Group Therapy

Lisa's Pot - promised to grow by Sunday :)

I was fortunate to get the chance to walk in on "Group Therapy" during Lisa's OT time. What fun everyone was having! Today, a group of 8 Acute Therapy patients were painting flower pots. Lisa's pot was the best! It matched her toes and nails! She was quite proficient in painting her pot. She did not get a single paint stain on her. After her pot was painted, she had to fill it up with soil. The Therapist asked Lisa to mix the 2 different soils. She took a spoon and mixed it all up. I told them she makes the best mac-n-cheese from scratch, so she did just that, she got out all the clumps and stirred away. After the mixing, the seeds were added. She wanted grass, they found "Oat Grass" which should grow by Sunday (I'm watching), then she wanted sunflowers, so we added that. Then the fun part came. H2O... I asked Lisa if she wanted me to pour it, she said "YES", the Therapist said, "NO", "she can do it"... ahhh.. I'm so glad they were listening, my motherly instincts kicked in. I saw how tired she was and I was so eager to help her. Or Not!

We had fun today. An official "Volunteer Poodle" came to visit, I swear I knew the parents, but was having so much fun watching Lisa enjoy the poodle, I didn't get the chance to ask where we knew them. Lisa loved that poodle! Then I found out a Therapist/Intern who lives in the Champaign/Urbana area, babysits for a good friend of mine. So Wendy B., if you are reading, I met your babysitter! She was awesome! She's moving out of state, but loved babysitting your kids until she had to work(commute) 6 days a week!



Back to Lisa... You are getting stronger everyday! YOU WILL get stronger everyday! You didn't have a fever today and you were able to go potty ONCE w/o catheterization. You ate more today than yesterday and you drank more fluids. You may/will have set-backs, but we will be there for you for every victory and set back. I enjoyed watching Wheel-of-Fortune with you (Vanna hasn't aged a-bit, well a little, but I hope to age like her) and I enjoyed giving you a facial and back massages. You're the best sister ever! You have taught me compassion to the fullest extent. Mom always told me "Never feel sorry for Lisa, she can do more than anyone you know"! I'm holding on to that with tears in my eyes. It's been about 25 years since I have felt sorry for someone(Lisa), and Moms words are still a driving force for me. She didn't say much, but when she did, it was GOLD!

The best motto ever "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!" Special Olympics Motto. Lisa, you are a champ in everything you do. The nurses are rooting for you, the Doctors, your friends, your aunts, your uncles, your nieces, nephews, and your family! You do have the best room ever and everyone who visits and cares for you feels it too!

I would not be able to spend the time I have been with Lisa these past days if it wasn't for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kevin & Renee. Renee has always asked me me to allow my kids to visit for an extended period of time with her in Memphis. Caleb and Olivia are having the time of their lives and creating the best memories ever. Thanks Renee and Kevin! Just remember, call when you want me to pick them up :) They love you dearly and so do I!

CARD(s) of the Day