It's our second day at the Glenrose and it's been an adjustment! It was hard to leave such a wonderful "“comfort zone" but I'’m sure it will only be a matter of time before we feel "secure" again. We have a few hurdles:
- Mike is still suffering from nausea and was unable to keep his breakfast down again (guess it's time for Fruit Loops!). He tried to get up in the chair again this afternoon but almost passed out so they put him back to bed. Hopefully this will ease up soon.
- They were unable to get a wheelchair with a good fit. Mike is used to having a chair with a lot of support so now having one that he cannot even {“feel"” (the only part of his body that he can feel is above the chair!) causes a lot of strain on his neck. Combine that with feeling sick and he dreads getting up in the chair. Because of the long weekend, we won't be able to try out any new chairs until sometime next week. Mike never complains but I know it is difficult for him.
- Mike'’s roommate, Matt, is the same age, outgoing, and you might even say out-spoken! Though his injury is similar to Mike's, it is an incomplete and Matt has full use of his hands and continues to regain feeling. Mike seems quite comfortable but I get those little pangs of sadness for him when Matt is bombing around the unit. Mike'’s doctor was quite clear on the fact that Mike should not expect more feeling or movement but he will definitely gain more strength.
- The staff here seem very nice but we miss our friends at the University Hospital.
But even with the "“hurdles", we know that we are one step closer to having Mike come home. Now if only we could find a house!!!
Mom
From Matt: Make sure you all sign the "map". It is a great idea from Steve and I too want to see where all this prayer and support is coming from (I'm sure Mike would find it interesting too). From talking to Mike today, it seems like he is a little worried about his schedule and he doesn't seem that confident that he will be able to handle it all right away, so pray for strength for him as he starts his full routine on tuesday. And also pray for wisdom for the doctors and nurses as they guide his rehabilitation.
12 comments:
M Dawg..
I imagine the nausea and wheel chair difference would be discouraging. You are human...it is alright to allow yourself that frustration.
Nonetheless you have inspired and surprised me daily throughout the past month of your adjustment -defining your new normal.
Life is about attitude - making the concious choice to act & think a certain way. I have no idea what it is like to have complete motion then for that definition to be re-defined. All I know is that at some point in our lives most are forced to re-created a new normal, whether it be because they lost someone who played a daily role in their life, a broken marriage, having made an unwise decision that taints one legally or finacially or an accident that forces us to live in a different way than what we knew.
Allow yourself your moments - the path to progress is going to be discouraging, frustrating and hard. BUT for the most part it will be rewarding, freeing and empowering - if you make the choice to look at it that way. Celebrate every little step, celebrate your life.
"I wanted the perfect ending. Now I've learned the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next." - unknown
If you want I'll bring the cake & balloons!
Leanne
ALWAYS!!! in our prayers. God has a plan we just don't see what yet! hugs, love. God Bless!
ALWAYS!!! in our prayers. God has a plan we just don't see what yet! hugs, love. God Bless!
happy canada day mike.
Mike,
Congrats on your new location. I hope you still can see a window.
Thank-you for your spirit and courage. You have changed my outlook in so many ways.
-Lana
I wanted to share with you something my priest said in church today that I thought was really important: "Your faith will heal you". I thought it was fitting in your circumstances. I'm really proud of you, and you continue to inspire me to be a stronger & better person. I wish you nothing but the best, and you're always in my prayers! Hope you like your new home, and keep up the great work in physiotherapy...no pain, no gain, right?!
Hi Mike...another knew beginning, we wish you and your family a smooth transition....our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Max says "yap grrrr yap" which means, 'save me some fruitloops".
Love, Cindy P.
So ... do you have time for visitors at the Glenrose?
one more step in the right direction!
I got in the map, hope you are blessed.
Hey mike,
I'm back! Hope the Barkers all enjoyed a great Canada Day!! Happy early independence day to all US of A's viewing the site! I've gotta say you've been through a lot, and every day will be like a roller coaster (Every now and then Froot Loops are needed to settle the stomach, of course). Always remember that looking ahead of the hurdle makes the 'getting over part' a lot smoother. Definitely something I've seen work miracles in lives. Be Strong and Courageous!
Britney H
Mike,thinking of you lots and will come see you soon.
James Y
Nice! Where you get this guestbook? I want the same script.. Awesome content. thankyou.
»
Post a Comment