Hogmanay Greetings

Several of Isabel's birthday greetings from Scottish kith and kin reminded her that today is Hogmanay -- the Scottish festival day to usher out the old year and welcome in the new. The turning of the old used-up year into a fresh new one is all about the hope of new beginnings. Part of the Dec 31 tradition is cleaning one's house including the ashes from the fire, and paying off one's debts to neighbours and friends.

Mum reminded us of her father Charlie's Hogmanay traditions of "first footing" very early on January 1. "First-footing" refers to who is the first person to cross the threshold on New Year's Day. The tradition is that a first-footer should be a dark-haired person from outside the household who brings a "handsel" -- a token of good fortune to the house. He or She is welcomed and provided hospitality. Charlie's handsel was always to carry a lump of new coal in his pocket for the freshly cleaned hearth of a neighbour or friend.

The Hogmanay tradition of taking coal to a neighbour is not to be confused with receiving a lump of coal in one's Christmas stocking!

Wishing all family, friends, and neighbours the warmest of greetings as you cross the threshold into a new year! May it be a joy-filled one!

With best wishes for a happy new year from
Isabel and the Gang

Merry Christmas!

On Christmas Eve.....

Isabel received this greeting from a friend, flagged it as one to pass on to others...and here it is for you......

As we enter the 12 Days of Christmas, may you and your family embrace a true understanding of the joy of Christmas. May we cherish our families and friends, be grateful for the wonderful life that we tend to take for granted, and generously share with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Christmas is a journey of the heart. May it bring peace and joy to all.

Merry Christmas!

Love Isabel

"So How is Isabel's Health, Anyway?"

Several of you have recently inquired about Isabel’s therapy and health.

Isabel continues to have physiotherapy and occupational therapy several times a week to maintain the strength and flexibility that she gained over the summer. Particular attention is currently being given to her contractured feet with serial casting over a six-week period. By weekly changes of foot casts, the therapists hope to shift Isabel’s feet into more appropriate positions. Massage and flexibility & strength exercises are slowly increasing her wrist and arm mobility. It is a long slow process with very gradual improvement. What is key is that Isabel has not lost what she gained in active rehab this summer.

Isabel’s throat continues to be paralyzed so she communicates at a fast pace with her letterboard and the thin end of a wooden spoon. A food peg continues to provide nutrition through her abdomen.

Finally – and to quote Isabel on her letterboard: I AM SO THANKFUL THAT MY BRAIN WORKS JUST FINE, AND I CAN STILL "CALL THE SHOTS" WITH MY GIRLS.

And for that we all give thanks!

Isabel's Christmas Card to Family and Friends

My Christmas Blessing to ALL of you…..from one of the greatest stories every told….

May the joy of the angels sing in our voices;
May the hope of the shepherds enliven our minds;

May the strong faith of Mary and Joseph strengthen our spirits;

And may the love of the Christ Child shine in our hearts.
God’s blessing be upon us all,
This holy season and forever.

With love, Isabel

Agribition Week

Canadian Western Agribition -- Canada's Premier International Agricultural Show and Marketplace featuring over 4,000 head of livestock, over 450 commercial trade show exhibits, the CCA Finals Rodeo, and western entertainment, is taking place in Regina this week.

Isabel has chosen not to attend the event with other residents from Wascana, however is watching as much of the show as she can on the tellie. The smells won't be quite the same but the views are excellent.

Isabel was amused to discover a photo of herself and her good friend, Nelle, in this year's show booklet. Mum, your many years of attending Agribition have gone down on record!

"A Plus to All This"

"Getting to know every one is the plus to all this."

So writes Isabel's new friend and co-star of "After the Bite", Don Bell of Dubuc. Don is also a West Nile Neurological Syndrome Survivor. He and Isabel were featured in the Globe & Mail article and video by Wendy Stueck and Co. Don and his wife Glenda, and Isabel now stay connected through e-mail and visits at Wascana.

For Don and Isabel, there are several new friends as the result of surviving the bites of the summer of 2007.

Don also writes:

"Drs. think I will plateau but I won't hear of it because they really don't know about us and this West Nile. And Isabel -- we have to prove them wrong for the next victims -- to give them hope and encouragement. I think we can come out of this even if some of us are at different degrees. Strong willpower goes a long ways. I am doing things and not sitting so I think it helps. People tell me 'you shouldn't be doing this or that', but it's not my nature."

We all take courage from attitudes such as Don's. We are grateful for the day-in-day-out support of friends and creative therapists who are determined that Isabel will gain as much strength and movement as possible in her contractured limbs.

Here's to you, Don and Glenda, and your own determination and spirit and the hope that you share with others!

A Rainbow of Binders

Every teacher loves the versatility of three ring binders and Isabel has 6 of them to keep her reading life organized.

Several of you have written letters with a PS that says something such as: "I hope someone can read this to you" or "how are your eyes? can you read?"

Isabel's eyes are fine and she reads a lot, although her eyes tire fairly easily. (The nurses say it is because of the smoke coming off her letterboard when she is in high-gear!)

Isabel has use of a few fingers of her left hand. It is not easy to turn pages that lay on a wheelchair table so we have devised a coloured three ring binder system for her various materials. A binder can sit on Isabel's angled reading board for easy turning. The various colours make it easier for Isabel to communicate with staff about which binder she wants on her angled reading board.

Her red binders are the favourites. We three hole punch each letter, news article, etc. that comes from you (and sometimes greeting cards as well before they go up on her card ledge). The contents of each red binder changes weekly, and is read daily by Isabel. The housekeeper on the south end of 2-6 opens Isabel's mail for her early each morning.

The dark blue binder is for The Seniors' Newspaper. Thanks to an Aber friend's generosity with this gift subscription.

