Friday, December 17, 2010

thrilling thursday & failing friday

Thursday:  a friend brought lunch to John.  When I got home, I asked him where lunch came from.  He thought for a second and went, "Moo."  I knew immediately.  Chick-fil-a.  After our friend left, Mama brought a chicken pot pie...homemade.  and Congo bars.  A must-have for chocolate lovers.  Also, when I walked in the door, John was dressed in a blue shirt and jeans.  He looked handsome.  First time he'd dressed in a week.  Was wound up and full of energy.  It was a very good, encouraging day.

During the night, he woke up and couldn't go back to sleep, so around 3:30 he took tylenol pm.  I knew when I got up for work he'd be zonked still. He told me "good night" when I left.  I called during the day and he sounded ok but not as chipper as yesterday.  When I got home, he hadn't dressed and was tired.  He was glad no one had come over.  His childhood friend, Mike, called and is coming tomorrow around lunch time.  John is happy he's coming.  Loves talking about God with Mike because he always has lots of questions. 

I'm glad Mike's coming over because I'm going to the mall with Mama to sing in the Hallelujah Chorus flash mob.  Also finishing up some Christmas shopping.  Hate leaving John alone so much.  Have a mtg Monday to have my name changed on my retirement while I'm still in the habit of getting up, then I should be home for the two weeks.

The incision looks much bigger today.  It seems to be spreading wider now, not just poking out more.  You can see the stress of the stitches.  A day at the time.  A day at the time.

Usually, John goes to bed before me because I'm the night owl.  Tonight he was again in bed before me and I said something about coming in later and he said, "yea, after I'm asleep.  I'd like to fall asleep holding you once in a while."  How can you deny that request???  I put on my pajamas.  He was surprised.  I said it was ok.  I'd get up and finish what I was doing after he fell asleep.  He laughed.  And I did get up.  I can tell when he's asleep because his fingers and hands twitch.  He also made a snarling face a few times.  Don't know if he was dreaming or his sinuses were bothering him.  We've both had a cold for a couple of weeks. Almost over, tho.

Didn't get much done today because of partying with my team on our break, but I did leave a msg with the Hospice social worker who wants to meet us.  Gave John's accountant a heads-up that we have a buyer for the business.  And me. 

Walking into the bathroom, I hit my piggie toe on the door jamb.  Don't think it's broken, but it hurts, and is swollen.  I've had my boo boo bunny on it off and on all evening.  bummer

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

whirlwind wednesday

Busy day. Lots accomplished.  Good insurance people are priceless.

Hospice nurse came back to the house for the first official visit.  Mama was there with John so I could work.  Answered a lot of questions about insurance.  My naivete about Hospice being free to the patient comes from lack of experience with this situation.  John's insurance will cover 38 days of Hospice visits, so we're going to hold them in reserve until really needed.  They're very helpful and willing to work with you however they can.  John needs a better bandage to cover the incision and they are going to find something.  I love the term 'tuck-in nurse'.  Sounds so comfy cozy.  She calls at night to see if you need anything.  There's also his RN who is available for questions or services. 
John was 'tickled pink' that the admissions nurse came back again today and gave us his patient number and answered more questions.  Gives him great peace of mind. 
The tumor doesn't seem to have grown any today and hasn't leaked in two days.  yay

I've been smiling all afternoon and evening.  Went back to Wildwood choir tonight for rehearsal and party.  Teresa, one of the best choir directors I've ever had, has resigned her full-time position there, and the choir gave her a beautiful music box and party to thank her for her years there.  It was great to see my church choir family again and to SING with them.  I wanted to sit under Teresa one more time, and we practiced the Hallelujah Chorus.  Doesn't get much better.  I didn't realize how much I missed everybody until I got around them again.  It was like no time had passed.  My chair next to Becky was still warm.

Tomorrow is first grade's Polar Express day!  We're wearing pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, and eating cookies.   I'm wearing my pink and green camo footie pj's John gave me for Christmas last year.  It's a fun day.  Today, Santa walked past our room on his way to Kdg for their parties.  The debate began......is he real or not.  As always, there are strong opinions on both sides.  But in the end, I think they all hope he's real.

Monday, December 13, 2010

mixed up monday

It was a weird day for John.  When I called him at almost 2, he had just gotten up, he said.  Then I remembered I made coffee for him before I left.  Didn't worry too much because it cuts itself off after a while.  Seems he got up as usual, put together my kids' Christmas goodie bags for me, washed dishes, was worn out, laid down, had a sinus headache, took a pain pill, and it knocked him out.  When I got home around 5, he was still in bed.  Got up, ate, talked a lot, went back to bed.  He's up now at 10:30.  We'll see how long it lasts. 
The incision is dripping some.  Has a 'pocket' of fluid at the bottom of it.  I'll call and tell them tomorrow.
Well, that was quick.  Already back in bed.

I'm getting together info for a prospective buyer of the business.  Man I hope it happens, and quick.  It would be a huge weight off John.

Really cold.  Tonight should be the coldest night, then warm up some.  My class Happy New Year party is tomorrow and I'll probably wear a turtleneck under my sequins! 

Sunday, December 12, 2010

more liquidating

Today as I dressed for church, I put on the beautiful poinsettia pin John gave me a few years ago.  Another wonderful gift from a wonderful man.  We were leaving a department store one day and we passed a stand of pins.  This one caught my eye; beige/brown swirled cloisonne on the petals, burnt orange jewels in the center, gold backing.  I only mentioned in passing how much I liked it.  Was so surprised when I opened the box that Christmas.  He remembered the story, and the pin when I had it on today.  John said he went back the next day to get the pin.  He was glad it was still there.

Yesterday I picked up a catalog of carpet cleaning a friend had borrowed.  John has tried to inventory his equipment but needed pictures because he can't remember the names of items.  He went thru the catalog yesterday and circled what he has.  Today we wrote it all down with current prices, for prospective buyers.  Really need the business to sell before the end of the year. 

Enjoyed the Christmas musical at church this morning.  Have lots of activities this week; 3 parties on different nights, and will probably go to only one.  John sits home all day and I just can't go out and leave him alone at night.  He can't take the noise, movement, and commotion of groups, so he won't go with me.  It's ok.  I'll have other parties later.  I want to be with him right now. 

Last week of school before break.  Can't believe it's already here.  It's been a fast first semester.  The good ones go too fast.