IT WAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, BUT NO MOVE
Christmas Day was rather quiet for John. There were no therapy sessions, but cheerful, good care. He doesn't have an appetite, but he tried eating his pureed food. It does not look appealing - except the yogurts which he is really enjoying and the hot cereal with maple syrup.
I spent the first part of the morning enjoying Christmas gift opening with my grandchildren at the home of my brother, Terry, and his wife. Along with Cody and Sarah, they certainly provided a wonderful time for all of us. Then I spent the rest of the day with John. Elisa, Terry and Julie came to visit. John tires easily and when he was settled for the night at 7:00pm, I was off for more Christmas celebration with all of my family at my sister's house.
I arrived early at the hospital yesterday, eager and ready for the move to Barrows Rehab and the next phase of John's journey forward. The various therapists gave him final treatments since the same people are not employed at Barrows. John has made such an impression on staff with his agreeable nature, great patience and, of course, his personal interest in each one and his humor. Many stopped by to say goodbye. The doctors signed off on the transfer papers and we proceeded to wait since we knew the move would come late in the day.
About 3pm we got the word that John would not be moving until next week. "Someone" decided he was not "strong enough yet" for the rigors of the rehab. What a disappointment! We question whether there is another reason - perhaps no bed available, perhaps insurance approval, perhaps hospital politics. John took it well, perhaps even as a challenge. I was very unhappy and so glad to have Elisa, Tom and DeeAnn with me to adjust. We know that John is still very, very weak and can do little for himself. The Guillain-Barre has wreaked havoc on his nerves and muscles, but he has made amazing progress, astounding his doctors.
Rehab holds such promise for the future for John and for imagining that future. We know John will conquer these next challenges in time. We ask that you pray for the right time to come and all the pieces of this current setback to fall into place. Meanwhile, we will enjoy family gathering at our house and visiting John (in turns) from now through New Year's day. Paul, Veronica and Dillon arrived last night. Amy and her family are on the road - they made it to Van Horn, TX yesterday and will arrive later today. God is good. Thanks for sticking with us.
Jackie, after the holidays we will drive up from Tucson for a short visit. I will call first. Amy, VanHorn is our stopping spot on the way out here. Finally there is a Hampton Inn there that allows pets. Evan would suggest you to eat at Chewy's Mex café on Main Street. And I would recommend the Cattle Co steak house also on main street. Then Kranberry's Family Restaurant in Lordsburg NM is our lunch stop. Otherwise.....well, its a desert out there!!! Glad you could get out to see your father. Ann Thomas 214-697-3574
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie, Mom passed on the link to your blog. I am so glad everyone could be there with you at different times during the last months and I hope the move to rehab finally goes through without incident. I am also so glad John has maintained the sense of humor I always remember!
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