The orange binder is for farm newspapers.

The green one is for magazines. This week's is a Scottish one. Thanks to all of you who have brought a variety of magazines.

The purple one tells the story of Isabel's teaching career and is a well used one as she and former students have frequently looked through it.

We still have the pink, purple, and yellow ones to fill.

Now if we could just get our desks (and staff!) organized as well as Isabel has hers!

Today is November 11, and Isabel will be watching programming from "the Hill" in Ottawa. Together, we remember........

Contacting Isabel

Several of you have inquired how to contact Isabel.....

By leaving a phone message in her room: 306-545-5994.

By sending a letter:

Unit 2-6
Wascana Rehab Centre
2180-23rd Ave.
Regina, SK
S4S 0A5

Thank you!

"Trick or Treat or Halloween Apples?"

Halloween is one of Isabel's favourite days and this has been a full
Halloween week. The 2-6 staff have decorated the unit with witches,
goblins, and jack o'lanterns. One of Isabel's quilting friends has
created a Scottish witch wall hanging (in two tartans) that now hangs
along side her Fall pumpkins.

On Monday, Isabel's Cousin Mary who turns 90 the same week as Isabel turns 80 arrived to visit with family members, a singing birthday
plate, and 7-Up for birthday toasts. Two other former Abernethians
dropped in at the party. Riddle of the Day: How many people can you
stuff in one resident room?

On Thursday, five other Abernethy friends came by (several to show
off their Halloween costumes) and to discuss the latest happenings in
the village.

In between these party times, other family members and friends
visited to catch up on news from the summer.

There is still time to participate in October 31 activities! Isabel
has her Halloween costume and is ready to go to Wascana's Haunted
House and Social Hour. Guests welcome, too. Departure time is 1:00
sharp!

Some weeks are very quiet in Isabel's room. This is not one of them!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Recipe for a Fine Fall Day

Take:

* 1 sunshiny day and a turquoise cloudless sky

* 1 Wascana van and a relaxed driver

* 1 Grandmother, 2 daughters, 1 granddaughter and three of her friends

* 1 wheel-chair accessible college on a beautiful University campus
close to Wascana

What do you have?

Isabel's afternoon outing to Luther College at the University of
Regina to see granddaughter Megan's new digs, cafeteria, lecture
halls, new friends and hang-out spaces. Thanks for the tour, Meg!

Wasn't That A Party!!!!

Wascana was rocking last Thursday evening when Larry & Marj Middleton of Abernethy brought their blend of keyboard and sax for the pleasure of many of the residents of Wascana. 50 residents settled in at ground level and 20 more were entertained from the second floor "balconies". Through the mix of swing, folk, latin, country, old tyme, polkas, and gospel music, the staff kept the residents and their wheel chairs dancing. Isabel and her friends had front row seats.

Remembering her own coaching from Larry while she was learning to play the sax a few years ago, Isabel remarked:

LARRY MAKES IT LOOK SO EASY and THOSE TWO CAN PLAY ANYTHING.

When you use a letterboard to communicate, you can "talk" throughout the concert, and the ushers don't tell you to "Keep quiet!"

Isabel closed the party down when she saw her guests to the door to wish them good night. On her way back home to Unit 2-6, the cleaning staff were the only folks left reminding us of a fine evening of music and dance and friendship.

Thanks, Larry & Marj and Regina friends for bringing your music and appreciation to the halls of Wascana.

A Thanksgiving Hymn

It is the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and we reminded Isabel that a year ago  she painstakingly spelled out through nods and blinks: HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

A year of significant improvement later, we suggested to Isabel that she might want to post another message to the blog. We solemnly suggested that perhaps it could include a stanza from a favourite Thanksgiving hymn, and thus "Voices United" was consulted. After reviewing several hymns, Isabel spelled KEEP IT SHORT.

And then at a rapid pace she quipped on her letterboard:

I MAY BE OVER THE HILL, BUT THAT'S BETTER THAN BEING UNDER IT!

And with mirth in her eyes, Isabel confirmed that this was the posting for the blog.  So there we go.....

AND also from all of us to all of you  ~  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Musical Evening at Wascana

Marge and Larry Middleton of Abernethy are bringing their musical talent on keyboard and sax to Wascana at a public event on Thursday October 9.

Isabel is inviting anyone to join her from 7-8 pm in the Wascana Atrium (main level) for some fine entertainment.

It is best to plan to be there by 6:45 pm as seating is limited. Parking to the right of the main doors. Please bring a lawn chair as this is open space that will fill quickly with people who use wheelchairs for mobility.

Here's hoping for an Aber reunion in Regina this Thursday evening!

Celebrating an 80th Year

Some of us celebrate our birthdays for a day, and others of us for a whole week. We are encouraging Isabel to celebrate hers for the next few months.

This is Mum's 80th year and her milestone birthday is December 30, 2008 - smack in the middle of holiday celebrations and an unpredictable Saskatchewan winter.

Thus we are helping Mum celebrate all autumn. We have no plans for a big birthday party. And besides, Isabel's "head nurse" says that Wascana doesn't have a room large enough to accommodate all of Isabel's fans!

We are inviting friends and family to consider acknowledging this special birthday throughout the next few months (rather than at the end of December) when you visit, phone or drop her a line. No gifts please! Your greetings of encouragement and best wishes are gift enough.

The Robertson Family Gathering in Wascana Park in August kicked off this celebration time. Other friends have been acknowledging Isabel's milestone birthday since then in individual visits and party-like group times. Either are most welcome.

So you can't believe that Isabel is in her 80th year? As her daughters, neither can we! We have far more grey hair than she does (especially after the last 14 months!).

