September 8, 2012 - Happy Anniversary (final)

Fortunately I have a sister-in-law that remembers these things.  I knew when it was I just forgot what day today was.

4:00
I stopped by earlier today to check her schedule and arrived while she was in one of her therapies.  I jotted down the therapy schedule and then went to join her.  When I arrived she was wheeling her wheelchair around the therapy room.  She's a bit weak on the left side (she can use it, it is just easier to use the right) so she was listing to the left (fortunately they were going counter-clockwise).  When she finished that they had her take another lap around the room walking.  The therapist reminded her how to get up and then we were off to the races.  Since I was there she wanted to hold my hand while we walked.  The therapist let loose of her hand (he was still holding the belt in case she started to fall) and it really didn't feel like she was leaning on me, more like just trying to have something "solid" for comfort.

I commented on how well she was walking (on Monday she could barely stand with lots of help and on Wednesday she could barely scoot along a bench) and the therapist commented that she had already done a bunch of walking and stair climbing.

After the therapy we went back to her room and talked for a bit.  I reminded her that today is our anniversary (22 years).  We talked about reality and she was showing signs of confusion but readily acknowledged that she was confused.  It was at that point that I decided to use this netbook to bring recent photos of our house, property, and recent events to try to orient her.

I did bring some photos on the netbook and shred them with her this afternoon.  There was some confusion about some of them but we explained them to her.  I think I brought too many this time but I was hurrying and didn't really track how many I brought.  I plan on continuing the pictures, just a few at a time and focusing on one aspect of our lived at a time.

I learned today that Gretchen is starting to try to get out of bed when she is tired of being there.  I am glad to hear that.  She is getting stronger.  What she needs now is for the confusion to subside.  I suspect that the confusion will take time and that there will be better days and worse days.  Please continue to pray for her mental clarity.

Right now Peter is reading a James Herriot story to Gretchen while she rests in bed.  I expect they will be coming to get Gretchen for dinner here soon.  I hope that Peter will get to finish the story before dinner.

I will post this now and try to update later.

10:00
Gretchen's parents showed up at dinner time so we let them stay while we got out of the way (Gretchen tries to give her food to Peter if we stay during dinner).  They were astounded to see her walk (with a "spotter") from the bathroom to the bed.  The Clarks came to visit a bit later and that is always fun so I am sure that helped Gretchen (even if it was just forgetting her plight for a brief period).

There was a minor incident during dinner involving one of the other residents.  He grabbed one of the staff and Gretchen's father had to assist until other staff could get there.  Gretchen was in no danger but it did get me wondering if, as she continues to improve, she might move to a different ward.  If the answer is no that is fine (I trust God for her protection).  I am also wondering about getting her outside for some fresh air.  Her sister will probably ask about that tomorrow (I hope so).