February 18, 2021

 Friends,

Kathie had a good day on Wednesday, I left about 8pm, but then 11pm-4:30am was not so good. I believe that she continues to have an upper respiratory pain or cough that wake her up; which leads to a sudden breathing anxiety; which causes hyperventilating and that cycle continues until we can break it with meds. Many times, I have no answer but to wipe a cold washcloth on her forehead and talk to her trying to calm her down. When Kathie is in this state, the emotional concern raises for all of the caregivers. Then without knowing what exactly is the cause… she calms, go to sleep and is peaceful. Prayer: wisdom to figure out the CAUSE. 

Many years ago, I realized that my goal could not be to fix Kathie’s right brain injury. My job is to keep Kathie comfortable and advocate (be her voice) for her care. With that goal in mind, today, I gave her a warm hydrotherapy bath and washed her hair… she fell asleep in the bath. For some comic relief, she hears my bad french accent say, “darling, your hair is beautiful,” as blow-dry her hair.

As I write today, we are on the patio, Kathie is in her wheelchair next to me breathing quietly as a warm breeze blows. I need to hold onto these moments and relax with her. Later today, we may be back "in the heat of battle,” but for now, God has granted both of us peace and we are grateful.
Dave & Kathie

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

June 10, 2016

The month of May was very busy. Hannah completed her freshman year at NAU and Madison graduated from SFSU! In between driving to Flagstaff and San Francisco, I completed personal goals by running a marathon and an intermediate distance triathlon. I was amazed by returning to NAU and seeing Hannah and her roommate are "all grown up." They were just out of high school last September, now they move, talk and plan like young adults. The role of dads didn't change since last September: find a close parking spot and begin loading the accumulated clothing and dorm furniture in the car. Likewise, Madison is so knowledgeable about transportation around SF, plus she has matured into a young woman who moves confidently. My Dad and I moved her out of the dorm at the end of her freshman year and we enjoyed seeing some of her same friends graduating with her. Over the last few years, as I wasn't needed as a driver, I started running in the afternoons after work. In my 20'...
Read more

DECEMBER 13, 2010

Last Monday, Kathie and I went to the Shopping Mall, this was the second year since our accident I have been able to Christmas shop with her. She seemed interested in the lights, sounds and being out in public. As we have experienced on other trips, people stare or bumping into her chair with an occasional person who gives us a smile. I know the elevators that work best for a wheelchair and how to ask stores to hold packages so everything isn't attached to her chair. She seemed to enjoy the small tastes of soda I gave her at lunch. I put my finger over the end of a drinking straw and allow a very small amount onto her tongue. I was blessed by our time together. Blessings, Dave & Kathie
Read more

OCTOBER 1, 2010

Here is my much underlined quote from My Utmost for His Highest, "We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life— those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength." Madison is visiting two colleges this weekend, Hannah received school awards at an assembly yesterday and both are settling into school. I attended their Back to School Nights, met teachers and said hello to friends, many we've known since the girls were in Kindergarten. Recently I have scheduled my time to help with Kathie's evening whirlpool bath. Aside from turning on the water-jets and spraying water all over the room, into her face and generally creating pandemonium, I am learning this facet of her care. She calmly gave me a look as if to say, "this is supposed to be relaxing." Kath enjoys the massage as I wash her ha...
Read more