The occupational therapist worked with him through lunch time. He was looking for ways to strengthen Doug's arms and hands so that Doug can feed himself. We tried several different things and I will continue to work with Doug throughout the weekend. Doug got very tired near the end and was ready to rest.
Angie came over and had lunch with us. She finished her jury duty yesterday. It was a tough case and she was given the role as the lead juror. She said it was a good experience, but difficult. When you are making decisions about people's lives you really want to get it right. She found she shifted her position as she listened to everyone and felt like the group decision was really a good decision. She and Tom took in a new 4 year old foster son this week. She has been very busy and this will keep them all a little busier.
This afternoon they had "active shooter" drill at the hospital. The Meridian Police Department, partnered with Vibra to practice their response and improve their practises. It was quite the buzz in the hospital. As it turned out we were not impacted at all. The main doors to the hallways closed. We could not get out and no one could get in. So it was pretty uneventful for us. I don't know how it turned out, but the lead-up to it was pretty exciting.
After the drill we were able to get Doug into a regular wheelchair and go for a walk with Stryder outside. I am so glad my knee is doing well enough to take him out. Doug has not been outside since December 8. It was so nice for him to get some fresh air. We took a walk around the building. All three of us, enjoyed being able to participate in this very normal activity. Poor Stryder has had hardly any walks with all the snow and ice. It was wonderful for him to get out and smell things.
I am not sure who enjoys having Stryder at the hospital the most. Certainly Doug and I like it, but so do all the nurses and many of the patients. The patient across the hall asked if he could come and see her. She loved being able to touch him. There are a couple of other patients on the other hall that call out to me when I walk by. They too want to see Stryder. Stryder is a sweet old guy. He is 13 years old. We are grateful for everyday we have him. He is just happy to be with us. Happy to lay on his dog bed and sleep or eat and enjoys the pets of all the staff who come in and out.
Doug's energy was really low this afternoon and yesterday too. I am a little concerned. No new skills in the last couple of days. We learned just before I left tonigh that they had found some yeast in a urine sample a couple of days ago. They are going to change his catheter and do another sample in the morning. Poor Doug is not happy about that. But we also don't want anything to get started. With his compromised immune system we need to be careful.
Then this evening my throat started getting scratchy. Now I am worried I might be getting something, and hope I have not given anything to Doug without knowing it. We will have to see what the morning brings. I am hoping it is nothing, but at this moment it feels like I might be getting a cold.
Please pray for healing for Doug and for me. He really does not need a cold!
God of Mercy, we give thanks for all who work on your behalf, especially jurors who give their time to interpret the law and make just decisions. Thank you for police officers, who work under difficult conditions and yet continue to be better prepared to help our communities to be safe. We give you thanks and praise for our pets; for the love and friendship they provide. Lord, Doug has been through so much. Mercifully grant him a good night sleep so that he will wake restored and well; protect him from catching any viruses or bacterial infections. And Lord, we pray that you will take this cold from me so that I might keep Doug safe and well. In your name we ask it. Eileen
I am so glad Doug was able to go outside. I remember how I felt when I was able to go outside went I had been in the hospital for a month. I pray for you Eileen that the scratchy throat is just a dry throat. I pray the doctors will be able to snip that possible yeast infection in the bub. I've had a hospital acquired yeast infection and it's no fun. I'm glad Vibra is taking regular urine samples to nip infects in the bud.
ReplyDeleteHoly Spirit, you brood over us like a mother over her children. You intercede for us with sighs too deep for words. Guide Doug and Eileen to see the image of God within each of them, God, who suffers with them and leads them to wholeness. This I ask through Jesus Christ, who walks with us and brings us to the Father. Amen.