- When I leave here later today it will be exactly 7 weeks since I fell off the ladder. It’s been a long pull, helped by lots of support from friends and family and lots of good care from the health professionals
- Excitement and activity increased yesterday as we prepared for my going home.
- Eric, Gail, Xan, and I, joined by one of the physical therapy staff, ran through a session on transferring from a wheelchair to a car and visa versa. I was able to do those transfers — safely and without pain —without help from others, and without using additional equipment.
- Sabita, the wound nurse, gave Eric, Xan, and me a demonstration and lesson in unwrapping, caring for, and wrapping the injured right leg. Eric took notes and videos we can rely on as we do these things for ourselves in the future.
- The head of social services went over with me and completed my discharge papers.
- We learned that there’s a $200/day co-pay here at Santa Cruz Post Urgent Care after the first 20 days. Since I will have been here 45 days, I’ll owe $5,000.
And now it’s Friday morning. Eric will be coming for me and taking me home.
Mix of emotions and thoughts. Saying goodbye to this little room and I’ve come to feel comfortable in and like. The black-eyed susan vine just outside my window, a friend and guardian spirit. The view of the trees and sky. Having an especially good dinner last night, my last dinner here. Looking forward to meals at home, especially breakfasts, which Xan and I make together in a nice dance — she as veggie-sausage woman and me as cereal man. Adding fruits and nuts - yum. How it will be to be in each others’ arms, to live our daily lives together again … Ahhh …
Comments
Reading your blog from start to finish (is it finished now that the journey is very nearly over?!), has made tears well in my eyes and filled my heart with love and gratitude for the strong and bright spirit that you are! You demonstrated such perseverance and practicality, with always a positive outlook. I am guessing that it was a pleasure and deeply meaningful for your children and friends to support you because of your aim and positivity. That is a gift you’ve given not only yourself but also your family and others around you.
I am headed to HI now to transition my dad out of a care facility where he’s been for many weeks, and I hope hope that he has done the physical and mental work that you’ve obviously engaged in. I am SO glad to know that you’re reunited with your love and in the comfort and routine of home and community. Sending love and well wishes. ππ