Love in

I spent the night in Gilly’s room with him because he seemed unable t fall asleep. I slept better knowing that he was right beside me and I simply had to open my eyes to check on his status. He went to sleep as soon as I tucked myself into bed beside him. We have to do what works best. Tamara and I were still not ready to give him medication for agitation; this solution worked just fine. I was actually more comfortable on the sturdy mattress (used to be the bottom bunk of my kids’ bunk bed than on my waterbed (which I want to get rid of A.S.A.P.).

It was a busy morning, but Elise returned at 11:00 on the dot, as promised, with a smile and warm greeting for Gilly. He had never actually met her before, since he slept through yesterday’s shift, so she introduced herself and took over.

Elise is really a pleasure to have around. I think we will manage together famously. I’ve decided to try her out four full days next week to see what that would be like, because the following week I’ll need to be back at work much more physically. She has agreed to stay with Gilly next weekend during the festivities surrounding Noam’s Bar Mitzvah, so if all goes well, I could be home free. I’m keeping my fingers crossed (toes too).

I was more than relieved when Cathy the nurse showed up, because I had questions galore. She usually comes very early, but today arrived at 11:30. I was antsy, because I had a meeting scheduled for 1:00 with my Vanier twin and I didn’t want to be late. I had an appointment scheduled for 3:30 at Lethbridge (to pick up the new wheel chair – ridiculously late) and I wanted very badly to complete the task that Cathy (my Vanier twin) and I set out for today. Cathy (the nurse) was had an answer for everything, but she went over the time I mentally allotted to her visit, so I was late getting to Vanier. Luckily, we still managed to get everything accomplished in time, and I was early for my appointment at lethbridge.

Tamara stayed home this afternoon while I went out, and she became instant ringleader. She handles the role with ease, but agrees that the place is on wheels all day long. I am happy to have had the afternoon off, even though it was to work and do messages. I needed a break from the nuthouse. I am refreshed now and ready to face a brand new day tomorrow.

I received a call from Lethbridge yesterday announcing that Gilly’s wheel chair was ready and was asked if I’d like to pick it up. I countered, “What are my options?” “We can deliver it…” This was sounding good, “But it will cost you $50). “No thanks, I decided, “I’ll get it tomorrow.” “Well,” replied the gentleman, “You’ll need to call tomorrow for an appointment.” “For what?” I asked incredulously. “You will need a demonstration on how to use it, which takes 1 ½ hours.” I couldn’t believe my ears. I had t squish this journey into my week, unexpected and seemingly for little purpose, since he’s basically bedridden at this point, but I’d do anything for Gilly, so I set the appointment this morning and we’re all set for the trip from bed to the dining room table this evening if Gilly manages to stay awake that long.

The wheel chair is worth $2000, apparently and it is a Cadillac. He would have appreciated the workmanship and fancy gizmos if he could have seen it months ago. But he didn’t need it months ago; everything progressed very quickly. It was ordered in late November, I believe and they said it would take 2 to 3 months. Marilyn put a rush on it, and it took slightly less waiting time than usual.

When I set eyes on it, I wondered if it would fit through the doorway to his room, but the fellow who gave the demonstration showed me how to remove the outer rim (since Gilly cannot drive it with one hand, or he’d go round in circles) just in case. I was surprised to find that it fit perfectly.

It is so sad to think that Gilly could have been cozy in his chair all this time, but instead received this wonderful gift from the government just at the point that all the professionals have suggested he not be removed from bed except for showers if a big guy like Daniel is around or to eat dinner on special occasions (which Shabbat is considered in this house). He mustn’t ever be removed from bed while asleep, so this narrows the possibilities further. Cathy confirmed this today. His feet have been much warmer since we have left him in bed most of the time; she explained that this is because his circulation is better in a laying position than sitting in his chair.

The lift arrived when I was out this afternoon. Marilyn will be here on Tuesday afternoon to show us how to use it. It fits into Gilly’s room very easily, so we’ll see how easy it is to manipulate. The delivery men fixed the brake on the bed and brought some pads for the bars so that his feet and knees won’t stick out and he won’t get bruised.

Tamara has found a solution to getting closer to her dad; she hops right into bed with her ‘abbala.’ She’s the only other woman I would tolerate this behaviour from! Gilly seems to like it, so he steals some hugs and kisses when he can.

He slept through much of the day, but opened his eyes often when we entered his room. We’ll be hanging out in his space a lot these days, because I made the decision today that he has more opportunities for privacy when he needs it if he has his own room. We’ll just have to bring the party to him, is all.
Our family members will be here soon for dinner, so we better get Gilly spruced up. Shabbat Shalom to all.