May 12th - May 15th 2011
Psalm 146: 2 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Apparently Scott's uneventful flights last week left me being the one to have more than my share of airport stories. Typically while traveling I wear comfortable footwear that is easy to slip in and out of during the security process, however this trip I opted for my running shoes and that choice paid unexpected dividends. The combination of a cancelled flight, delayed flight and rerouting with another carrier all left me sprinting to the gate to make my connection. In spite of the delays I was able to arrive at the rehabilitation institute in time to catch Dennis sporting his spiffy new slip on sneakers and hard at work with the physical therapists. Following his session in the gym those sneakers continued to add mileage as he demonstrated his fancy footwork and maneuvered his wheelchair to the elevator, thru the hallways and to the dining room. I now found myself equally, if not more thankful for Dennis' tennis shoes and his perseverance.
Observing Dennis eat his supper I was impressed with all the textures of food he was handling. From feeding tube to soft diet and now a fairly wide open menu. Chris brought me up to speed on the schedule, facility, staff and procedures as she fed Dennis. He continued to prove himself a worthy member of the clean plate club. Scott had mentioned how much Dennis enjoyed the vanilla milkshake he brought him last weekend, so plans were made for another "Purple Cow" run.
The weekday schedule is full, getting dressed, breakfast, morning therapy sessions, lunch, nap, afternoon therapy, dinner, a shower tossed in somewhere, and that's just the basics. Long days for Dennis but they are paying off, much progression from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning and then Friday morning to Friday afternoon. One of the occupational sessions included the introduction of a universal cuff. The cuff slips over the fingers and slides down the hand with an elastic portion resting across the top of the hand below the knuckles while a leather portion with a slit lies in the palm of the hand. The desired utensil is placed in the slit and it enables Dennis to have better control of a spoon or fork and work on the aspects of regaining the ability to feed himself. Scott texted as the trial run with the cuff was about to occur and asked what he was going to have. "Chocolate pudding" was the reply, to which Scott responded "but he likes Tapioca best." Even from Pennsylvania Scott can make things happen in Arkansas, tapioca pudding was added to the shopping list.
Another therapy session focused on transitions from sitting to standing and standing to sitting. Something we do all the time and never think twice about. A little attitude, and a lot sweat, exhausted-Dennis pressed on with a P.T. that refused to take anything less than his best effort. He earned rights to his first pizza in two months.
From the time I arrived at The Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute (BHRI) it was pure southern hospitality. The first person I asked regarding the whereabouts of the gym was headed that direction. A short conversation was pleasant and encouraging and I later found out he was the physician Chris had been telling us she was extremely pleased with. Hence the nickname Dr. Wonderful, to continue the original style of Scott's blogging. Another nickname that quickly fell into place was Nurse Fantastic, although no cape, a super hero of sorts who can single handedly move Dennis with just his pinky while juggling four stethoscopes and three thermometers and simultaneously operate a bed by foot control. Seriously, he motivates, encourages, and gets results from Dennis, having him do as much as he is able to do for himself. He appropriately pushes Dennis to exert more effort yet delicately balances when to cut him slack as he tires. What thrilled me the entire stay, (minus just one don't even expect me to Smile type nurse) was the respect and dignity that the therapists, nurses and aides offer to Dennis. Scott would have been beaming and most likely exclaiming-- NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT--as the staff addressed Dennis personally, (no talking over him as if he wasn't there) established eye contact, and found a point of connection. I was reintroduced to many southern phrases and even learned a few new ones as I listened to all the interactions, thanking God for the precious employees here who realize the importance of proper communication and patient rapport. Continued kindness and concern weaved its thread throughout each building from security to food services and even in the gift shop. Point of interest: the hospital chaplain is the same pastor that performed the marriage ceremony for Dennis and Chris. When I commented to him about the excellent care at BHRI he shared with me a little card he carries in his wallet that summarized what I had been witnessing; Our Belief - Baptist Health is more than a business; we are a healing ministry. Our Mission - Provide quality patient services and respond to the changing health needs of Arkansans with Christian compassion.