Thanks for your ongoing support and good cheer!

Janet, Nancy and Catherine

A Creative Act of Kindness

We continue to be grateful for the many acts of kindness that have come Isabel's way during the last fourteen months.

Visits and phone calls and letters.

Autumn flowers and bouquets of ripened grain.

Humorous stories and news clippings from various newspapers.

And just recently a creative gift from one of Isabel's friends at Abernethy.

Mum has maintained her Abernethy involvement by reading news reports, asking questions, giving advice to committees-!!, and inquiring about the health and whereabouts of everyone she knows.

She has missed seeing all the building and renovation projects at home. Last week, one of her friends filmed a 10-minute video of all the external renovations and building projects in Aber. He then travelled to Regina with his laptop to show Isabel what's been happening at home in the last 14 months. Mum asked him to play the video again as she studied new colours of paint and new garages, and saw construction add-ons and inquired after the owners. Twenty-two projects in all!

Mum spelled out CHEERS to all the fine work in sprucing up the village.

With gratitude for the many creative ways that kindness continues to come into our lives,
Isabel and Her Girls

Marking Accomplishments

It's been a good couple of weeks!

Along with visits from Cousin Joy and almost daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Isabel's grand-daughter Megan dropped in from Luther College at the University of Regina just five minutes away from Wascana. Meg and her Grannie discussed their experiences of leaving home for University. For Meg that was just three weeks ago; for Isabel that was 60 years ago.

Last Friday, grand-kids Mary and Josh decorated their Grannie's room with fall leaves and streamers ~ the same streamers that we had hung in Isabel's hospital room last September. How far we have come since then!

And on Friday, Amanda came to visit her Grand-Aunt Isabel and to show her yet another First Place Medal for being the fastest female runner at the recent Queen City Marathon. We remember writing about Amanda last September as we compared her win to the marathon that had become part of Isabel's life.

Mum ~ What amazing accomplishments you have made since last September! As your hand flew across the letterboard asking Cousin Joy about friends and family in Scotland and England, Joy remarked over and over again about your physical and communication progress since she last saw you in January 2008.

A medal for you, Mum! And gratitude to Grannie's B's grand-kids who sweep into her room full of energy and stories. And thanks also, to Isabel's friends from Abernethy who visited last week and this week bringing tales of the village, summer holidays, harvest, beautiful September weather (at last!) and the corn and apple crops........

"Will Ye No Come Back Again?"

During Isabel's many visits to Scotland during the past 36 years, she frequently heard friends and relatives sing the refrain: "Will ye no' come back again?" This familiar farewell inviting a guest to return has been turned around to Isabel's great delight!

Cousin Joy from the West Highlands of Scotland has returned for a harvest visit. Joy is Isabel's second cousin, and she spent a month with Mum in January during the Robbie Burns' celebration and Mum's transition to Wascana. As a retired Occupational Therapist, Joy's helpful ideas supported Mum through the winter. When Joy left to return home, Isabel told her COME AGAIN.

Joy arrived last Monday to help with the harvest at the Froehlich-Robertson Farm at Bradwell (Isabel's birth-home east of Saskatoon). However, Joy's Air Canada landing in Regina enabled her to spend two full days visiting Isabel so they could both catch up on news. Joy went to therapy with Mum, and they visited on the sunny terrace amid all the still-blooming summer flowers. Hot weather --- a far cry from the 40 below zero temperatures of last January -- eventually brought them back into Isabel's room.

With gratitude for travelling cousins who do "come back again" and bring stories of Scottish friends and relatives....

A Summer of Rehab

A number of our readers have inquired about how Isabel's physical well-being has progressed as the result of Rehab Therapy. We had reported in the spring that Mum had "leaped the fence" to Rehab Therapy -- a rarity for those that live in Extended Care at Wascana, and virtually unheard of for those who live with the support of a ventilator. We are grateful that Isabel was granted nearly three months of therapy in the Rehab Department of Wascana.

Isabel's considerable strength of gain in her upper body helps her posture and her breathing. She alternated between standing in a standing frame with help from therapists and doing exercises on a sitting mat. She thus has gained strength in her legs as well. Contracture in her ankle joints and feet continues to be a stumbling block in making standing an easier activity. Mum describes her feet as being like cement. On her letterboard, she quipped to one of her specialists: "How about some WD-40?" Then she inquired about duct tape to hold her feet in proper position!

Isabel is now the owner of two new flexi-joint foot splints that are adjustable with an Allen wrench. We were told that she is only the second person at Wascana to be fitted with these custom-made adjustable splints by the Orthodics Department. Therapists continue to problem-solve.

Over the course of 6 five-day weeks, the Rehab Occupational Therapy Team worked with Isabel's hands and arms. For 10 months, Mum could not move her right (dominant) wrist out of its contractured position. With a little arm massage, Isabel can now move her right wrist to open her right hand. She holds a one-inch thick dowel in her hand many hours each day to help keep her fingers open. She can now lift a one pound weight with that hand when provided with some guiding support. Think about lifting a pound of butter ten times up and down beside you. That's what she is doing. Isabel could not move that hand and arm in May. This is progress!

Isabel can also move that hand back and forth on "a skateboard" on her wheelchair table to strengthen her arm. Who ever said that Isabel couldn't take up a new sport at this stage of her life?!?!?

Three times a week during September, Isabel will continue to receive help from a physio-assistant to stretch her muscles and keep her joints strong and flexible. In addition, her volunteer and Extended Care physio-therapists will work with her in standing and mat positions two times a week. Her Extended Care Occupational Therapist will continue to work with Isabel's hands and arms three times a week with the hope that Isabel can drive her own power wheel-chair when it arrives.

