Hanging In and Hanging Out

Wednesday evening, Aug 22

HANGING IN: We are all hanging in -- especially Mum whose indomitable spirit shines through during these hard days. Mum is so brave and full of determination. Tuesday was a big day -- emotionally and physically as my sisters and I shared your greetings, watched her eye and facial responses to the questions of medical staff and us, and worked with her to do gentle physio movements. She is understanding our communication and yours, and much of what is going on around her. She has lots of alert times and lots of sleepy times.

HANGING OUT: Rick and I have been at the ICU many hours since noon on Tuesday, and will be there until noon on Thursday. We have hung out a lot in the Visitors' Room where one of the supportive and unexpected bonuses of our hours in the ICU has been hanging out with other families whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms similar to Mum, but who are still waiting for test results to confirm West Nile. We exchange symptoms and internet sites, discuss medical care, and Saskatchewan locales. My parents always made friends while in the hospital. It feels as if we are keeping up the tradition as we exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses to keep in touch about the outcome of this vicious virus.

Again -- we are so appreciative of your e-mails, cards and faxes and we read them all to Mum several times. Stories of your work days in various places, canning peaches, hours of quilting, harvest yields, travel, summer holidays, new school supplies, and what's happening at the Abernethy Coop -- and so much more -- help the time go more quickly and provide needed stimulation for Mum.

Mary and Josh are creating a big purple binder covered with stickers to hold all the messages. I suggested to them that a binder with a good collection of cat, dog, flower, and Spiderman stickers would be just what we need to hold your words of strength, prayer and community for Mum.

We ask if you are sending cards to address them to: Box 190, Abernethy, SK S0A 0A0 rather than the hospital. And if any of you can send some sunshiny dry days to the Canadian prairies, please do that, too!

Thank you!
Catherine