It was nearly unanimous among those involved in Shirley's care that today was a good day. She was out of bed and into a regular chair twice; she stood up briefly; her white blood cell count dropped to 11 (10 and below is normal); she spent the day off the ventilator; and she worked with the speech therapist and had the bladder around her trach tube deflated for 30 minutes and was pronounced ready to do a swallow test tomorrow. All very good things.
The one dissenting voice (well, opinion at least), was Shirley herself. The extended stay in the hospital--we're now up to 41 days for this stay and 120 since February 13--is really beginning to get her down. The one bright spot in her day was a set of small photo albums that Caroline put together for her.
And this is where I'd like to request some help from her friends and family. The albums were intentionally left with room for more photos. I'd like to solicit pictures from you. Of your family, pets, time spent with Shirley, your favorite vacation spot --whatever you think might help cheer her up and remind her of better times and a something to look forward to in the future.
She has been so strong and tough throughout this ordeal, but I think she needs a little boost and photos (4x6 size please), cards or notes from you can help restore her energy. Please mail them to me:
Greg Harris
c/o Pete & Caroline Hauge
831 30th Ave. South
Seattle, WA 98144
If you prefer to email photos, please send to carolinehauge@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support. Let's remind Shirley of all the people cheering her on and help give her the boost needed to get out of the hospital.
Thanks!
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