Five Hundred Today

Hey, Y'all,
Yes, today is a milestone of sorts, since this is the 500th posting here at this place, even though some of them were done by daughters (I guess that still counts). First, let me say how much I appreciate all the comments and the faithful readers who visit me here. You are all so very encouraging to me and Gramps. I love you all so very much. You have kept me going and writing, and it means so very much to me. I read them each day, and know that you are out there and caring. God bless you all.

It is 4:30 a.m. and I woke up not able to go back to sleep right away, but I will in a few minutes, I think. You know how you kind of get antsy and have to get up sometimes; well,that was me about 25 minutes ago.

Yesterday at JCNH, Gramps did more walking at a time than he had before just after lunch. It was great. I spoke with the occupational therapist, who has him get dressed, and Gramps did most of it by himself, with some aid from the OT. He also combed his hair, cleaned his teeth, and washed his hands. This was done from his wheel chair. She told me to keep him comfortable, and if there was anything he liked or wanted to bring it for him. I asked the head nurse about his condition (the 10% use of his gall bladder and the Foley) and he said that one would do better with at least 30% use and the longer the Foley is in, the more likely it is to remain in. He had no idea as to when it would be removed. I think they are telling me that it is only a matter of time, but no one knows anything for sure. Only the Good Lord, and He's not telling. I know that Gramps wants to go on home, and I want it for him because we both know where he is going when that happens.

A nursing home is a place of hope for some, of despair for many, and of resignation for some. You can see it wherever you look. It is a way station for those awaiting the final journey. One lady who sits in the hallway is continually asking those who pass by her for help. Many times she will say, "Will you please help me? I need to wee wee" and other times she will say, "Help me, Lord Jesus, take me to heaven". Sometimes, in the mid afternoon, there will be help bells chiming from several rooms with patients needing something. It may only be a small thing (to one of us who is mobile) but a great thing to them because they cannot help themselves.

Then there are those like Gramps' roommate who cannot ring the bell because he is blind and cannot find it, so he shouts aloud (very loudly) "help! help!". Then there are those who cannot shout or won't when they want or need something (like Gramps). He could shout, but doesn't; he just lies there or sits there waiting and quite often sleeping. Quite often when I go in, he is lying skygoggling ( askew) in bed, in a partial sitting position, sleeping and bothering no one. It depends on how early I get there.

I know this all sounds somewhat "down" but it is reality. I actually got him to engage in some conversation with me yesterday afternoon when we were sitting in the 'break room' and looking out the window. We had visitors yesterday around lunch time. Our neighbors, Scott and Laurie, came to visit with their three children, and we sat in the sun room near the dining room and he ate his lunch with no help from me except for my cutting his salisbury steak for him. I told him that Scott and Laurie had come to visit and asked if he knew who they were and he told me their last names and who they were. That was so very encouraging!

Well, my eyes are beginning to feel a little like sleep again, so I am going back to bed for an hour or so. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends. More later. Bye for now.