"Oh, such slow progress!" you may say! Yes, the progress is slow. This is no surprise to any of us given the utter devastation of West Nile Neurological Syndrome, and that Isabel was one of the most ill of the survivors. When her neurologist admitted her to hospital in August 2007, he indicated that progress would be very very slow over two years. Isabel's rehab physiotherapist said to her this month that she fully believes that Isabel will always continue to make progress -- albeit slow -- as Isabel is so determined and has made measurable gains this summer.

One therapist said, "Isabel -- I wish I could 'can' your motivation and share it with others."

During the recent Olympics, one of our readers wrote: "Cheers to your Mom - she is a Gold Medal winner in the Olympics of Life!"

Mum -- we concur!

"Life After the Bite"

During the week that Canada experienced the first confirmed cases of West Nile for 2008, Isabel has gone public with her story of survival.

The Saturday August 16 edition of The Globe and Mail has a three-part presentation on West Nile that features Isabel and her new WN survivor friend, Don Bell, a cattle rancher from Dubuc, SK. Isabel and we are grateful to our family-friend and journalist, Wendy Stueck and her colleagues for their sensitive and hard-hitting portrayal of West Nile. The Focus section of the Globe contained a one page feature with large photos. The Globe web site features an online article that has the same words as the print article. In addition, a 10 minute video tells some of the experiences of Isabel and Don.

Here are two links to the video and online article.

Denial is no defense against West Nile

Life After the Bite

If either link does not work, go to The Globe and Mail web site and then search "West Nile" to find both the article and video. You are looking for these two titles: the article: "Denial is no defence against West Nile" and the video "Life After the Bite".

http://www.theglobeandmail.com

Isabel's decision to go public with her story reflects her desire to continue to be of use to her community and to the world. We applaud your courage, Mum! And in the meantime, we know you were cheering on that Canadian Equestrian Team when they won those silver medals for team jumping on Tuesday! Yea Canada!

One Year Later

August 8, 2007: Isabel woke up, had her breakfast, and felt nauseous
yet went to help a friend rehang a door on an old one-room school.
She felt increasingly unwell as the day wore on...... and her West
Nile journey had begun.....

August 7, 2008: Twenty-seven members of the Robertson family gathered
at Wascana for a picnic in the park with Isabel co-hosting the
event. We hoped for three hours of visiting. At the five-hour mark
following an afternoon of conversation, laughter, messages from
cousins in Scotland and Los Angeles, games of catch, walks at the
lake, and a group photo.... Mum was one of the last to close the
party down. She has spoken on her letterboard with each individual
present.

At one point, she asked an older cousin if he had chosen dessert.
This led to another cousin asking Mum if she missed the tastes of
favourite foods, and Mum replied on her letterboard NO USE
PINING.... GET ON WITH LIFE and on she went with her next question.
A day previous Mum had told a respiratory specialist that one
advantage of receiving nutrition through a food peg is that there are
NO DISHES to wash and dry.

When Isabel got back to her room (two hours late!) she asked to read
what everyone had written in her Guest Book (Visitors' Book). She
then asked that we write her name as well. When we looked at her
quizzically, she responded emphatically I WAS AT THE PARTY.

Yes, Mum you were! And party you did! And among several honourable
mentions of generations past and present, we toasted you -- your
determination, interest in others and the world around you, and your
sense of humour. You continue to inspire us all.

This weekend Isabel is resting up and getting down to some serious
Olympics spectating. She hopes the equestrian and track and field
events (her specialities) will all be shown on TV.

We are ever grateful... and today particularly to our Robertson and
Froehlich cousins who have been faithful visitors, phoners, and
letter writers and who all travelled 2-3 hours for our gathering --
one year later.

"Here's to you, Miss Robertson"

Some of the greatest gifts that Isabel has enjoyed over the last year
are the cards, letters, phone calls and visits from former students.
You started writing, phoning, and coming last August... and your
greetings and wishes still come each week. THANK YOU.

Isabel's teaching career as "Miss Robertson" occurred between 1948
and 1953 in a variety of one-room (Grades 1-10) to four-room
schools. Mum has heard from colleagues from her Normal School and
University days, and from teachers and/or students in each of her
schools (Unity School near Clavet, Minnehaha north of North
Battleford, Melfort, and Abernethy).

One student invited Mum to his 75th birthday party. Two sisters
(former students) travelled nearly 7 hours for a Saturday afternoon
visit. (Mum had visited one of them over 20 years ago; another she
has not seen since 1949.)

Amid this horrendous year in Mum's life, we are ever grateful for the
connections made and sustained. Thank you again.

Mum has a new photo album in her Wascana room titled: "Miss
Robertson's Teaching Days". Some of you have sent photos from over
50 years ago. We have added these to the photo album along with ones
from Mum's photo albums.... and we will add more.

Here's to you, Miss Robertson, and the wonderful student and teacher
friends that you have made over the years!

Fair Day

It's Fair Day today - the 101st anniversary of the Abernethy Fair!

It's the first time in well over 55 years that Isabel has not
submitted entries -- but her heart is there with all of you as you
clean and mow, coordinate the pet show and children's races, bake and
sew, build the horse ring, and serve pork and pie.

Thanks to all of you Aber folk who have acknowledged how much you
miss Mum's physical presence this week while at the same time knowing
she is with you in heart!

There will be family visiting Isabel today -- and another therapy
session -- and who knows who will walk through her door or on to the
garden terrace with a story or good cheer.

And yes, Aber folk, Isabel is waiting for your phone calls and
letters to tell her everything that happened at the Fair. Who did you
see? Who won best pastry and best fudge? How many horse entries were
there? How many came for the pork supper? And did you have a sunny
day once again?

