Thursday, November 17, 2022 9:24 PM

Hello, welcome to a lively day in room 509!

 As soon as I arrived, Larry's nurse caught me before entering Larry's room. He said "I'm so sorry, I have bad news!" Absolutely not words anyone wants to hear. He quickly added "Larry's hearing aids have gone missing!" Are you kidding? My reaction was to punch him in the arm. "Sorry, so sorry!" he said, & described the morning's unsuccessful search! When Larry saw me, he explained the whole thing, with anxious shortness of breath. Last evening, a visitor (who shall remain nameless) took Larry's hearing aids to put them safely away for the night, according to Larry's instruction. This was taking place on Larry's blind side, so Larry couldn't fully see what was happening. The 'helper' found the blue plastic container with the white lid as Larry described. However, when I phoned him, he added that there was a hard yellow substance that covered the bottom of the container. I knew right away what it was. These containers have multi uses, other than storing hearing aids & dentures, including holding the hard yellow silly-putty for hand therapy. The container was in the bin with other therapy devices. That was such a good laugh. With new batteries, Larry was hearing perfectly & would enthusiastically exclaim so, as each one was fastened to his ear. The nurse admitted that this definitely was a first. What a relief for everyone!

 A lovely, unexpected encounter happened just before lunch. I could hear a man praying aloud behind the curtain of one of Larry's roommates. When I saw him, wearing a collar, I thought he looked familiar. As he was leaving, I introduced myself & he told me he was a deacon. After we spoke of our parishes, I asked if he could give Larry a blessing. He asked if Larry would like to receive Communion (a small piece of the host). Larry was grateful for this opportunity & I also received. Such a lovely man he was. With Larry speaking recently of missing church, the timing was beautiful.

 After lunch, Larry set out for his 'walk-about' down the hall. When he began to feel lightheaded, the physio sat him down & took his blood pressure, saying that it was a bit low. Larry wasn't up to continuing. He had had therapy earlier for his arms & did some stationary pedaling from his wheelchair with the gadget that Mary-Lynn brought in for him.

 Geraldine came for a visit & while I stepped out to get tea for us, she & Larry had a good conversation with Larry speaking about their shared vocations as therapists.

 This week I have witnessed abusive behavior & violent threats by a few patients, toward staff. Please pray for all concerned. It is very unsettling in any environment, but in particular, in such a vulnerable one as this. The staff continue to be patient, loving & caring toward patients when they are so disturbed in acting out. We admire & appreciate all the staff tremendously. It's exhausting to witness, let alone for those who have to intervene & address it. Even with that, Larry's positive & hopeful attitude offers a great massage for my heart. The sky is not falling, except for the beautiful rays of light shining on the improvement we witness each day. We are happy! Thank you for your part & sharing in our joy! "Thank You God!"

God bless you! xoxo