Saturday's Peaceful Visit

Saturday afternoon, Wayne and I headed out to Greenville with our agenda set on things we wanted to accomplish while there.
When we arrived, Frieda must have been mostly awake. Her eyes were closed, but as soon as she heard something, she opened her eyes and searched the room. When she saw us she locked eyes and we just looked at each other for a minute or two. Each visit, Frieda does this "thing" that I have come to call "fussing" for a minute. She doesn't cry, she doesn't really yell out, it's mostly like frustration. We always tell her it's ok and we're with her and in seconds, it stops and doesn't happen again.
As I said, we had a plan and we set about that as soon as we got in and made sure Frieda was all squared up and comfortable.
We massaged neck, back, arms, shoulders, wrists, hands, fingers...you name it. I put lotion everywhere I could reach respectfully. Her right hand hasn't been able to have the splint on because of the IV, so I worked for an hour getting her hand supple and moving. Frieda was awake the entire time. She will let you know if something hurts her and I kept asking, but she never indicated that she was hurting in any way as I manipulated her fingers. We brushed her teeth, washed her face off, and generally just pampered her. By 10pm, all was quiet on her hall. Nurses had been in and out feeding, checking vitals, etc. I had already decided that Frieda needed a leg massage and a pedicure. Wayne's leg was bothering him by then, so he got into the recliner. He and Frieda BOTH fell asleep! (As usual if you've seen previous picture posts!) and I set about warm cloths, nice scrubs, lotions, etc. I worked on her legs and feet until 1am. The nurses were so kind and receptive. It's just easier to do things of that nature when there's not a lot of folks in and out. I respect Frieda's modesty greatly, yet I knew she would totally enjoy a leg massage and pedicure. She's earned the sheer pampering. Every now and again, she'd open her eyes and watch me. I told I knew she was going to really get me for this, but she couldn't deny that she was loving it! It made me smile. It also helps ME in selfish ways. I can feel that I am able to DO something for Frieda. I just refuse to sit there and do nothing. As friends, we are just too used to "doing something together." This gives me at least some sense of that.
It seems small, in the big picture of things, yet, after being in bed so long, I know that it just had to make her feel HUMAN. Frieda's DIGNITY is so important to me because it has always been so important to HER. I defend that to the letter. Frieda has been through so much and if pampering her by loving human touch "feels" like the right thing to do, then that's what I will give her. God knows she's earned it. I can leave feeling good about her when she's fresh, comfortable, and sleeping peacefully and sound.
Our pal Donna Mooneyham was teaching again at ECU this weekend. She paid visits to Frieda on Saturday and Sunday. She was able to get Frieda to follow some commands, etc. I hope to be able to learn some extra things to do FOR Frieda to stimulate function in the near future. This remains a learning experience...and I have all ideas it will be for some time to come.
As always, I ask that you keep praying, sending positive healing thoughts and energy. They all WORK! The support remains incredible. Thank you so very, very much on behalf of the family and of Wayne and me...and most importantly...Thanks on behalf of FRIEDA. She loves you all so much. Just tuck that in your hearts and know that to be true.

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