It is now Wednesday and I am happy to report that the pressure is off and I can finally take a deep breath! Gord is settling into his new room and the staff are lovely. All his helpers came in to introduce themselves when we arrived and through the remainder of the day were so kind and gentle with him. A couple of them have a good sense of humour and had him laughing and joking. I see only great things to come. After we arrived and I had time to think about it, I realized that being released from the hospital had many implications. We are in the next stage of getting closer to home. Gord is practically off all medications and his assigned Dr. Addison will ease him off everything as time progresses. I believe we are on the list to be interviewed for Halvor Johnson in Ponoka and that would be okay as well.
Watch out - every time I ask for a change it happens almost too fast. They have told me I would have atleast a couple of days notice when we move again.
Now the real work begins for Gord. He has a place in the dining room with other stroke people and will learn to eat etc. by himself. I am not allowed into that room - under any circumstances (made very clear to me). There is a board in the hall that shows all of Gord's activities during the day. There is also a board that we have to record on where we have taken him for a walk (to the cafeteria or the roof top garden). I also was signed up for the Handi Bus so that if we are there long enough, Gord can go visiting to friends for dinner etc. or even go to a mall. THAT really gave me a lift when I realized I may be able to take him out of there occasionally.
Slow and steady......
The other good thing is that the girls suggested I not come in until 10am as they would be very busy with Gord getting him ready for the day, having breakfast with his new friends etc. He is either going to really love the dining room scene or hate it. It will be interesting. We can also eat together in the pod near his room when it is appropriate but for now I think he needs to be away from me and gain his independence back. You should see him wheel himself around in his wheelchair with his left foot - the only issue is his right visual area is blocked so he runs into things! We will work on that.
Interestingly, the drive to the Fanning Center takes the same amount of time from the house as it did to get to the Foothills. I took Deerfoot Trail last night to come home and it took me 7 minutes. BONUS! (of course outside of rush hour!)
Talk soon,
It's a GREAT DAY
Love
Sheila
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Yahoo Sheila! Another curve in the road on the journey, and what a wonderful surprise. Every person who comes into contact with Gord as a helper or otherwise will fall in love with him. Seems you have been lead to a great stop along the way. Give Gord a big hug from us (a manly hug from Ken). It's great you will have a bit more time for you now. Take care - we send you encouragement, love and hugs - S & K
ReplyDeleteBless you Sheila for your tenacity, strength, courage, and love. You really are an amazing woman and Gord is benefiting greatly. It is so uplifting for us so far away to read you and the family's words everyday. I don't think you can really know what you do for al of us. Thank you for keeping us so informed. We love you and Gord so much. Aloha from our ohana to yours. Evelyn & Richard
ReplyDeleteDearest Gord + Sheila ~
ReplyDeleteSo very pleased to know of the Excellent progress since leaving Calgary (enlightenning drive back to Minnesota after spending time with you there). To sum it up, I'd like to say how very fortunate I feel to have witnessed Gord's "awakenning" whilst there and to spend time with you both. Sheila, you are a wonderful woman and endless support for Gord.. his love for you was apparent in how he held your hand and looked into your eyes. It was only when you fell asleep in the room one day that he looked over at you and finally rested fully, complete with snoring (I've been your neighbour for 5 years and never knew him to make these noises)! Gord will now receive the rehabilitation more fitted to getting back to living and he will continue to do great things, gentle giant that he is. Such love surrounds you as you heal, together. Thank you, both, for allowing me to spend some precious time with you (I'm sure Gord was happy to have me stop messing with his left brain and right leg)! It was good to meet loved ones as well. Always keeping you both in loving energy and wishes. And, looking forward to great things!! Keep Up The Good Work!! We love you.
With Love + Aloha ~
Dr. Kathy.
Well it has taken me a week to get this posted on the site but better late than never!
ReplyDeletePam and I popped in to see Gord and Sheila last week, right in the middle of feeding time! There was no stopping Gord as it seemed he ate enough for all of us! Obviously Gord is making some great strides to recovery.
I asked Gord if he remembered when we first met and he said yup -1974 without even a second thought. We shot the breeze on some other notables like the time I put a nail through his hand (power nailer) when we were putting the floor on the shack in Balzac. He quickly showed me the scar on his hand.
Talked a bit about my new boat and told Gord it has twin 540 hp Cummins engines - Gord immediately corrected me and said "nope 560's" and I thought wow that's the ole Gord I know. Once in a while he would wrinkle up those big bushy eye-brows as if to say "are you sure" or "don't think so" - as many of you know that is typical Gord!
Gord 's a trooper with lots of determination and it's great to see and hear the continuos improvements. Gord's lucky to have Sheila by his side - you're a terrific lady!
See you soon buddy!
Rick and Pam