Thursday's Visit...

Today was a very good visit with Frieda. When my friend Kelly and I arrived, she was in a chair in the day room with Mrs. Nancy, Gray and Sarah. She was peaceful, relaxed and resting. They had carried Frieda out into the courtyard for a while. I am sure the sunshine and fresh air were wonderful. It's been such a long time she Frieda has had any fresh air.
Later, Frieda had gotten a great shampoo. She seemed to love that.
Kelly and I gave Frieda a great workout. She did 15 reps with her left leg and 10 with her right. She was really pushing hard against my hand, as I added quite a bit of resistance for her today. Her right leg is quite a bit weaker, so I didn't add any resistance to those pushes. Even at 15 reps, it seemed that she wanted to do more. The movement helps Frieda at a lot of levels, but I really think she feels so much better "just moving." I know it gets so tiresome when she can't move around.
The staff is great and they are very attentive to Frieda. Everyone is very willing to answer questions and attend to her every need.
They were so accommodating in giving Kelly and me plenty of space and freedom to work with Frieda. We massaged her legs and feet thoroughly. We also worked on loosening joints, tendons, etc. By the time we finished, Frieda was sound asleep. We took her back to her room, gave her hugs and kisses and she was sleeping so comfortably. These kinds of visits are precious. They make me feel that we are doing something worthwhile and making progress with Frieda. I'm sure there will be many days just like today, where progress doesn't come in giant leaps. Progress will be in the small, continued and dedicated work that Frieda does. Her will is so strong. She was answering and making her needs and opinions known well to her nurses. They are so thrilled with being able to have conversations and being able to interact with Frieda. I know it makes their job a lot easier. They seemed so surprised yesterday when they saw us "talking." Their reaction is just stuck in my mind, even today.
I am so glad to be a part of Frieda's healing. To watch the human spirit show such strength and desire is incredible. Frieda Hudson has been through so much, yet she has a will to keep trying, to keep pushing and the incredible will to live.
Frieda has survived. Now, she wants to live.
Frieda wants to LIVE.
And what Frieda Hudson wants to do, Frieda Hudson does. We just have to believe that as much as Frieda does and be right there for her every step of the way.

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