We are grateful for small communities and the volunteers who year and
after contribute hours of time to make a show that continues to
create memories... generation after generation...

Thanks and cheers to all of you - and here's to the 101st... and the
102nd!

Wide Window Sills

Along with the abundant beauty of Wascana Lake and Park, hundreds of
colourful fragrant blossoms from gardens, pastures, roadsides, crops,
and original prairie have made their way to Isabel's room in the last
month.

Lilacs, roses, iris, lilies, columbine, peonies, sweet rocket,
buffalo beans, hoary puccoon, apple and cherry blossoms, mountain
ash, maltese cross, foxglove, begonias, pansies, canola, flax,
daisies, delphinium, violets.....

One evening a nurse dressed in a tri-purple uniform gathered up all
Mum's tri-coloured lilacs and carried them around the 2-6 unit to
share with all the other residents.

Mum is long-term gardener grateful for a picture window with a wide
window sill and flowers to share with others.

Summer in the City....

.... and time for outings... through Wascana Park paths lined with
abundant green trees and shrubs....to Wascana Lake on the Canada Day
weekend to watch kayaking races and the antics of ducklings.... to
Isabel's terrace garden to sit among geraniums, marigolds, poppies,
lavatera, viola, pansies, sedum, scarlet runner beans, and wave
petunias.

We are grateful for all these opportunities to enjoy the sun....

The Magic Nine-Patch Quilt

A new patchwork quilt adorns Isabel's bed.  The inscription on the soft green fleece backing says:    "MAGIC NINE PATCH stitched with love by the Country Stitches Quilters".

Each quilter in the group contributed a section of the quilt using favourite colours and designs.  

This colourful gift and continued thoughts of the Abernethy friends that made the quilt are with Isabel each day.  When Mum receives her weekly treatment from her massage therapist, the staff tease her that they will be the next ones to crawl under her lovely quilt to receive a massage.

Thank you Quilters for your gift....your visits....your phone-calls....your cards and letters.

The West Nile Community

Isabel has joined a growing informal organization called SOWN (Survivors of West Nile) that has formed to provide support to each other and education to the public. In early June, SOWN organized a public educational event in Yorkton that was attended by over 150 people.  A panel of survivors talked about their experience of West Nile and the health system, and what continues to give them hope on their journey of recovery.  Catherine represented Isabel who had outlined on her letterboard what she wanted said about her experience.  It was a startling experience to hear the stories of each survivor of WNV and in one case, the sad story of a man who did not survive.  Each story and symptoms differed as West Nile Virus affects each person in different ways.  Some people were left with cognitive impairment (slow speech and/or slow processing of information). Others were left with polio-like symptoms (Mum is one of those).  Others are left with deep fatigue or paralysis to one limb or particular muscles.   Panel members ranged in age from 26-79.

Several days later, Isabel visited with a new friend who was in the Regina General Hospital for four months at the same time.  Her friend is also a West Nile Neurological Syndrome Survivor.  They met at Wascana to talk about their stories and their recovery.  Last Autumn, it was a dream of the daughters of these two women that their mothers would be well enough to have this meeting and conversation.  A year ago, who could have ever guessed about these new friends in our lives.

We are grateful for the email exchange among survivors, the media that continues to support the telling of our stories so we can meet others, and the survivors who have arrived at Isabel's door at Wascana to share stories and messages of hope.

New friendships develop out of such a variety of circumstances in one's life!

Visiting Isabel in June

Yes, Isabel continues to welcome visitors during this time of rehab therapy when she has both morning and afternoon therapy appointments.

When is a good time to visit during the month of June?

Saturday and Sunday between 10 am - 7 pm.

Monday through Friday between 11 am - 3:15 pm and between 4 - 7 pm. 

However note that from 2-3 pm on Wednesday, Isabel has an additional therapy appt. 

Do I need to call before I visit?  Isabel welcomes drop-in visitors OR you can call Catherine at 306-270-6394 or email: catherine.barnsley@usask.ca to check out a time to make sure that Isabel will be available.  Isabel occasionally goes out of her room for an appointment or a jaunt. 

Thanks!

Climbing Over A Fence

Last September, a friend sent Isabel a card with a small dark curly-haired girl wearing a bright red shirt and denim overalls.  The photo is of her backside as she heaves herself over a fence.  The card reads: "I know you can do it."  Granddaughter Mary, says; "She looks just like you as a little girl, Grannie."  We photocopied the picture on the card and this enlarged 10 x 12 image is now posted on a door in Mum's room. 

Isabel has recently "climbed over a fence".  Her courage, determination, and continued progress since arriving at Wascana has enabled her to be accepted in the Rehabilitation Therapy Program at Wascana.

You may ask: "Well, hasn't she always  been getting therapy since she moved to Wascana? Isn't that why she moved there?"

In January, Isabel was well enough to be discharged from acute care and to move to long-term care.  Wascana Extended Care (or Long-term Care as it is sometimes known) was the only place in Regina-Qu'Appelle Health Region that accepts residents who need a ventilator to help them breathe.   Thus moving to Wascana was Isabel's only option.

There are two programs at Wascana:

1) Extended Care/Veterans' Program - this is the program that accepted Isabel in January.  Mum receives a small amount of therapy each week in this program.

2) Rehabilitation Program - this program is the one that we most often hear about as many people go there for short-term therapy when they are recovering from illness or an accident or broken bones.  Isabel was not eligible for this program as she was not considered well enough AND this program does not usually accept people who need a ventilator to help them breathe.

Now  - five months after Isabel moved to Program #1: Extended Care, she has been accepted for a one-month trial in Program #2: Rehabilitation. This program is much more aggressive than the original program.

