Saturday, Nov. 30th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

This morning I didn't go at 8 am to see George. I had some errands I needed to complete and I was very comfortable with George in the hands of staff at the hospice. Errands complete, returned to the apartment and started load up stuff that George requested or needed. There was only only thing I forgot and it was because I didn't make a note of it.

Today George was able to get a shower and shave. He thoroughly enjoyed this one. He didn't get cold.

As I was just about to leave, his daughter #2 texted and said that she was on her way. She was stopping at McDonald's since her father had a request of a spicy Chicken burger and small fries and I ordered a Fillet-O-Fish and small fries. Unfortunately, George did not get his spicy chicken. Maybe next time. He told us he was full and wouldn't be having supper.

When she arrived, the majority of her family was with her. We all had something to eat and then George wanted to take the family on a tour. He wanted in the wheelchair that was provided and away we went.

 Granddaughter #3 investigating the toys.

 Grandson #4 was helping to guide his Granddad.

 One of the staff took a picture of us as we were walking down the hall.

 George's brother and his wife also joined us. Needless to say conversation was great as always. Daughter #2 had to leave as her son had a hockey game today.

 

 Brother Chris.

 Sheri, George, Chris

I spent a bit more time with George after Chris & Sheri left. I had some shopping to do mostly for George, to get some things so he is more comfortable.

I talked to him about tomorrow, as the Weather Network is calling for freezing rain over night, then snow mid afternoon, then more freezing rain. I warned him that it might not be possible to see him tomorrow. It will depend on the weather.

It was great to see him in the wheel chair during the visits. Our friend from Camp Awesome also stopped by for a few minutes and brought more stuff that he found that belonged to us. Of course, George asked if we could park at his place this summer as he enjoyed cutting the grass.

I called him several times while shopping to make sure I was getting what he wanted. During that conversation, he told me he had beef stew and fruit for supper and ate everything. I think you all can tell that he has his appetite back.

As you also can see in the pictures, he requested 2 things that various bloggers were wanting to see him in.

One Day At A Time

Friday, Nov 29th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

Good day for George. Ate well at every meal.

He was offered to get in a wheelchair and have a tour of the facility. That is what we did.

 Outside his door to the room, looking down the hall to the right.

 A room where visitors can meet. This room includes toys for children.

 Fountain in the spring.

 Outside patio, I think she said they have 100 chairs.

 Another visiting room, 3 in all.

 The spa room with jets in the tub.

 Bathroom for me, for instance, if I stay overnight. Complete with towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner and tooth brush and paste.

 Large shower.

 The next couple of pictures are of the kitchen area. Because George was in a wheelchair, he got an up and close personal tour. I'm sure he enjoyed seeing where his food was prepared.

 George looking outside.

 He took a picture of me relaxing in the power lazy boy chair.

 Bill Wilson and friend (sorry drew a blank on her name, maybe too late) visited.

Jeff Plews our financial stopped for a visit.

Our first visitors were doctors from our doctors office. We were totally surprise see our Dr. Erin Heisz and 2 of her associates visit. Very pleasant surprise. She even asked me to keep her updated on George. She did say though, that she gets reports. Surprise for sure.

My sister and her husband stopped for a visit as well. George was talking about ribs and our brother-in-law volunteered to make them for us. They will cook them at their house 10-15 minutes away and we will all eat in the dining here at the facility. Very nice of them to do this.

Overall, George had a great day. Big improvement from even 2 weeks ago. I think he had an afternoon snooze, but I don't know for sure, as I know I had a snooze.

He is still trying to type on his computer. This morning he had read the blog and comments before I even got there and I was there at 8 am. Typing skills still need to improve, but he is getting there.

One Day At A Time

Thursday, November 28th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

Last night after I got home, George called me and said there might be a bed available at the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice today or Friday. https://www.stratfordperthhospice.ca/. If the link works, I will be amazed since I have not done this before.

This morning when I got to the hospital this was at his door. It is for everyone entering to be compassionate and respectful.

 Later this morning things were moving. George was accepted into the hospice facility. Below are pictures of his hospital room. The hospital took care of arranging for him to be transported from the hospital to the hospice facility.

 About 3 this afternoon, he was moved to the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice. What a wonderful place. The next several pictures are of his new room.

 Big screen TV and fireplace.

 There is a bar fridge in his room with a pull out queen sofa bed, in case I want to spend the night.

 He was even on the computer for a bit. Not sure what he typed.

Supper was Sloppy Joe's, wedge roasted potatoes and real ice cream (what he had before was frozen yogurt). He ate it all.

We have started a list of things he wants in his room that I put on my calendar to bring tomorrow. Needless to say that list will be ongoing as he thinks of things. There are plans to decorate his room for Christmas and we will be using our decorations from the RV. It sounds like decorating day will be Sunday with his kids.

He was very alert this morning, especially when he saw the cold cereal I brought from home.

This is a secure building. You need buzz and be admitted in. You also need to sign in and out of the person you will be visiting.

There is a cook there that does the shopping and anything you might want he will get it for you. We will get an idea of the meals that are done there, so if you don't want it, you can bring anything he might want in. There is a microwave that we can use to heat anything up. One of the first things he asked for was a steak and bacon and eggs.

