Giddy By Marc Kind — 2 hours ago One of my favorite days of the week Sunday, my day alone with my wife. I believe it is one of Staceys favorite days too except for the fact that for the next few days that follow Im only here for a few hours each day. When I arrived she was participating in recreational therapy which took the form of the rec therapist taking her out of her room to a quiet room on the 5th floor to experiment with her Kindle. They found a way to make the font larger and found a book holder that can be used to prop up her Kindle for her to see and more easily use. Her finger dexterity and strength is also keeping her from turning the pages but she is managing as best as she can. I waited in her room for her while she was on the 5th floor. When she returned I gave her a big kiss and asked my usual check-in questions. She had a good night and was feeling well. We discussed her nurse aid and how absent-minded she is and laughed about it. We have to laugh instead of getting upset about it but it is funny. For example she was leaving Staceys room today muttering, Now what was I doing? Oh thats right, I was checking patients vital signs...! A little scary but all-in-all she takes good care of my girl. All of the nurses, nurses aids and therapists love Stacey, who wouldnt. Compared to the vast majority of other patients, she is pleasant, easy and they can joke with her. Stacey asked, Whats new? I said, A lot at work but I dont want to talk about it. I wrestled with the thought of being honest with her about what was really taking up my time/energy when not here. I went for it and replied after a minute, The Bat Mitzvah plans are ramping up. Well, they are not really ramping up, they are happening fast and furious. For obvious reasons we are very behind with the typical coordination and confirmation of plans. This has always been Skys decision and nobody elses but it took several weeks to even broach the subject with her and then it took a few more weeks for Sky to feel sure of her decision. She is torn with the obvious dilemma. Do it without mom or wait. Our rabbis are moving on to another congregation in June and Sky wants to be done with the stress and anticipation. It is a difficult position. Sky recently felt certain about moving forward with it. Back to my discussion with Stace. I asked her if she knew we were moving forward with it because I have brought it up in the most subtle manner like talking about getting Sky to her tudor or practicing, etc. Stacey said she figured as much because she knew it was coming up and she knew planning had to be in the works by now. I have been fretting the subject because we all want her there but we know it may not be possible for various reasons. We talked about it for a little bit and then she asked to change the subject. Before moving on we agreed to discuss again in a couple of weeks. She then looked at me and said, If you asked me (What is new?), I would have told you, I sat on the bed pan and peed! I cracked up. She hasnt lost her sense of humor. I reminded her that she also had rec therapy too. I took her for a short trip down to the 2nd floor. This is where the cafeteria is located and an outside balcony that overlooks Race Street. She found the cafe interesting and how the patients, staff and guests share it together. It is the final step in eating rehab. Plenty of stimulation and distraction for patients learning how to eat and swallow. Patients order their food and it is brought to them while everyone else must order and pay for their food. Everyone sits together and many of the tables are high to accept wheelchairs. We then went to the sit outside on the balcony. It only lasted a few minutes before she asked to go back inside. She has a fear of the outside manifested in a childhood fear of heights and tall buildings rising above her. She apologized and cried repeatedly at the notion of a fear that she had previously conquered. The fear is back for now. I told her I understand and it was okay and that we will try again on her terms. I brought her one of my Phillies shirts to wear for the home opener. We watched most of the game today despite the final score. I told her how thrilled I was to be watching the game with her since she wasnt a fan of watching baseball on TV. Though she is a huge sports fan. She feels like many fans, baseball is too slow and boring to watch on TV. Ironically now it is perfect for her situation. It doesnt bring out her emotions and the pace is easy to follow. Despite double vision and dizziness at times, she watched the entire game intently and at one point cheered, Lets go Chase(Utley)! First time she and I watched a Phillies game in a long time. She turned to me and said, You and I will go to the park for a game. Then she began to sob. I said, Absolutely. We went to the opening day when Citizens bank Park opened to Phillies Baseball in 2004. That was probably the last time we watched a game together. I remember we felt like two, in love and giddy kids. The newness of the park, the great sight lines and the excitement of the opening of a new home venue. I feel this same way each time she has a new milestone in her recovery. heart
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 22:30:34 +0000