Isabel's acceptance to the Rehab program can be described as "climbing over a fence". It is precedent setting for the many others in Saskatchewan who need a ventilator to support their breathing. Cheers to you, Mum!  Your hard work continues to serve others as you have always done!  Our special thanks to our family friend, Bonnie,  who is a physiotherapist who volunteered to work with Isabel for over an hour each week since late February. Bonnie and Isabel's diligent work along with the support of Mum's Extended Care Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist and their Assistants have helped qualify Isabel for admission to this program. 

So what does it mean for Isabel's future now that she has been accepted into Rehab for the month of June?

Mum will continue to live at Wascana for the long-term.  However, we hope that this month of intense therapy (physiotherapy in the morning and occupational therapy in the afternoon) will help her regain some cardiovascular strength;  muscular strength in arms, torso and legs; and flexibility in her ankles, feet, wrists, and fingers. 

Mum - you continue to inspire your family, your friends, and the staff!  You have "climbed over a fence"! 

Janet, Nancy, and Catherine

So how is Isabel's health?

Many of you have inquired recently about Isabel's health so we decided that it is time to do an update.

Is Isabel still on the ventilator?   Isabel does much of her breathing on her own but a ventilator continues to provide 8 extra puffs of air each minute to support her.  She has two laptop size ventilators -- one for use in her room and one on her wheelchair for outings.

Is Isabel eating now?  Isabel receives 4 meals a day through her food peg into her lower abdomen.  She cannot swallow well enough to chew and swallow food so she receives her high nutrient food as a liquid. Does she miss eating?  Yes, she misses cooking and the taste of favourite foods such as asparagus, rhubarb, roast beef and spring salads.  But she is very thankful that she can receive such high quality nutrition to support her strength. 

Can Isabel speak?  Mum's vocal cords continue to be paralysed from the effects of the virus. We don't yet know if she will be able to speak in the future. 

Why can't Isabel use an electronic speech device?  She can -- and has --  but at this time she has chosen the more efficient letterboard. 

How many hours is Isabel up each day?  Isabel is in her wheelchair on average 12 hours each day.  She reads, watches TV-DVDs-videos,  listens to music, enjoys her terrace garden and outings, visits with the staff and family and friends, and receives physiotherapy and occupational therapy in her chair.

So where does she go when she leaves her room?  To the outside terrace across from her room where her garden is planted; to the sunny solarium down the hall where she hosts friends; throughout the halls of Wascana that are filled with art and windows overlooking courtyards and a children's playground; on Wascana Park's trails to Wascana Lake a 10 minute roll away.  The trip to Wascana Lake with two daughters to see Canada Geese and young goslings was her latest outing this past week.

Does she tire quickly?  Not unless she is doing a hard physical work-out in therapy.  Yes, Mum enjoys visitors for a lengthy period of time. Communication is slower than it used to be as visitors need to learn to follow Mum on her letterboard. Mum likes her visitors to stay for an hour or more if they are able.

Is Isabel's physical strength returning?  Yes. Isabel has excellent torso and leg strength.  She is slowly gaining strength on her paralyzed right side.  She has good strength in her left arm and both legs.

How is her thinking ability?  Sharp as a tack. As always.  Mum's personality and her ability to process and communicate thoughts remain unaltered from the virus.  The therapists tease her that she multi-tasks and must focus on her stretches as she often exercises, uses her letterboard, and thinks about the next thing to say or do -- all at the same time.   It is a miracle that her cognitive ability is as it always was.  This is a rare occurrence as many people who have been as ill as Mum with West Nile Neurological Syndrome have lost some cognitive function.

What other good news can you tell us?  Isabel's health since moving to Wascana has improved more than many medical specialists thought possible.  The progress is slow as it is for all survivors of West Nile Neurological Syndrome,  but it is continuous progress.

When is a good time to visit?

Sat and Sun between 9 am - 7 pm.

Mon thru Fri between 11 am - 7 pm except for 3:15-4:00; and except between 2-3 on Wed.

Do I need to call before I visit?  Isabel welcomes drop-in visitors OR you can call Catherine at 306-270-6394 or email: catherine.barnsley@usask.ca to check out a time.

Mum said on her letterboard on Saturday:  CAN'T TALK....CAN'T WALK....CAN'T EAT....CAN'T BREATHE ON MY OWN....BUT I AM DOING QUITE WELL.

There it is ~ you have the latest update.

Isabel gives thanks every day for the varied staff who support her healing ~ and to all of you who read the blog, write, phone and visit.  Thank you!

Our First Outing

Tuesday, May 27 was a red-letter day.  Isabel, accompanied by family members, spent two hours touring the MacKenzie Art Gallery and Wascana's trails.  Mum recognized the first person she saw in the Gallery which was a neat way to begin our first adventure outside of Wascana.  We toured Dorothy Knowles: Watercolour Portraits of Saskatchewan and a competitive exhibit of fine professional craft pieces by Saskatchewan artists.  We sat with life-size sculptures of humans under huge indoor plants that included palm and other tropical trees.

Then it was outside to the trails to enjoy flowering ornamental crab-apples, lilacs just waiting to burst out, and 40 minutes of strolling and rolling down the trails between the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and Wascana Lake.  A calm, sunny, merry May day. 

Isabel is fortunate to have a portable ventilator (laptop computer size) to enable these outings to happen.

Our outing ended with time on the terrace near Mum's room enjoying the newly planted bedding plants.  We came in so Isabel could get ready to host friends from Abernethy in the sunny solarium that is in another part of the unit of Wascana where she lives.  

