I said that I would post on big news.
Riza had a video-esophogram today to evaluate her swallowing. I asked a couple of people if they knew the results but nobody had any news.
When I came back from the office, Riza said that she was having Chicken, masked potatoes and gravy. I suspected that some of her therapy work with the menus had inspired a little wishful thinking. And I hoped that she would not be too disappointed to discover the misunderstanding.
About that time, a tray of food showed up. Chicken. Masked Potatoes. Gravy. Riza asked for dessert and her nurse, Sharon, found her some chocolate ice cream.
I guess the test went okay, then. She shared a bit of her roll and some corn chowder with me. And for some reason, there were two cups of coffee. Hospital coffee never tasted so good as sharing it with Riza at dinner tonight.
She got too sleepy before dessert and went to sleep before ice cream (obviously, serious issues remain). But she looks great, is doing well with a grueling daily schedule, and is enthusiastic at her newfound capabilities.
Mario and I went over around 7:30 last night. We had put together a big thank you basket of goodies on behalf of the family that we dropped off for the BCH ICU/Neuro Team. We talked to Ruth, and she was thrilled to hear of Riza's progress at Mapleton. I brought chocolate chip cookies for the Mapleton staff, and when Riza heard that we had brought those, she said (in her most beguiling whisper) "Can I have one?" Knowing that a crunchy cookie is quite a leap from a mashed potato, we told her she would have to get clearance from her food coach (we weren't about to risk a food infraction from the swallowing police like SOME people we know). We had a lovely evening. Riza is doing great. I am thrilled you had such a great dinner date together. Here's to romance! Love is good.
Posted by: Barbara Rivera at April 15, 2005 09:40 AMWOW!!! I've missed reading since Monday and Riza has a new life completely different from then. I am amazed at this news and so happy for you both! I'm going to try to get in on Tabitha's visit when she gets back so that I can come see you for a coffee visit! Last week reading the blog was tearful, all for joy and amazement and this week it's big smiles all the way through! The love and strength you both have and share is an example for us all!!! Thank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us and the newly added privacy clause is certainly understood. It's a great way to get us all in to catch up in person! See you soon and here's to many more romantic dinners together!
xoxo,
Mercy
I have only had to spell "hallelujah" one other time in my life, and I suspect I don't have it spelled right, but that's what came to mind when we read your update. I bet Riza will know how it is spelled.......you ask her, okay????
We love you JK and we love Riza. Thanks for the update.
Marilynn and Stephen