Tuesday's Visit...

Frieda was resting when Wayne and I arrived this afternoon. She did have a visitor, Kathy McIlhenny, who had been visiting and Frieda had fallen asleep. We chatted a bit and when Frieda woke up, we gave her a great work out. She really put on a show for Kathy, going to 18 reps on her leg pushes....and it was Frieda wanting to do more. She worked with her toes on her right foot and was able to curl and grip my fingers repeatedly, which was also great.
Frieda did a great job and it always thrills me for someone else to see the courage and determination in Frieda's eyes. We brushed her teeth and gave her a good rub with lotion. I guess that's a great reward for her hard work with her stretches. I also worked on her hands and fingers, which went quite well.
When we left she was sleeping soundly and comfortably. I always wait until she goes to sleep. It's just so hard to leave when she's awake. I did get the usual leg shake assurance that she is going to keep hanging in there and working hard.
I really appreciated Kathy being there and helping out. She also worked on Frieda's hands as well as making sure Frieda was "lotioned" up good! We talked about a special seafood pasta dish that Kathy had whipped up just for Frieda. I remember when that happened because Frieda had called me just giddy that Kathy had done that just for her.
We got a leg shake on that when we asked if she remembered that.
Later, I talked to Karen, who told me that the most recent doctor to assess Frieda agreed that she is ready to start speech therapy and some rehabilitation. I am so happy to know about that. Karen called me just after we left Frieda to get caught up on things.
It's hard to leave Frieda. It truly is. We talked about getting her home, we asked her if she was ready to get back to our house and cook and have movie night...she shook her leg heartily at that. I was so happy to be able to talk about normal things with her.
She needed her mouth cleaned on the inside, and decided that ANNE wouldn't be the one to do it. WAYNE could. So, in usual Frieda fashion, she got what she wanted. She opened her mouth and let Wayne take care of everything she needed! I just shook my head and grinned. SO typical! It always makes me so happy to see the two of them interact. They're quite a pair.
It was a great day in terms of body movement, visitors and Frieda's overall comfort. I can always come home with a good feeling in my heart when I know her body has been moved, she's relaxed and is sleeping well.
It is not expected that great leaps and bound will occur each day. But the tiny steps are certainly worth sharing and celebrating.
Remember to pay careful attention to the ones you love. Life is so very short and to include discord, gossip and behaviors that serve no purpose is just a waste of precious life minutes.
Just love. That's the best way to go.

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