Four Hour Chunks

I don't know how we can get so little done in the course of a day. I brought lots of projects and work, as well as several books to fill the many hours we will be spending at home. Those projects remain untouched. They beckon to me every day and I think, "Maybe today". I don't think I planned very well. I thought in terms of filling several hours at a time. In reality, free time comes in small segments.

With three caregivers you would think that the time spent tending to our patient would still leave plenty of opportunity for whiling away an afternoon. We pass our days in 4 hour chunks. The 4 hour divisions are when medication is given to Kelly. In between we spend time fluffing and plumping pillows, bathing and brushing, foraging for food, refreshing flower vases, playing with the grandcat and generally trying to be quiet while Kelly dozes. Some time is spent accompanying Kelly on walks in the corridor, or assisting her with exercises the physical therapist provided. Some time is spent with the visiting nurse as she checks wounds and assesses our caregiving capabilities. And sometimes we just have to do the mundane household chores of cleaning bathrooms, making meals and toting garbage.

Our pace is slow. Our movements are subdued and quiet. Our sleep is sporadic. A trip to the drugstore or to the coffee shop is an adventure in the crisp, fresh air. We are a good team, practially finishing each other's sentences, so to speak, when it comes to meeting every need of whoever has a need at the moment.

Eric has turned out to be a good nurse. He reads Kelly's mood, anticipating her needs before she can even voice them. He is incredibly patient and kind, showing his love for her in every gesture. He is her strongest advocate and he does it well.

Tom is a sweet and gentle caregiver. He also likes to amuse Kelly and make her smile. He is the first to volunteer for an errand (he always takes his camera). He has set up a spreadsheet where he keeps track of the many, many cards and gifts that arrive daily so that Kelly can send thank you notes when she is able. He did the laundry today so that I could attend to Kelly and Eric could go to the rooftop clubhouse to get some work done.

Easter Sunday was a little busy. As the visiting nurse concluded her visit, Rebecca stopped by to spend some time gabbing with Kelly about anything but surgery. Later Polly, Eric's mom, came for Easter dinner. No ham here. Kelly requested roast chicken, I think, so that I could make another batch of chicken soup with the leftovers. Nothing like a good bowl of Mom'schicken soup when you are recuperating!

Kelly's surgery was just one week ago today. That was a long, long day with unending hours of time to fill. I think I like four hour chunks better.