Tuesday, November 15, 2022 6:01 PM

Hello, welcome to 1/2 way through November! So hard to believe!

  Larry is much more 'alive' throughout these days: sitting in his wheelchair for much longer; gaining independence in the bathroom; sleeping much less in the day; tolerating more exercise; kibitzing more with staff & roommates & trying his best to try his best more each day.

  Today we were able to sit face to face & hold each other. We did much of our talking, forehead to forehead. Larry expressed, so beautifully, his awe & wonder, with gratitude at how well he is doing. He is so thankful for the 'type' of stroke he's had, which left him with so much ability. Today he said he really misses church & talked about going at least once before Christmas, so that Christmas day Mass wouldn't be so overwhelming. I am scheduled to read at the 11:00 & looking forward to the gift of sharing this most intimate time together.

  The doctor is aware of Larry's increased rate of breathing & said that he's not concerned, considering results of bloodwork & blood pressure. After lunch, Larry took his 250 steps walk again. He saw a photo of the last time & told me what he needed to improve re: his posture. Indeed, the improvement showed today. The hoots & hollers that come from the staff, other patients & visitors is so wonderful. The staff of course have come to know him over the past several weeks & are genuinely delighted at Larry's hard work & progress. There is a lot of love expressed. We are so blessed by the great caring team on 5 South.

  Larry was delighted at the strawberry jello I made him, with mango juice & looks forward to more tomorrow. I also shared chopped up bits of my lunch, which was gifted to me by my friends last evening. Again, 'real food' was a treat for him.

  I had a great chat with Mary-Lynn just now & we shared our feelings of amazement & encouragement, at how far from the frighteningly grim places Larry has come, where he's at & where he's going. For some time, it was hard to be excited for long about any small improvement, because over & over, another unexpected catastrophic one would surface

  Larry & I shared about how much we have endured for & with each other through my cancer journey last year and now his stroke. We renewed the 'commitment' to our marriage vows on our 50th wedding anniversary in May, before God & a few hundred people at Sunday Mass. How could we fail at being for each other, what we promised. Only by God's grace have we had the strength, courage & peace that have carried us through two of the most challenging times in our lives. Through it all we have been aware of & grateful for the ever-present loving support & prayers of a multitude of people, near & far. Please know that we have cherished you in our own hearts & prayers as well!