She was happy to see us and was really glad to be sitting up in a chair. We came bearing a gift from a friend and some cards from people she doesn't know. As I read the cards to her, she had a smile on her face and she was intently looking at the cards and listening to what was hand written in them. This is the Lisa that I missed...
I went to the nurses station to ask for a cart so we could load up and take to the 3 floor again. On Tuesday, when I loaded the cart, I took every piece of clothing and folded them neatly, almost methodically and with tears in my eyes. I did not know if I would be bringing them back up, I did not know if I would get to ever put her belongings into "her" bags...the bags that she herself packed for her 7 day stay in Peoria. It was so so hard. I remember tears streaming down my face as I slowly walked down that hallway and the nurses were so concerned, not only for Lisa, but for all of us. They tried to console us, but they could see right through our "I'll be fines." They were so good to us. To Lisa.
Today, however, the cart was loaded and ready to go and when I went upstairs to find her new room (to decorate, of course) the nurses at the nurses station had welcoming smiles and were so glad that she was coming back! Her nurse was so happy, she was upset on Monday night/Tuesday morning that Lisa was not where she needed to be. I told them that "this is the Lisa that you will love...you will be so surprised when you see her this time..." They didn't understand me. But they will.
Sydney and I found her room, put up all her cards, and took everything off her cart. Amy stayed with Lisa, and brought her up with the nuero nurses and finished decorating with us. Amy the nuero nurse told us that when Lisa was told to stand up and to lay in bed (because she was in her chair for 4 hours) Lisa pulled herself up and used her left side to bear weight and get herself into bed. The nurse told us 2 times that Lisa did that herself, she was just assisting her right side. She was amazed. She was Lisa's nurse just 2 days ago, when Lisa was just out of her 3rd brain surgery. She told us 3 different times to keep the nuero unit informed of Lisa's progress...or they will come up and check themselves. They love her. Who wouldn't. She inspires!
As I was leaving today, I asked Lisa for a hug, well, she held her hand out and I came closer and she gave me the BEST hug ever! I squeezed her just as hard. I told her nurse that Lisa gives the best hugs...Lisa wanted a hug from the nurse, the nurse obliged and clearly loved Lisa's hug. Lisa told her 3 times, "I love hugs!" And you know what???? I forgot to write that on Lisa's poster about what she likes!!! How could I forget HUGS! That is what got her to do her cartwheels, and forward rolls and it is what she got when she won all her medals. That is what will get her through this. HUGS are one of the most important things to Lisa! Physical contact, assurance, acceptance, love...everything is associated to hugs. If that is what she loves, then, that is what everyone needs to give to her.
So, the next time you see her, visit her, or think about her...give her a hug. That will be the ultimate reward for her...not to mention...you too.
Sydney signed "I Love you" to Lisa as we left, Lisa did it back and verbally said it to Sydney. Of course, I had to capture the moment, yes, it was staged...Lisa did it for the camera, but I know that is what she would do for all of those who read this blog...so here you go...
Oh my goodness! As I was coming home, we ran into (two different) police torch runners for the opening games for the Special Olympics this weekend...I had a tear in my eye as I thought to myself...how fitting...this day of all days...Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Lisa is winning and the Special Olympics that helped her so many years ago, is happening this weekend, helping another "Lisa" become someone they would not have been, had it not been for all those coaches and huggers at the end of the race.
Thank you Heavenly Father for the miracles you have given us, thank you for giving us back our Lisa, and thank you for your grace. We don't deserve it. But thank you.
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