of hope. It was much more than 'so good', to have Larry back! I am so happy for him. I don't doubt that when the nurses check on him while he's sleeping, that there will be a smile on his face, as there is on mine & I'm sure yours too. God bless you & thank you for accompanying us up this mountain we're climbing