Random information: Coffee lovers, there is a Starbucks on site. While waiting on drinks one afternoon, I noticed some kids bouncing around with delight with what appeared to be ballon like animals with accordion style legs bopping along on a string. Further investigating I saw the ladies in the gift shop having a heap of fun as they sorted thru packages. What does one do with all that happiness surrounding them? Pick out a puppy for Dennis of course! They didn't even charge extra for a hospital broken, obedience trained, cream of the litter selection. Returning with sweet teas, and a mylar golden retriever, I asked Dennis what he would like to name his new puppy. He immediately responded Pooch. Those of you that knew Dennis during his school days may recall Poochie was the name of the family dog middle school thru college years. Dennis' long term memory is clear whereas his short term memory remains very fuzzy.
One of my favorite memories from this visit occurred after Dennis had been listening to some sports coverage and dozed off. I turned the t.v. off and switched on the radio which was tuned to K-love (contemporary Christian music.) The song "By His Wounds" from the group "Glory Revealed" came on. At the end of this song the group incorporates two lines from a hymn. Much to my surprise I heard a familiar voice join in "what can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus." Not knowing whether to jump for joy or burst into tears I opted to start the next line of the hymn, "what can make me" and Dennis continued to sing "whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.". Incredible, the man who was slowly piecing words together again was now singing word perfect, in tempo and in tune, a familiar hymn from childhood. I have heard previous reports of people that struggle talking but can sing, and have witnessed the effects of music therapy, yet at that moment I stood amazed as Dennis initiated his own version of music therapy and...to the glory of God.
(listen to the song here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3LHI19xxk4) Psalm 146: 2 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Apparently Scott's uneventful flights last week left me being the one to have more than my share of airport stories. Typically while traveling I wear comfortable footwear that is easy to slip in and out of during the security process, however this trip I opted for my running shoes and that choice paid unexpected dividends. The combination of a cancelled flight, delayed flight and rerouting with another carrier all left me sprinting to the gate to make my connection. In spite of the delays I was able to arrive at the rehabilitation institute in time to catch Dennis sporting his spiffy new slip on sneakers and hard at work with the physical therapists. Following his session in the gym those sneakers continued to add mileage as he demonstrated his fancy footwork and maneuvered his wheelchair to the elevator, thru the hallways and to the dining room. I now found myself equally, if not more thankful for Dennis' tennis shoes and his perseverance.
Observing Dennis eat his supper I was impressed with all the textures of food he was handling. From feeding tube to soft diet and now a fairly wide open menu. Chris brought me up to speed on the schedule, facility, staff and procedures as she fed Dennis. He continued to prove himself a worthy member of the clean plate club. Scott had mentioned how much Dennis enjoyed the vanilla milkshake he brought him last weekend, so plans were made for another "Purple Cow" run.
The weekday schedule is full, getting dressed, breakfast, morning therapy sessions, lunch, nap, afternoon therapy, dinner, a shower tossed in somewhere, and that's just the basics. Long days for Dennis but they are paying off, much progression from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning and then Friday morning to Friday afternoon. One of the occupational sessions included the introduction of a universal cuff. The cuff slips over the fingers and slides down the hand with an elastic portion resting across the top of the hand below the knuckles while a leather portion with a slit lies in the palm of the hand. The desired utensil is placed in the slit and it enables Dennis to have better control of a spoon or fork and work on the aspects of regaining the ability to feed himself. Scott texted as the trial run with the cuff was about to occur and asked what he was going to have. "Chocolate pudding" was the reply, to which Scott responded "but he likes Tapioca best." Even from Pennsylvania Scott can make things happen in Arkansas, tapioca pudding was added to the shopping list.
Another therapy session focused on transitions from sitting to standing and standing to sitting. Something we do all the time and never think twice about. A little attitude, and a lot sweat, exhausted-Dennis pressed on with a P.T. that refused to take anything less than his best effort. He earned rights to his first pizza in two months.
