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Saturday, March 6, 2010 – Four to go!

March 6th, 2010 Posted in Daily News Post

I love Saturdays like this one. I got to the hospital at 9:15 so Dana and I would get to Colins’ choir contest on time. Of course, as we were trying to leave we had to do a big suction and then Dr. Cuyler stopped by on his time off to talk about the trach change. It was funny watching Dana all but run away from him. Being the driver, I knew we had plenty of time so I wasn’t worried. We got to the school by 9:50 and found the room in a few minutes. Colins’ group was to sing at 10:20.

When we finally were let into the room Sandy was already there. Kevin, Laura and Dave came in just before the group was to sing. When Colin came in he beamed seeing his cheering box seats. He didn’t let us down at all. His solo went off amazingly well and he showed poise and confidence, boarding on cockiness. Good job Colin!

We stood outside in the hall for a few minutes but Dana and I are always way too nervous when we are away from Chloe for too long. We left explicit instructions that if she rang her call button it was for someone to come in IMMEDIATELY, not in a few minutes. When we got back I asked her if she needed suctioning while we were away. Once, she indicated. I asked if they were there immediately and she said “so, so.” I’m glad she wasn’t blocked when she rang.

We had our usual weekend therapists and all were amazed to see how far Chloe has progressed. Some see her each week and some see her every third or fourth week. Lots goes on in a week with Chloe.

Dana went to get something to eat and Chloe and I took a hike, although it lead to the same place Dana was. Then she went one way and we another. I asked a couple security guards about getting to the heliport on top of the building. They said they never bring anyone up there, that they never heard of it being done, but that, if there was special permission they’d be happy to get us there. A challenge was set forth!

Upstairs we went and I asked the nurses to find out whom I’d have to talk with to get us out there today. The rest of our stay is supposed to be rainy. I wasn’t opposed to calling the administrator if it would do the trick.

Chloe and I went for our walk to the other heliport and, wouldn’t you know it, the helicopter came in as we were waiting. It was great and I thanked the pilot for a great show. They waved back and wished us a wonderful day.

We took our west end walk to stay in the sun and came in through the southwest doors to the atrium. There had been a party the night before that we watched and listened to the musical performances. The firemen’s choir was a little hard to take after the National Anthem. Chloe had some eye rolls going on during some of their numbers, but they were all volunteers so good for them.

There was a flyer from the party so I made another airplane for her. This one is my high speed, long distance design. We went to the fifth floor for a launch. It did two very graceful spirals down and made a perfect landing on the floor. You couldn’t have asked for a better flight. Chloe was impressed. Then Dana called and said, “they are going to meet you on the fifth floor and bring you to the heliport!” We were already there. Soon there were two very nice security people with keys to let us out. Dana came running up at the last minute. It was an exceptionally beautiful day and equally as beautiful a view. We took pictures with all of us, security included. All because we asked and believed. Amazing how that all works…

After a good long stint up there above the fifth floor we were back to the room. Chloe had needed the restroom from before going outside so it was a quick in the room for her. After she came out we all had a party. She came out with Dana behind her. Then Dana said, “Show us what you can do on your own.” Dana took her hands off Chloe’s body and she walked about five steps to her wheelchair before Dana reattached. Then she wanted to look in the vanity mirror so she stood there for a while. Then she turned to her right and took a step to the CD player and turned on some music. She danced! She and Dana stood there bouncing and boogieing. Then she took some steps between Dana and me. It was a great distance from anything she has done up to this point, even though it was only about five or six steps. We all clapped like it was our baby’s first steps.

Dana set the yoga mat out for Chloe to try a bit of that. All was fine until she went on her back and a hacker presented. We got her in the chair and quickly got rid of that. It was a blocker but she passed it quickly. That ended our round of movement fun for then.

Bedtime story was our movie for the night and it ends with the song “Don’t Stop Belivin.” So Chloe decided she’d get up and dance, but first we all raised the roof. It doesn’t take much to get her wanting to go. She jumped to her feet and, holding onto my hands, she started boppin. Then she wanted to show off for the floor… but not before getting her blue hat, the one that you can see on her blog.

Of course, once we left the room there weren’t any of our nurses around but that didn’t stop her. We went to the Starlite room and Titanic was on, one of Chloe’s favorite movies. Before the end of disc one we had to suction but it wasn’t bad. We danced back to the room about 10 pm, just in time for meds and feeds. I was off the hook for getting these ready as I completed my “official” 10-hour pass training.

Five feet from the bed I told Chloe, “okay, run to the bed now.” So she did. Well, her feet went that fast but her body moved at the same speed as before. The main problem with her walking now is that her right foot wants to turn on its side. We have to make sure she doesn’t twist her ankle. I’m shooting for a light ace wrap to just coax her foot to land flat. The last thing we need is a sprained ankle.

Everything is settling down now so I’m gonna blow this pop stand. Time to get home and get ready to come back tomorrow. Kitty needs some food anyway. It’s been a very good day.

Be well,
Ron