June 5, 2006
This week the battle continues for Lisa’s body. The Allies have professional leadership and staff on their side. They employ the best nursing care, therapy and pharmaceuticals as their weapons against the Axis “Spasticity.” Spasticity is a cruel enemy which, if permitted to have its way, painfully twists and contorts the patient with ever increasing malice.
But the Allies are creeping ever forward over the battleground with therapy they apply with professional skill, attention, loving kindness and a genuine determination to conquer the Axis. The terrain where the battlefield rages covers every joint in Lisa’s body, and nothing is being conceded, nothing is being taken for granted except the ultimate Victory when Lisa’s can personally thank you and everyone for carrying her banner during this battle.
Rex and Steve, Lisa’s uncle and cousin, visited Lisa this week. It was heartwarming to see the obvious love and concern they have for Lisa. You might think this is a given, but they are here through no small effort on their part. It was a photo opportunity (with no camera’s present) to see grand uncle Rex showing little Michael the saltwater aquarium in the hospital’s visitor lounge. They have to return home on Tuesday. Richard, as you know, is in Ada, Oklahoma.
Friday was all business for us as Sherry, Michael, Mac & Tosh, and I drove to Phoenix in the early afternoon. Sherry had an appointment with Deb Pope, Therapy Supervisor, to receive training so that Sherry would be able to range Lisa during our weekend visits. Richard described Deb as a-get-it-done-right-the-first-time-person, and I found that to be the case, but she really understands how to communicate well, and motivates one to quickly assimilate the information and techniques required to be effective for Lisa. I felt privileged to see the exchange between Deb and Sherry, and even more so to observe Sherry administer the therapy throughout the weekend.
So what is Lisa doing? Lisa carefully follows the therapy she receives, and silently communicates her responses through eye blinks and facial expressions. Further, Lisa cooperates throughout the therapy session. For instance, Lisa might have her arm resting in her lap when Sherry says, “Lisa I am going to straighten your arm at the elbow and rotate your wrist so that your palm is up.” Then, as Sherry commences the ranging, Lisa deliberately assists by initiating collaborative movement that coincides with what Sherry had previously said. So what am I doing? I’m getting somewhat emotional seeing Lisa work so hard at overcoming the Spasticity.
Michael found his voice this weekend. To his own amusement, he made sounds like a screeching parrot. The nurses, housekeepers, other visitors, were amused, I on the other hand pointed to sherry and told everyone “She taught him that!” Yes, he tried it out on Lisa’s floor, in the visitor’s lounge, in the elevator, on the way to the parking garage, and even in the restaurant where we had lunch. It was there that I really began to get in to the parrot talk because the waitress brought us free lemonade. It was, she said, “… because everyone thought he was so cute.”
Linda Thompso
n and Lou Keel came from Oklahoma via Tucson to see Lisa. Sherry and I got the opportunity to be with Linda for several hours during Sunday. The picture on the left is of Linda and was taken in Midwest City, OK in late April 06.
Lisa’s picture was taken February 10, 2006 on the day she delivered Michael.
I was thinking about something to share with Lisa that would be a unique, and I came up with the idea of telling Lisa a new joke every time I see her at the hospital. So I called my friend Earlene in Michigan, and she told me the one about the elderly couple who appeared before a judge in court. The wife was charged with shoplifting a can of peaches. The judge asked her, “How many peaches were in the can?” The lady replied, “six, your honor.” The judge sentenced her to 6-days in jail… one for each peach. Where upon the husband raised his hand as asked permission to speak. The judge told him to come forward, and the husband said, “… she also stole a very large can of peas.” Now comes my problem, I am horrible at remembering jokes, and probably telling them as well, so I’d appreciate it if you would send my your favorite, and I can read it to Lisa when I’m there. Who know, a little humor may not hurt.
Michael
mlwintory@msn.com