From the time I arrived at The Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute (BHRI) it was pure southern hospitality. The first person I asked regarding the whereabouts of the gym was headed that direction. A short conversation was pleasant and encouraging and I later found out he was the physician Chris had been telling us she was extremely pleased with. Hence the nickname Dr. Wonderful, to continue the original style of Scott's blogging. Another nickname that quickly fell into place was Nurse Fantastic, although no cape, a super hero of sorts who can single handedly move Dennis with just his pinky while juggling four stethoscopes and three thermometers and simultaneously operate a bed by foot control. Seriously, he motivates, encourages, and gets results from Dennis, having him do as much as he is able to do for himself. He appropriately pushes Dennis to exert more effort yet delicately balances when to cut him slack as he tires. What thrilled me the entire stay, (minus just one don't even expect me to Smile type nurse) was the respect and dignity that the therapists, nurses and aides offer to Dennis. Scott would have been beaming and most likely exclaiming-- NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT--as the staff addressed Dennis personally, (no talking over him as if he wasn't there) established eye contact, and found a point of connection. I was reintroduced to many southern phrases and even learned a few new ones as I listened to all the interactions, thanking God for the precious employees here who realize the importance of proper communication and patient rapport. Continued kindness and concern weaved its thread throughout each building from security to food services and even in the gift shop. Point of interest: the hospital chaplain is the same pastor that performed the marriage ceremony for Dennis and Chris. When I commented to him about the excellent care at BHRI he shared with me a little card he carries in his wallet that summarized what I had been witnessing; Our Belief - Baptist Health is more than a business; we are a healing ministry. Our Mission - Provide quality patient services and respond to the changing health needs of Arkansans with Christian compassion.
Random information: Coffee lovers, there is a Starbucks on site. While waiting on drinks one afternoon, I noticed some kids bouncing around with delight with what appeared to be ballon like animals with accordion style legs bopping along on a string. Further investigating I saw the ladies in the gift shop having a heap of fun as they sorted thru packages. What does one do with all that happiness surrounding them? Pick out a puppy for Dennis of course! They didn't even charge extra for a hospital broken, obedience trained, cream of the litter selection. Returning with sweet teas, and a mylar golden retriever, I asked Dennis what he would like to name his new puppy. He immediately responded Pooch. Those of you that knew Dennis during his school days may recall Poochie was the name of the family dog middle school thru college years. Dennis' long term memory is clear whereas his short term memory remains very fuzzy.
One of my favorite memories from this visit occurred after Dennis had been listening to some sports coverage and dozed off. I turned the t.v. off and switched on the radio which was tuned to K-love (contemporary Christian music.) The song "By His Wounds" from the group "Glory Revealed" came on. At the end of this song the group incorporates two lines from a hymn. Much to my surprise I heard a familiar voice join in "what can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus." Not knowing whether to jump for joy or burst into tears I opted to start the next line of the hymn, "what can make me" and Dennis continued to sing "whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.". Incredible, the man who was slowly piecing words together again was now singing word perfect, in tempo and in tune, a familiar hymn from childhood. I have heard previous reports of people that struggle talking but can sing, and have witnessed the effects of music therapy, yet at that moment I stood amazed as Dennis initiated his own version of music therapy and...to the glory of God.
A couple new occurrences for Chris as well during my stay. One, after sleeping in hospital beds since March 20th, and waking up with a fever Friday, she agreed to go to the hotel around the corner and climb into a regular bed and get some real sleep! And then on Saturday after going to pick up some supplies and a "healthy" pizza for Dennis (chicken, cashews, veggies) Chris ventured home for the remainder of the day/evening to join those having a work day prepping the house and yard in anticipation of their eventual homecoming.
As I left Baptist on Sunday morning Chris and Dennis were getting ready to go to the hospital church service. The airport greeted me with another delayed flight. The gate attendant scrambled for one of the last tickets to reroute me and like the passing of a baton in a relay race, she sent me sprinting to a plane that was already loading. I haven't examined my shoes to see if there is any tread left, but I have examined my heart and it is full of praise!
Post script...grace to Scott for this late entry. Once again, his guest blogger did not submit prior to acceptable deadlines. Much has occurred over this past week following my departure and no doubt Scott is already preparing a feast of tasty morsels to serve up on his next posting.
this is the best blog
ReplyDeletehttp://www-advertise.blogspot.com