There is an area where the family can something to eat. Soup, crackers, dessert and snacks are available.

I took a brief tour of the facility and it is awesome.

We received so much information in a short period of time and they realize that we will not remember it all. We are on a new adventure.

George did very well for being alert and sleeping much. When I left he was ready to sleep.

One Day At A Time

Wednesday, Nov 27th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

Today Rob & Pat Aljoe stopped by for a visit this morning. We have know them since we went full time. Great visit and lots of laughs.

 Joe, from Rock Glen stopped by this afternoon. He caught us both snoozing. Didn't take long for us to wake up. Another enjoyable visit.

Yesterday about 4, he was dreaming of making spaghetti and meat balls. My understanding is that when he was younger, they had very small meat balls. He kept trying to figure out how he was going to do that while in hospital. Next best thing is to find a restaurant. I tried to find a place quickly and of course my iPhone and iPad were not co-operating. Checked it out this morning and found Boston Pizza just down the road. After the day progressed, he changed his mind, so we had chicken wings, fries from Boston Pizza and beer of course. The wings were good but not like The Edge in Plattsville. We continue to say that they have the best wings.

Being as he was tired after eating, I left early and wanted to do some shopping. Before leaving, I let his nurse know I was leaving and to take care of my husband for me. I really wanted a dish drainer. Even though we have a dish washer, we don't really have enough dishes to fill it up. This way I can wash the dishes and set them in the drainer. Much easier to wash a cup, cereal bowl, plate and a couple of utensils.

Overall another great day, filled with memories, for sure.

One Day At A Time

Tuesday, Nov. 26th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

George had another good night's sleep.

He has continued to eat the majority of his meals. Lunch was pork chop and mashed sweat potatoes.

Just as lunch arrived so did daughter #2 with her 3 children. What a wonderful surprise that was. Today is grandson #1 16th birthday. We haven't seen him open his birthday card in 14 years.

 Granddaughter #3 was very interested in her brother's birthday card. She even allowed me to pick her up and sit on my lap. I read the card to her. She is shy around us so I was surprised she sat on my lap.

When I got home, I had another surprise. This poinsettia was at my back door. After having supper I went looking for a card and didn't find one. I took a picture and texted it out to 3 groups I have going.

I got a quick reply and it was from daughter #2. What another wonderful surprise.

Short posting tonight.

One Day At A Time

Monday, Nov 25th

Where are we today? 

Stratford, Ontario

George had another good sleep last night with little to no pain. It looks like we finally got the schedule of pain medication right.

Just after breakfast, Doris Glendinning stopped by for a short visit as she was in Stratford for an appointment.  She brought in several cards and this lovely blanket. It was made by the United Church of Plattsville and is given to people in hospital. I believe the blocks are knitted and then put together to make a blanket. The Peace block also has a wooden dove attached. George was totally thrilled that the United Church gave him this, even though we never went to the church. Very thoughtful of the community of Plattsville.

 The following was in the card from the United Church. This brought tears to both of us and created a special memory for us. Thanks Doris.

 For lunch he had meat loaf and mashed potatoes, declined the carrots. Of course along with all his meals he gets coffee or tea, milk and juice. He ate all.

 I took another picture of the blanket from the United Church when it was on his bed. Now we have 2 blankets to use. One heavy and one lighter. All will depend on if he is cold or how cold. Nice to have chooses.

 About 4 pm today, he had his Guinness beer. He enjoyed it but it was too filling, just the type of beer and was unable to eat all of his supper. A lesson learned. Supper was chicken stew, bun, salad, juice and milk.

Today it seemed like it was the first time in a long time where we got to spend a quality day together. The doctors, appointments and visitors have kept us pretty busy. Not a lot of interruptions today, just nurses doing their job.

We realized today that unfortunately, that Saturday was just too much for both of us with the number of visitors we had. George was so tired Saturday night that he didn't feel like eating. That is not a good thing, as he was starting to eat again.

Also, today, for the first time in a long time, I needed a nap. George is in a 2 bed room and the second bed has been empty for the past week. I checked with the nurse and used the other bed for a nap, if you call 2 hours a nap. We closed the curtain to the room and later she said she had stepped in and stepped back out. She knew that I needed to take of myself as well.

Therefore, we request that we would like all visits are pre-arranged with me. For those who have my phone number, you can text, email or contact me via a private message on Facebook. We do not want any visits after 6 pm. We are also reserving weekends for the family as some work during the week. We want to created positive memories with laughs and conversation.

These memories will boast him and help to keep him positive. Our ultimate goal, maybe very high, is to get him stronger enough to come home and maybe get treatment. To do that he also needs his rest so he can do what he wants to do. We are also being realistic, but sometimes goals can be achieved, like the goal we had to go full time RV'ing and managed in 2006.

He likes to joke with everyone he comes in contact with. His sense of humour is amazing.

Thank you for abiding by our wishes in advance.

This morning I read the comments from yesterday's posting and we got a few chuckles.

Thank you also for all your comments, best wishes and prayers.

One Day At A Time