Delosse Point, 9/30/2012
It has been four days. I am learning. Wanda Williams came down from the Isle of Palms to talk to Nora about the recent 1968 T.C. Roberson class reunion (yes, Wanda knows college basketball). Nora listened but was not able to respond at the time. Later today she acknowledged Wanda’s visit and how much it mean to her. Thank you, Wanda.
First visitor today was Debie Malool, a nurse with LC Hospice, a friend and mother of one of Aaron’s very best friends (and our “third son,” Guy). What a pleasure.
I have a monitor set up so I can keep an eye and ear on Nora wherever I am in the house or outside, walking the dogs. I guess that takes me to the upper reaches of geekdom. So be it.
Son Aaron is here for the week to help out. Pat, our hospice CNA, will come in every day to bathe Nora, get her comfortable, change sheets, all the stuff that needs to be done. I help a little – where brawn, do not laugh, is needed, not brains.
Maybe the greatest event that happens frequently each day is when I ask Nora if she would like more water and she almost chuckles, her response to my bullying. It’s a great smile.
Nora is at a plateau. The drugs have obviously decreased the swelling against the brain, which means less pain. She graduated to two pain patches on her arm (a promotion from Sergeant to Master Sergeant?) and allows me to clumsily give her her pills.
We wait and see. Neighbors Wayne, Melanie, Walter and Karen continue to be a massive help. Thank you all for the cards, flowers, emails, texts, contributions. Nora knows about all of it. I am sure she is doing a metaphysical cheer.
This was really the “first day” of “normal” for the future for me. Since Friday it’s just been one learning experience after another. (All those who know how to empty a Foley bag, raise your hand. It’s actually pretty simple, thank goodness.) After Aaron leaves I’ll be having a home health aide come in 3 times a week so I can get some work done. This is all new to me.
A thank you to my business partners (and friends) for your understanding.
Thank you for your love. All of you. Spread it around.
Paul
I WISH
I wish
both your legs
were broken that you were bound to
a wheelchair that
you could barely speak
that you would be
well in 6 months
I wish I wish
Joel and Elaine Zuckerman in Savannah are thinking of Nora, wishing her well in this fight, and our prayers are with her and all of the deVere family.
thank you so much for the updates! Though I do not always reply, it keeps me “there”! Also thanks for all that you are and have been to her. I can so tell how much she means to you
Dear Nora, I am so glad to hear you are home. Home is truly where the heart is! I was also glad to hear that Wanda had dropped in to tell you of the Big Time that was had so recently. It was quite a sight, all those old folks really shakin’ it down. Had not seen anything like it since those cold, cold winter nights at the hot, hot Jade Club with Sam & Dave and Ike & Tina Turner! We sure had fun! But, I am really very glad you are back home, Nora! Home really is where the heart is. I hope to see you soon. All of my love, Bob.
Paul…thinking of you and the family during this time. Thank you for allowing us to visit last Sunday. Although it is difficult to see Nora as she is now, it is comforting to know she is so loved and being cared for by her loving husband and children. The Jamie Lee Curtis hair is very becoming and I thought she was beautiful…especially when she smiled ever so slightly. What a nice and peaceful view from where she lies…the marshes and Nora’s beautiful ferns. Love and hugs to all.
Tana & Dennis