Friday, November 4, 2022 7:50 PM

Hello, welcome to our busy day!

 I received a phone call from a resident psychiatrist, who tried to speak with Larry, but it was following his physio & O.T session & was very sleepy. I loved the questions he asked. He said that it is truly a miracle that Larry could overcome the many traumas he has experienced since July 1. He was trying to discern if Larry is suffering from depression. Well, he's not his old chipper self, but overall, it is a miracle that he is doing so well. His sense of humor is even back, he's become cutesy cheeky with staff. One question I was asked, was "Has there ever been a time, say 3 weeks strait where Larry was extraordinarily happy in the past?" I said, "We are happy people!" He commended Larry & me for enduring all that we have & maintaining & even building on our bond.  

  When I arrived at hospital, the resident psychiatrist had, in fact, been able to interview Larry & was pleased that Larry communicated well. He came with the hospital psychiatrist, who was very 'hip, hip, hooray' in acknowledging Larry's very hard work! He commended Larry for being so strong, to have endured & overcome all that he has. He said how pleased he is with Larry's progress, especially over the past week. But he said, "It is time to get out of bed, during the daytime!" He has prescribed something to help Larry sleep at night, so that his need to sleep in the day will be significantly decreased. "You've got to get your muscle mass back & it won't happen in bed." He was like an enthusiastic uncle cheering Larry on. He called upon Larry's 1st hand knowledge & experience as a therapist at GF Strong to tell him "You know what to do!"

  When I arrived, Larry had just begun to eat his lunch. He said breakfast was better, he had scrambled eggs. He had only taken a few bites of lunch, when suddenly he yelled "The basin!" Even his breakfast came up. It's just so nasty! With that & the fact that Larry is not drinking as much as he needs to, he's back on IV for fluids. I was with him during his dinner & he was able to eat a fair amount. He sure hates Insure, so I mixed it in with his chocolate pudding. I've thought of a few very healthy things I can do to bring him. The meal is pureed or minced & there is no salt. Fresh green string beans were never meant to be turned into a paste. It is quite yucky. He always eats his soup & pudding, though.

  My sis Erin was visiting & brought a crazy new version of UNO. We loved it, especially Larry. We got a bit loud now & then, but the neighbours didn't mind. It's called 'UNO Attack'. The crazy part is when you press a bar to release either no cards come out, or a whole bunch of cards come flying at you. Everybody yells, when that happens. It was so good to have fun in the midst of Larry wishing he didn't have to sit in his wheelchair for so long. He & I tried to play cribbage later, but it's been so long, we need a refresher on the rules. Crazy, because we both grew up with dads that played crib all the time, & have played it ourselves, forever.

  "OK Catherine, so what did Larry do in physio today?" Well, he walked from his bed (assisted by a walker) out of his room, down the hall to the entrance of the unit. A wee rest & he walked back again. Considering he only took his first steps a week ago, he's got us all shaking our heads in amazement. The staff at the nursing station see him walk by & express their joy to us. The physio said that they will start working on Larry getting to the bathroom. Now, that will be a long-awaited achievement to celebrate, as it's been a huge challenge for Larry, as he calls it 'humiliating'!

  So, following doctor's orders, he stayed out of bed for most of the day. It's such an exciting time in Larry's recovery. It's what we've been waiting for since the end of July, then again, after his Aug. 1 setback in ICU, on dialysis. Having hear both psychiatrists express being inspired by Larry's strength & endurance is so uplifting. Larry was very alert at the time of the 2 doctors' visit. He shared with me later that he is very pleased. I'm grateful that he can appreciate how very far he's come & is pleased with the rate of progress. He seems to be looking at each day to build on the one before.

  It was lovely to be with my sister today & share the joy. I gave Mary-Lynn a play-by-play text. I'm such a good exhausted, from the gifts of this day. "Larry, you're a champion!" 

  Thank you for wanting to follow Larry's (our) journey. We know that our joy is your joy too. God bless you!