Hospital Stay - Day 5: Mom Gets a Break

It's a dragon.

 It was a great day for both of us. Toe had more energy, and I had time away.

After a better sleep last night, Toe woke on his own at 7:15 this morning. By 7:30 he was up and embracing the day.

Scheduling here is kind of loose. There are so many moving pieces - respiratory therapist schedules and the number of patients, certain patients needing more attention, a variety of emergencies to spice things a little. Some parts you begin to be able to predict: Toe gets IV meds at noon, at 7, and at 4am, so we have to be in the room then. Visiting hours finish at 8. You must order your meals an hour in advance.

Respiratory therapy is a little harder. Once they come in the morning, they try to return every four hours, but it is REALLY loose. School... that one I'm still figuring out. They actually have school here in a regular classroom for those kids who can make it in there. Because Toe is in isolation, they send a teacher to us who stays 30 minutes to an hour... There is a time they shoot for, but that also varies.

One of the teachers said yesterday he'd be back at 10am (although the coordinator had told us the day before our regular time would be at 1pm). So, we were here at 10 and Toe played video games for a while, but then turned them off and painted, did some homework, and played. He painted a sign for his door and a dragon as well (I think the teacher finally arrived after 2).

As for me, I owe Uncle Bob. I think everyone my age has an Uncle Bob. Mine is a rock star. He is actually my mom's uncle, a guy with a great sense of humor and a giant heart. He came to visit us a few days ago and said, "I can come Friday. I want you to take a chunk of time and get away. Figure out what time you want me to come."

So, he arrived at 1 o'clock and after a check in, he handed me his keys and told me to have a good time.

 I didn't even know where to begin. I bought a coffee and decided to sit and look at the view until my coffee was finished. No internet, no music, no book. I watched the mountain, the breeze through the trees, the birds flitting by. To say the view here is spectacular doesn't quite cover it. It was such a relief to just sit and be quiet. An HOUR later, I wandered the floor and took photos of some of my favorite art in the halls (and the view).

 The view:

 I took the tram to the river front and got information on the health center down there, then returned and went to the student center here to inquire about the pool. Then I came back to the room to check in. Since they were doing well, I changed my clothes and took myself for an hour long hike on one of the local forest trails. I returned with the endorphins pumping and a much better attitude. I was gone for almost four hours.

Meanwhile, Uncle Bob and Toe had a great time together. They played cards, sang, and played video games. When I returned, they were both relaxed and happy (or at least seemed that way :)). What a difference a little time makes to your patience!

After Uncle Bob left, we ate dinner together. The room service menu has a wide selection and Toe is an adventuresome eater. He has tried more than half the menu. It's hit or miss. The steak is a little tough. The burgers are a little dry. The curry is mild, but good. The salmon and roasted potatoes is a sure bet. Tonight we scored. Toe ate Pork tenderloin and mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy and roasted tomatoes stuffed with spinach and Parmesan.  I ate their Northwest Harvest salad with salmon and a side of steamed asparagus (still crisp!).  We snuck bites of each other's dinner. Very impressive.

 To cap a lovely day, we had a visit from some friends who have a son born the day before Toe. They are yin and yang. They are about the same size, both only children, curly and straight, blue eyes and brown, one a little wild and gregarious, the other thoughtful and responsible. They play well together and really enjoy each other's company.

Tonight, Toe's PICC line arm was sore (too much boxing on the Wii this morning), so he could only play boxing right handed. Mr. D came and played the left hand and together, they knocked out champions. Then they moved on to other games, working together or taking turns. This was the first time Toe has had a chance to play with a kid even close to his age in forever (excluding Face time with his cousins).

Meanwhile, I ended up chatting at Mr. D's parents as if I were desperate to speak. I was just so happy to see all three of them.

Tomorrow we have another play date in the morning and then J is scheduled to arrive late tomorrow night! J will be with us Sunday and Monday and Toe's PFTs on Monday will determine whether we can do the IV treatments from home or if we need to stay here for another week.