Fran, the Ham

Not everyone knows what a clown Mother can be!

Confused and Homesick

Just when things seem to be going well for Fran, she then has a week like this past. Her therapy is going as well as can be expected. When she is thinking clearly she makes progress. When she is confused she goes back a few steps. There have been more confused times than lucid this past week. The doctor is making a few changes in her medications along with trying a different antibiotic for her chronic infections. We are hoping for a better week for her.

She has shown signs of homesickness. She says she wants to go home to Virginia, she misses her friends terribly. She lights up when she receives letters and cards from her family and friends. She spoke to her daughter Anita and good friend Aldeen Wenger, this past weekend, and just hearing their voices seemed to perk her up.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully she will have a better week.

More later...
Maribeth

This was Fran on her 75th birthday.
What a difference 9 years can make.

(Click on picture for larger view.)

Levi Spends Time with Grandmother

While Levi was home on Spring Break last week, he was able to spend some quality time with his Grandmother. He got to see her at physical therapy and occupational therapy. They watched TV together, including some college basketball and they went to dinner at Olive Garden, along with Philip and Maribeth, last Thursday.

Saturday afternoon when he went to say good-bye, he took in a Chick-fil-A meal for her. She thoroughly enjoyed the meal and visit.

Fran told him to keep studying hard and Levi told his Grandmother to keep working hard in PT and OT.

Levi will return home from JMU on or about May 9th with his freshman year of college under his belt. It doesn't seem possible!

"Kids at Heart" Enjoy a Visit from Kids

Last Wednesday 17 kindergarten students, along with their teacher from St. Joseph Catholic School in Waxahachie Texas, took to the road for a field trip to entertain the residents of Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation. (St. Joseph's school is where Levi went for his elementary years and where Maribeth now works. Maribeth was involved in arranging the trip.)

The students opened with prayer followed by the singing of the National Anthem. They went on to sing a variety of songs including B-I-N-G-O, Zippitty Do Da, Father Abraham and many more. The program ended with each student reading to the residents. Pictures of the students and residents were taken and many hugs and handshakes were exchanged between all.

The “well-seasoned kids at heart” residents totally enjoyed being with "real kids." Maribeth hopes to plan a few more field trips with other grades to entertain at the center before the end of the school year.

From MaryMay Angelil: "I talked to Mother on the phone this evening and told her that Maribeth had sent me a picture of her with the children. She said they sang so well and they were all so sweet and sooo well-behaved."

Rehabilitation is Progressing

Fran actually walked 11 feet with a rolling walker! She had two therapists assisting her but we were told she did most of the work herself. A walker is now in her room and they practice getting her up and down throughout the day. Her lower legs and ankles have shown some swelling from sitting in the wheelchair most of the day so the nurses have her elevate them each afternoon.

Fran is getting to know a few residents in the dining hall and at some of the activities. Philip played the piano and sang some for several of them on Sunday following dinner. They really enjoyed it and so did the ladies in the social hall who were playing their nightly game of Skipo.

The three of us had a nice dinner at the Macaroni Grill, an Italian Bistro. She had some breaded flounder with a side of pasta. She really looks forward to getting out from time to time. It was kinda funny to watch her eat her Italian delicacy. She was so focused on her food that our conversation just disappeared for a time.

Levi is home on Spring Break from JMU and is getting to see his grandmother daily. She was taking a nap on Saturday afternoon and woke up to discover Levi standing there with a vase full of flowers for her. (Neither Maribeth nor Phil knew he was going to take flowers and they were pleased that he was so thoughtful.) She is enjoying his company.

A Few Fran Funnies...

She told me the other day that “here in Texas everyone dresses so casual. They probably all have oil coming out of their ears.”

When Phil and one of the nurses were assessing her swollen ankles and legs, Fran tolerated if for about a minute and then said, "You might as well just go ahead and just screw them off."

Private or not?

Hi, Phil and Maribeth,

You asked my opinion about Mother moving into a private room. These are only thoughts and I'm not telling you what to do. Whatever you decide is OK but here are some considerations.

Ed and I have discussed the advantages and disadvantages. Overall, we feel the extra stimulation is good for her, (even though it can be annoying at times). She sees nurses and CNA's and gets seen by them more, just by the fact that they'll be coming in for two people. Mother might feel needed in helping a roommate and that can go both ways.

I was with her in Charlottesville in both private and semi-private rooms. The private room was just Mother, all alone, and she focused on herself and her pain. It's easier for the staff to "put off" going to just one person.....once you ring your buzzer, you just have to wait. A roommate and/or visitors can go get someone if needed.

When she had roommates, their families usually were friendly to Mother. They talked and laughed with her and sometimes got her a drink or a treat. Then Mother had things to think about and tell me when I came to visit. There are a lot of hours when you two can't be with Mother......I feel both the extra exposure to nurses and the interactions with a roommate will be valuable for her.

Your sister,
MaryMay