found mom awake and perky this morning. seemed like she and her roomate, Debbie, had bonded overnight. i'm guessing it was over the terrible food offerings, the good nurses, the not so good nurses, the challenges and triumphs of getting out of bed.
mari, the caring and attentive night nurse, informed me that mom had been up and out of bed multiple times already. made me think of the sense of triumph children experience when they first walk and the pride their parents feel. i know it's not the same, but i was so proud of mom.
and i cannot explain what a relief it was to see her cheeks rosy and her clear, rich, brown, beautiful eyes looking at me...but when i headed back this evening, i could tell she was tired. and soon she seemed so out of it. it took us a while but we finally figured it out--she needed more oxygen. when i talked later to nathan on my way home, i realized that she was basically exhibiting altitude-sickness like symptoms: lack of mental clarity, naseau, inability to make decisions. we got her back on some air and she perked up.
also finally got some food (sort of) down her. i don't blame her for cringing--who wants to eat this stuff. alex, dad and i spent a good hour conncocting all sorts of mixes from the protein powder, applesauce and other sundry ingredients we brought from home or dug up (yes, that terminology is intentional) at the hospital. when we were done, mom's bedside table looked like a science experiment.
the resulting menu?
homemade applesauce a la protein powder
water a la protein powder
rice milk a la protein powder
homemade appleasauce a la fortified vitamin powder
cranberry juice
cranberry juice applesauce protein powder
and the fan favorite (if you can call it a favorite):
gatorade with protein powder--and just straight gatorade
looking forward to the rest and healing tonight will bring her...
valarie
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2 months ago
3 comments:
Hey, Diane, my wise friend. Time for all that compassion to be turned inward. You're in constant prayers beamed from Whidbey. All my love, Deb
fwiw, a friend once taught me the best way to overlay the flavor of something is to combine it with bananas. It works. Mind you, this would require that you like bananas. A small sacrifice.
Bonjour to my Rock-a-bye Barnyard Buddy. We are all wishing you a success-full recovery and plan to make a LOT of noise in Blueberry this year in your honor.
Gleep on the food! Should I send fresh produce from the Funny Farm? I will.
Allabest, Robin (and remember, you still owe me)dogd
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