Patio Priviledges

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Jess was anxious for me to get up to Mayo this morning. When I arrived he just completed his breakfast and announced how drained he was. If P.T. came by, he was afraid he could not do anything. He managed to shower and sat down to groom himself. He went back to bed for while. Lunch came about 11 a.m. and Jess had little interest in eating again. He picked at the inside of his sandwich and wanted to back to bed. I reminded him that he needed to stay up for at least forty minutes. Poor thing was exhausted, but he waited (and not a second longer) to climb back into bed.

His children arrived as well as our next door neighbors. Two friends (also spin buddies) also showed up to see Jess. The last time they saw Jess he was asleep with tubes in every direction and his chest still open. By this time the nurse had announced that Jess finally has "patio privileges" -- he can go outside with us!

We unplugged his medicine cart and carefully guided him to the elevators and down through the main lobby, though the cafeteria and out to the patio. The entire round trip was three circles around the nurses' station. I wrapped a lightweight blanket around his shoulders and popped his ASU ball cap on his head. The twinkle in his eyes could not be found, yet he was trying to enjoy the company and outdoors through his exhaustion.

I have not seen my Monday students in eight weeks. I will go in tomorrow and try to pick up where I left off. Jess would love to have me all day every day, but I have to have to begin to pick up some of my classes again. I know the Jess's children will drop by and two friends. He should be O.K. with some company.

I am hoping that he has more energy tomorrow. O.T. and P.T. will be there to work with him. I packed a suitcase of his favorite comfy clothes so he can get out of the hospital gowns. Maybe we can get some friends to bring Phoebe to the patio. That would be the best medicine for him.

Baby steps.

Hope you all had a happy Easter.

Congratulations to Susan and Ron's new addition, Marlow. What a beautiful doo!

Doodle Kisses and sweet dreams, J, J, P, and H.

[Stella]

Yay, take Phoebe to see him! Sneak her in if you have too!! Hopefully, you guys will have some good weather to sit out on the patio in. All of these small victories are adding up.

[2SCdoodles]

Patio privileges! Another good step in a positive direction!

[Susan]

It is going to be such a warm beautiful day today and Jess should enjoy the patio more. Yesterday was a tad cool, but nice. I think going outside will be great therapy for him! He deserves time to come to terms with what the doctor told him and digest that info in his own way. He will pull through this! Hugs to you both!

[Deena Womack]

Sunshine is the best medicine. It is very exciting to hear that Jess is getting around more and even getting some fresh air. He has come such a long way. Take care of yourself and I hope you have a great Monday!

[Beverly Wright]

Janet,
I agree with Karen...Jess is depressed from the echo report. Patio visits sound great and a visit from Phoebe will really help his spirits. He has got to eat....keep bringing him some sort of snacks he likes.....milkshakes whatever...nutrition now is soooooo important. He will stay strong if he is eating! You are a strong strong person and I know that Jess will snap back from being depressed but you have had 8 weeks to absorb all of this and he has not! These patio visits are great news!!! Love, hugs and doodlekisses.
Bev

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

That is great news. I hope that you can bring Phoebe by to see Jesse. I am sure you would see that twinkle in his eye if Phoebe was outside with you.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Another milestone - the sun!! and maybe Phoebe, too!! I hope that you hae a wonderful Monday!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think Jess may still be feeling a little shocked from the info yesterday on his heart, and just needs time to absorb all this. Worry probably made him feel more tired. He has made such remarkable progress, and I'm sure it's normal to have an off-day, especially considering all he's been through. I know that you must be feeling tired & worried, too.
I hope both of you have a restful night, and a good day tomorrow!

[Missi]

Yay for patio privileges! Too bad he was so exhausted, he couldn't enjoy it more. But, this too marks another great step! I'm sure your student will be glad to have you back tomorrow.