Good Week for Mama May

Fran had a productive week. She worked with PT and OT daily without a fuss (most of the time). Her transferring from bed to bedside potty is going smoothly with assistance from her favorite CNA’s Nancy and Mark. Sometimes this duo works together, other times their shifts fall on different evenings. Sometimes Phil helps when one of them is unavailable. Fran thinks Mark (about 22 or so) is cute and should go to medical school. I asked her why medical school and she said, “He knows how to work with old people like me”.

Nancy has been assigned to Fran since Day 1 and the two of them have formed a bond. Nancy brings Fran a candy bar from time to time and has even been known to sit down and eat one along with her. Nancy has much compassion with the elderly. I can’t say enough about the staff at Pleasant Manor Rehab. They have been wonderful with Fran and are always there to tend to her needs and answer any questions we may have.

Fran had her eyes tested this past Monday and Philip will talk to the doctor this week to see what he found out. Today a test will be done to check the status of the bacterial infection that has been working on her. We hope to have the results by Tuesday or Wednesday. If the results show negative then Fran can be “sprung” from isolation. If still positive, they will start her on a new round of antibiotics. Say a prayer that she gets “sprung” because PT and OT are anxious to get her down to the therapy room and work her hard. We will keep our fingers crossed.

Fran loves mail. Sometimes she likes to read the mail herself. Other times she tells us to “spoil” her and read it to her. She was so pleased to hear about Hunter and Mary Margret’s new granddaughter. She said that she knows they are so proud. Anita sent a card with an update about Duane. Fran was happy to hear that he is adjusting to school this year and was able to go to a friend’s birthday party. Mabel Miller wrote her a long letter with lots of news. Fran wishes she could go with Mabel to the Wellness Center for the warm water aerobics. She said that the warm water will do wonders for Mabel’s back. Aldeen Wenger called her from Virginia on Saturday afternoon and had they had a nice long talk. I was able to hear the conversation and was impressed by how clear Fran was throughout the conversation.

Yesterday I took Fran a power point slide show with music that I played for her on my computer. The show consisted of pictures of the farm, her family, church friends and even some ancestor pictures. It’s a work in progress. Fran watched it through twice the first time, then wanted her CNA, Nancy, to watch it with her. We looked at magazines, talked about weight and fashions, and much more.

Fran asked that I call Phil and see if he could bring her one of his juicy burgers when he comes to visit. He asked her what she wanted on it and she was very clear that she wanted mustard, sweet relish and cheese. When he brought it in, she ate the whole thing and enjoyed every bite of it.

Tomorrow is a school holiday so I plan on going in to watch her therapy. I hope these updates are keeping you “in touch” with Fran’s progress. Until next time…

Love and prayers,
Maribeth
Fran's Favorite Daughter-in-law
(I know, I'm her only daughter-in-law but it sure sounds nice! )