July 17,18,&19

Day 155,156 &157
Had some Louise time today, and got my hair fixed and my feet...hmmm...how do you describe getting your feet scrubbed, rubbed and basically rediscovered? Anyway, had a pedicure and manicure (which I didn't know I was booked for) and generally spiffed up. Now I just have to keep everything looking good for Saturday and Sunday, so I guess that means no doing housework for a couple more days!
I had a frustrating start to the day as the ongoing saga of the reluctant lawnmower kept me amused for over half an hour this morning. I was going to get a bit done before my appointment, but the mower was again not very co-operative about starting for me. We had a bout which I eventually won, but I lost a favourite coffee mug in the fray. I had set it on the mower as I was boosting it, so when the thing finally started, I wasn't quick enough to grab it as it vibrated off the mower. Crash, and there it lay, unfixable, unusable and generally just broken pottery. Oh dear, not what I had planned at all.
My appointment at 11:00 was almost missed as I had to wait for a slow semi, a train and other heavy traffic tie-ups. It's a good thing I left a little early, because I got there right at 11:00. I was not impressed with the way the day had started. I was getting uneasy as to the possible outcome of my hair!
After lunch things went better, my hair looks fine, and my toes and fingers have nice red nails for now. We'll see how long they last! I got to the hospital to find Glenn having a rest. Yesterday was a big day in that he had an extra physio appointment. They were consulting with an bone specialist (sorry, I can't remember the proper title of this person) who checked out his elbow and wrist on his right arm. The tissues around the joints have tightened and need to be manipulated and stretched so that Glenn can keep some range of motion in his forearm. He needs to be able to swivel his hand up and down, and this tightening tissue is preventing that. The botox is showing up in that his joints are easier and less painful to move. We now need to stretch them to keep them flexible. He then agreed to go for a walk, and they let me guide the walker for him. Gosh it was good to see him on his feet, and although he can't swing his right leg, and really has to concentrate on doing what he's doing, I actually stood and looked straight into his eyes. Wow, I've waited for that, and can see now that he will be walking on his own. It will still take a fair bit of time, but what a good feeling!
That was yesterday. He was also supposed to have a swallow assessment done yesterday, but that didn't happen until today. Sit down, he is going to start taking fluids by mouth! Yes, we are on the road to eating! He is allowed ice chips for now, but they have given the go ahead for some liquids. He will still be on tube feeding for a while, but I was thrilled. I don't know if Glenn was as thrilled, he worries about this, as well he should, but he swallowed a bit of my ice tea, and laughed and said he actually swallowed almost half a mouthful. This is another thing he has to learn, and it is amazing to me to be reminded again how far he has come, yet how far he has to go. He is doing things that very few survivors of these strokes do, and I have become very aware that he is a miracle of grace. I thank the Lord everyday for helping him through this and look forward to the day he can come home to stay!
Jackie came for a visit and is getting excited for this weekend of celebration with family and friends. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty for not helping more, but for this time I had to lean on my family to do everything, and guess what, they did just fine without me! Who knew? Apparently my boys sound good, and have practiced a few songs for Sunday. I told Dad to bring along earplugs, so I hope he remembers them. Maybe I should tuck a pair into my purse as a joke!
I have rambled on a bit, but it truly has been a momentous week in many ways. Glenn wants to come home more on weekends of course, so next week the railing has got to be installed. First things first, party for now, work for later.
'Til next time,
Louise