Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Waiting on #15

Sitting in the waiting room waiting on #15. Funny, I don't really know why but Pop and I are sitting with our backs to each other. Maybe, so I can see the hallway and watch the people and so he can see the door when they call him back. We are talking over our shoulders like we are trying to do it discreetly....??? Weird.
It has been a good day so far although he hasn't really ate today. I do know that with the three boost and grape juice and banana, he has had about 1300 calories. I tried to make him some easy mac with heavy cream instead of water. 600 calories for a bowl. He couldn't eat it so I did. It was really good, but I don't need an additional 600 calories. He drank two boost instead.
Life this morning at the Hope Lodge was interesting. They needed volunteers to help decorate for Christmas so I decorated the tree on the third floor. It was nice. I will try to post a picture later.
Other than that, I played Bingo last night but I didn't win because those women who have been there for weeks already are pros. They play like six cards at a time. I sat next to the man from Grand Cayman because no one else would. Afterwards, I understood why. I don't know his name, they call him Cayman. He looks Hawaiian but speaks with an accent, an island accent. I love it. He doesn't play bingo so well though. He is seriously ADD. He gets distracted and then asks you what they just called. While you are telling him, they call another and you miss it, or I did anyways. Now we are both lost. When he gets a number he nudges you to show you he got one. Ok, lost again. Now I have to ask someone else what number they called. Maybe I am the one who is ADD but I do understand why no one would sit by him now. It may be why I didn't win.
This morning we had two new residents move in. They walked through the dining room and everyone said "Welcome". Wow. How nice right? Al, who is the middle aged guy with Sarcoma is now taking Doug, (the little guy with the cancer sucks pin) and Cayman to the store. One of the residents here was hospitalized last night and it has been the buzz all morning. They think he might have pneumonia. His wife is from Albany, Georgia and reminds me alot of mom. She about had me rolling on the floor laughing because her husband sent her back over to the lodge to "cool off". He was worried about her 'showing out' she said and giving them doctors a piece of her mind. Last night I watched a husband fix dinner for his wife. She was so thin and frail it was scary. My heart went out to her and him. Today I see another husband and wife sitting on the couch in the living area watching a movie. These are very young couples. He has on a mask. That usually means they are residents of the fourth floor, which are the bone marrow patients and such. Later, in walks the wife of "coach". He has pancreatic cancer and is a big guy. He has lost over 100 pounds. I haven't seen him since I have been here. I was a little worried. Mondays he gets chemo and has been sick. He is a little better today. Later, Al, Doug, and Cayman are going over to see Jeff, (the resident who was hospitalized). I know I am rambling now, but my point is the closeness and caring you feel in this place. The best part about it is, everyone is smiling. Even "coach" who hasn't been down until today is smiling. The optimism here is absolutely contagious. There is no whining or complaining, only concern for fellow residents. Will update later, Shannon

4 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about the closeness of everyone. It is very hard not to think of each one of them. Everytime I think of "Coach" I think of him and his dyslexic USF hat (that is what the 6'10" guy who came to play games the other day said to him. Of course it was really a FSU hat he had on.
    So neat to hear you were able to help with the Christmas tree! That I am sure was well appreciated!
    I do know that the Cayman Island guy loves to talk. He does keep you up to date on how everyone is doing and who is new and who has left.
    I am still trying to figure out who has pneumonia!
    I am very grateful that Pop is enjoying his ensure and boost! I will have to get some more for him! Maybe I should have Nevada make a bunch of his shakes!

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  2. Another thing I was going to say was that those ladies can go ahead and win at Bingo. I am just grateful that I am a part of the Hope Lodge and am able to be a part of Pop's time through all of this!

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  3. Couldn't help it, I had to comment also. The bond you develop with those folks....the ones with cancer and the caregivers is almost instantaneous. It was good to see them Sunday night when we got there and to greet each other as most were returning from the holiday weekend. They are on my mind constantly ... not just Pop ... but all of them. Thier optimism is refreshing, encouraging and almost addictive. What is funny is they not only visit at the Lodge...... but meet one at Moffitt and you'll be stopped a while to "catch up", especially Cayman. He spends the day visiting people all over campus. No matter where you go.....there he is! And like Tru ..... I have to say Cayman is also a character. When I have more time, I might post one of his stories or two, they are pretty neat.
    I never dreamed that through this I would learn much other than how horrible cancer is ..... but I am learning how good people can be, in horrible situations. Loving God comes pretty easy for me as its easy to love Him that sent His son to die for my eternity .... but loving people has been a little more difficult. When you get to see what I have seen in the last couple months ..... loving people comes a whole bunch easier too. Shannon let the folks at the Lodge know, I miss 'em, love 'em, am praying for 'em and give Pop a hug for me. See ya'll soon.
    TW

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  4. I feel like I am there with you. Thanks for the details that you post! We have to put it on our calendar to get over and visit!!!! We miss you guys!

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