A New Beginning

May 18

It’s impossible to know what to expect as each day passes. I think I have a handle on something and everything changes. I was feeling like Marilyn and I were becoming permanent fixtures of Ward 72 at Foothills Hospital and it was time to meet with the “team” for a strategy session. The meeting was called for 1:30 pm and then at 1 just after coming out of a long session with my own doctor, Marilyn’s nurse of the day called to inform me that Marilyn was to be moved into a rehab transition center at Glenmore Auxiliary Care facility in less than an hour. Afraid the news would send Marilyn into another state of disarray I rushed back hoping the staff would at least allow me to be the one to break this news to Marilyn. On the way back I called Ardith, praying that I could have her wise listening ear and common sense comments to settle down my reeling thoughts. By the time I reached the hospital both Ardith and I were of the same mind that this was not just happenstance but Gods timing and I was able to walk into Marilyn’s little space she now know as “home” with a clear mind as to how I would approach the subject.

Needless to say, Marilyn’s reaction was one of complete surprise but her mental processing skills tended to remain intact as we discussed the pros and cons of the situation. For the most part the pros won out and although Marilyn expressed some fear and trepidation the transfer to Glenmore was a positive experience.

A new beginning – that is how I see things. It is hard for me to ascertain how Marilyn feels for sure but she seemed to settle into her new surroundings quickly. Here are the positives I noticed right away.
1, The food was edible (Marilyn could hardly stomach Foothills food fiasco’s any longer)
2. A beautiful view out the window for Marilyn to enjoy.
3. Friendly and helpful staff
4. A positive atmosphere among the patients.
5. Much closer to home. (2 hours / day driving back and forth was wearing me out).

There is no point in focusing on negatives or even bringing them to mind. I pray that Marilyn can begin to make some strides forward in this new environment. Tomorrow will tell a new story.

The exercise challenge is still on. A few more have signed on – What will YOU do to improve your life. Do you have a goal you would like to share with Marilyn. Each time she hears about another person stepping up to partner with her in the challenge a little smile washes over her face. The last few days I have come into her room panting from the 7 flight of stairs I have been climbing. Nothing compared to the battle Marilyn is facing as she begins this long road of re learning to move about on her own.

I have split up the website into weeks and partner goals. Please take the time to check out Marilyn’s progress and email a response or two her way. It is fun and encouraging to read these off to Marilyn each day. Here are the new links.
http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/Exercise/Week2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/Exercise/Week1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/Exercise/partnergoals.htm