Intensive Care, by definition, is forced to be cautious and patient in its treatment. I know and respect that, but I was continually pushing them to give Riza a chance and move a little more quickly. Today at the rehab center I was worried that they were expecting too much on the first day. In addition to her busy therapy schedule, there is an underlying assumption that the patients are self-directed and responsible for their own care in many ways.
My fears were groundless as Riza flourished in this atmosphere. She recognizes what this is about and is very excited about her new independence. I attended a few sessions today; I saw her sitting up, speaking lucidly, and, in speech therapy, reading writing, and performing addition. They gave her a Denny’s menu with a list of items to find and price. En route to Apple Pie a’la mode, she stopped to point out Key Lime Pie. She knew that wasn’t the answer, she just likes Key Lime Pie. She added the .75 ice cream to the 1.75 pie and came up with a total price.
She said “I like this place. I needed to be at the hospital but now I need to be here.” With her new self-assured whisper and the aid of a small amplifier the speech therapist set her up with, she, her brother Mario, his wife Barbara, and I had a long, normal conversation. She really is playing up.
Her busy schedule will also enable me to return to work and annoy people there (it is still very close to my office) and still come back to see her amazing progress.
With these changes, friends, I think the blog will change as well. With her life on the line, I had tried to be open and honest with all of you who love her. Now, at this inflection point, I will honor her privacy and our natural stoicism. I will update anytime there is big news – and I hope to post some of her writing soon. But the diurnal reports are not needed. She is doing well and she or I will update this blog when there’s news.
Thanks to all for the kind words about the blog. Keep it on your bookmarks, or syndicate the RSS feed if you do that sort of thing.
Cheers,
jk
Just want to say thank you for all the news about Riza's progress. I am so happy that she has come so far. I stand ready to personally deliver caffeinated beverages anytime!
Kerranne
John- Thank you so much for the constant updates to the blog. I will certainly miss the entries, but clearly understand the cut back. Maybe you could have joke of the day until I ween myself away.
Tabitha
Posted by: Tabitha at April 13, 2005 03:14 PM
Does this mean I have to go back to reading the paper???
Riza's progress has been so uplifting! We are so grateful that you kept us informed ......thank you so much!!
PLEASE let Stephen and I know if there is anything we can do or bring .........maybe a guitar or two when the time is right, and we can play music!!!!!....well, you guys can play music....I'll just listen. We love you both and we celebrate Riza!!!!!!!
Marilynn
John, Thank you for sharing so much of this experience with us. I looked forward to it so much over the past few weeks, but I respect the privacy required at this point. The love you and Riza share is wonderful and strong. Thanks for keeping us there right next to you. See you soon.
Mosh
Posted by: mosh at April 14, 2005 03:50 PM