Mum visited.... we rested..... :)

Recipe for a Prairie Flower Patch

Take:

* One outside terrace directly across from Isabel's room

* One sunny afternoon with a sharp prairie breeze

* One Head Gardener -- that would be Isabel observing and directing from her wheelchair

*  two family members and one loyal friend equipped with trowels (the worker bees)

* one raised flower bed 2 feet x 12 feet

* geraniums - 3 fire engine red and 2 salmon pink

* wave petunias - two gala purple and 1 party pink

* marigolds - 12 "little devils"

* pansies - 6 citrus and 6 majestic blue giant

* seeds - California poppy and pink lavatera seed from Isabel's Abernethy garden

* one green watering can and one soaker hose (Whoops!  Sorry Mum! -- that was supposed to be a regular old hose)

Et Voilà!

What do we have?

The promise of a lovely flower patch to delight the senses all summer long....

And a report from Isabel the next day that the nurses had commented on the dirt in her ears following an afternoon of  supervising the gardening...

And now may the rains continue to come......

A Sunshine Workout

This weekend marks the first long weekend of a Canadian summer.
Thank you.....Queen Victoria for having a birthday!

Isabel began the weekend with a 1.5 hour physiotherapy workout
outside on the terrace across from her room at Wascana.

IMAGINE.....sun..... a soft breeze.....birdsong.....an encouraging
therapist...... and a dedicated and courageous WNVNS survivor
determined to heal to the best of her ability.

Amid Isabel's and our continual advocacy for more rehab therapy to
support her ongoing progress, we are grateful for:
* a physiotherapist who is a family friend that begins her weekend by
coming to visit Mum to do an extended physio session every Friday
morning
* a sunny second-floor terrace with chairs and a table and containers
waiting to be planted with Mum's choice of plants
* a staff that surrounds Isabel who are continually accessing other
specialists and therapists to support Mum becoming as able as she can.

We continue to be grateful and hope-filled. Thank you for helping us
carry that hope.

Isabel and the Gang

Joining the Stars

One of the therapies that is part of Isabel's recovery is BOTOX.  Yes, Botox  -- what "the stars" (and perhaps a few of our faithful blog readers) have injected to "take off a few years",  remove a few frown lines, and fill a few wrinkles. Mum's nurses (yes, the guys as well) were teasing her that they would queue outside her room in case there was any Botox left for the taking.

Upon hearing about the Botox treatment, a friend wrote to Isabel "This is what happens when one moves to the city!!!" 

Botox has been known to reduce tone or spasticity or muscle contracture in those that have neurological conditions.  Isabel's physiatrist (Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) considers her a good candidate for this treatment.  We are hoping that this use of Botulinum Toxin gives Mum more movement in her arms and hands and ankles. 

Botox and the chemical make-up of the condition that causes botulism are one and the same. What we don't learn in a week!

Thus endeth the chemistry lesson for today.

Joining the Experts

Hello All

Last Saturday, another West Nile Virus Neurological Syndrome (WNVNS) survivor and his spouse invited Isabel to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Saskatchewan Therapists' Assistants at Wascana.  This couple who became friends of Mum after she moved to Wascana were the Guest Speakers at this event.  Their presentation focused on the theme of FAITH, HOPE AND THERAPY ~ words on a sign in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Department of Wascana.  They had spent many months in this room since last September.  Isabel was touched that they included her in their reflections as she enthusiastically listened to their one hour presentation.

At times this couple can hardly believe that they are now experts on WNVNS.  How did this happen? How did this story become their lives? These are questions that Mum as another expert asks as well.  We have become experts in our own right having survived the acute illness of WNVNS and as we continue to do the research that is necessary for advocacy. This is especially true when there are no longitudinal studies about the prognosis of the syndrome. We are making history.

A year ago we would not have believed that this could be Isabel's story.  

Three months ago we could not have believed that Mum would be well enough to head out to such an event.  For this we are thankful as a proactive medical staff continue to support Isabel's recovery with a variety of therapies.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing greetings that help carry us through every week.

Isabel and the Gang

"I'm Here for You"

Isabel's room was rocking on Wednesday with three visitors, maintenance folks drilling holes in the hallway just outside her door, and Mum's CD player cranked up. Her latest addition to her music collection is a new gift CD from one of her favourite local musicians, Len Gadica of Melville. 

Len has followed Mum's WNVNS story and sent along his new CD, "I'm Here for You" to acknowledge her support of him and his music over the years.  Jigs, polkas, waltzes, and schottisches make up this collection.  

The "Hocus Pocus Polka" and the "Morning Glory Schottische" have enough speed and rhythm to rev up any lengthy physiotherapy session or marathon run.  But Isabel's favourite is still "I've Played All Around".  Len's version of this familiar classic includes the names of the many Saskatchewan dance halls where he has played his old-time music.  YES, Abernethy, Balcarres, Lemberg, Fort Qu'Appelle, and Tullymet made the cut.

Len says on the CD cover "I've come to know and appreciate what a powerful force music can be as a comforter, an uplifter, a friend...."

So here's Isabel's chance to support Len and his work.  For his next performance and his CDs, check out his website at: 

http://www.lengadica.com/

By the way: The Boston Marathon was super.  Amanda had a great run!   And Isabel's progress continues in her 9-10 AM physiotherapy sessions.

Crocuses and Marathons

The prairie crocuses are blooming. They courageously poke through the earth, bending with the wind, persistent in their pale beauty, offering their fragile goodness to the world around them. Their very existence speaks of tenacity lived out in beauty.  The crocus brings a sense of hope in the midst of what can be a drab time of year.  Isabel's eyes lit up when two of her grand-kids roared into her room this weekend with a bowl full of these symbols of spring.

It is time to think of marathons again.

Monday, April 21 is the Boston Marathon and Isabel will be awaiting news of her grand-niece Amanda Froehlich of Marquis.  Amanda's winning time at Regina's Queen City Marathon last September has qualified her to run in Boston on Monday.

