Mike's Birthday

Last Friday I spent a few hours with Mike. The staff was hesitant to let me take him out of the facility because he had been uncooperative with them all morning. He also was not walking very well.

It was hot Friday so I knew we couldn't do much, but I had brought him some homemade goodies and I like to get him out of the facility when I can. He had on a long sleeve shirt and long pants that would never do outside in 94 degree weather with high humidity. If he wanted to go, I was sure he'd cooperate to change into something cooler.

When I finally coaxed him out of his chair, he was having problems maneuvering. I asked if he was in pain. "Yes!" "Where do you hurt?" Confused look. "Point to where you hurt." He stopped and palmed his right thigh. Often when he was super uncooperative at home, I would give him Tylenol. He rarely would complain of pain, but his behavior spoke for him. It usually helped at least a little. The nurse gave him some and we proceeded to get him changed so that we could venture out to the park. 

Physically he was not doing well, but his demeanor was very calm and sweet with me. We drove to the park, but it was too hot to get out. We just sat in the shade in the air-conditioned car and enjoyed a snack together. We were able to speak with both of his parents before he became anxious to get back.

I was able to help him with his dinner and thought we'd go watch some of the Olympics or play a game, but after dinner he was not able to communicate with me anymore. He became stuck in his humming "o". 

I spent Friday night through Sunday morning with Gayle and Tom who live a little over an hour away. We walked around a huge greenhouse and went to a movie on Saturday. Sunday I had hoped to take Mike to church, but it took a good while for him to break out of his perseveration. By the time he did, we would have been late and I didn't want to push it. 

We watched the Olympics for a little while, played Yahtzee, and sat on the porch. When I left, he was lying on his bed reading. It always makes me feel better to leave him when he's peaceful, quiet, and content.

On the way home I made a little detour and stopped at Lake Anna for 3 hours. I've had a yearning to sit by the water and just decided to take the opportunity. Even though it was too hot, too crowded, too noisy (someone had a boom box), and I got stung by a wasp, I still enjoyed the water and lying on the beach. It was a joy to see and hear so many families/friends out enjoying time together.

Mike will be 60 on August 26. I would love for him to get a flood of birthday greetings. If you have a chance, would you send him a note or card, please?  His address is: 422 William Mills Drive, Stanardsville, VA 22973. I'm going to ask the receptionist to hold the cards so that I can open them with him on his birthday. Hopefully some other family members will be able to come either Friday or Saturday and we can go to the park to really celebrate with him. I think I'll bake him a raw apple cake with caramel sauce. It's yummy.

Go with God and be blessed!