Isabel's own marathon continues with positive news.  Each week, Mum's strength and energy increases and her contractured fingers and feet move a little more.  She has gained considerable strength in her legs and torso which means she can tolerate more physiotherapy. Isabel continues to move forward in her recovery.

Amanda and Isabel come from a long line of athletes, and we are cheering them on.

Amanda: here's to you and your Monday run among 30000 other dedicated runners in Boston.  Go # 4310!

Isabel: here's to you and your physio session between 8-9 AM in your room on 2-6 each weekday morning. Go #2-649!

We are cheering you both -- and your tenacity, hope and courage!

A Toast to Community Theatre

This past weekend was Abernethy's Dinner Theatre weekend. For over 20 years, the community has staged four evenings of great food and entertainment. Isabel has always been an integral member of the "dinner" part of the weekend. She actively participated this year through dictating recommendations on her letterboard to the other committee members and phoning them throughout the weekend to hear how it was going.

Mum repeatedly said how much she missed being in Abernethy this weekend, however she is looking forward to seeing the video of the production.

For each day of the Aber production, Isabel watched the DVD of The Pull of the Land -- the Sequel. This engaging show is a first class dinner theatre production that emerged from another small community. For three years, the United Church at Harris, Saskatchewan (just west of Saskatoon) staged a locally written musical telling the stories of the gifts and challenges of rural life in Saskatchewan. After over 60 productions, the original show was put to rest and the Sequel was mounted in the Fall of 2007.

After viewing the DVD, Isabel gave the show her highest recommendation. The Sequel will be staged again at Harris this summer July 9-12. See

http://www.skyhighproductions.sk.ca/

for more info about this great show.

This blog entry could also be called Sunshine in Saskatchewan. With temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius, Isabel and family members have been catching the rays on the outside terrace just next to her room at Wascana. That was between curling matches. When it is Scotland and Canada in the championship game, for whom does one cheer?!

This weekend, Isabel also attended a Gospel Concert in Wascana's Concourse and enjoyed a surprise visit from three long-time friends from Abernethy. For over two hours, Isabel hosted her friends in the solarium as they all shared news and jokes about the blessings and ironies of life.

For small rural communities and the gifts of leadership, volunteerism, friendship, tenacity and laughter, we give THANKS!

Gardening at Isabel's

Isabel has a large east-facing picture window and a wide window sill which provides room for an abundance of plants and flowers.  She ~ and we ~ are enjoying the great variety that visitors bring through her door. Thank you!  Right now there are miniature roses (the whole plant), a prayer plant, and a kalanche that has bloomed for over two months. And of course, pussy willows who wait patiently for the first wild crocuses to join them.

Mum has been reading and rereading a poem by Mary Oliver that speaks to the sunshine that enters her room through this big window in the morning, and through her door in the afternoon.  She forwarded it in a card to a friend who was in hospital.  Isabel spelled on her letterboard IT IS ONE TO PASS ON - NOT KEEP TO YOURSELF.  And so we pass it on here to you ~ Isabel's family and friends ~ 

Why I wake early

 

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who make the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the

miserable, and the crotchety --

 

best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever darkness,

to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light --

good morning, good morning, good morning.

 

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.

        - by Mary Oliver

Good morning to you ~ and thanks for your enduring acts of kindness as you hang-in with us ~

Isabel and the Gang

"One of My Wildest Experiences"

For years, Isabel was an enthusiastic curler and continues to be a devoted spectator of the game.  She was cheering for Canada and Scotland in the Women's World Championship.  She had bets with her staff, and yes, Canada won the Women's Worlds and she won her bet!  A particular nurse who often stops by was betting on China.  He teases Isabel a lot so Mum was pleased to win her bet in that championship game. Mum has enjoyed having several of the Wascana staff checking every 2-3 ends as few other residents are such keen fans.

During the last two weeks between matches, Isabel had been reviewing what she calls her WEST NILE SAGA.  In an effort to make sense of what has happened in her life since last August and to piece together the various events, she has been asking questions of family, and reading this blog site, and her Visitors' Book as well as news articles about West Nile. Some of the story seems unbelievable to Mum although she admitted I HAVE TO  BELIEVE IT AS IT IS IN BLACK AND WHITE.  

At another point after a half hour of reading, she shook her head, rolled her eyes and spelled on her letterboard THIS IS ONE OF MY WILDEST EXPERIENCES.

Yes, Isabel, you better believe it ~ and you definitely get the last word this week!

Happy Spring! Happy Easter!

Spring on the Prairies

    Comes like a surprise

    One minute there's snow on the ground

    The next there's sun in your eyes.

- Connie Kaldor lyrics

The shift between seasons (equinox and solstice) are days that Isabel has always acknowledged.  This year is a particularly interesting one with the rare occurrence of the First Day of Spring and Easter falling during the same week.   And a full moon, too!

This week included...

A sunny St. Patrick's Day afternoon....comfortable chairs in a south-facing solarium.....a surprise visit from 3 Abernethy Friends and their chauffeur.....muffins and cheese and hot tea for the guests who came carrying daffodils and Easter cards.....Mum was at her best in new spring clothes with left hand dancing across her letterboard for over two hours as news of home was exchanged.

On another day, Isabel took four other visitors ~ a three generation family ~  along for the ride when she headed out for a haircut at Wascana. Imagine this parade and Mum's nurse clearing the halls of Wascana as they made their way to the salon.  We wonder if that salon will ever be the same!

Considering what the last 8 months have held....we are thankful that Mum creates a party anytime she is able! 

Happy Spring!  Happy Easter!  New Life abounds!