(Geoff writes) Today was family day, at least in Susan's room at St. Luke's. My daughter and her family came for a nice, long visit. They had all just returned from Mexico where they were doing volunteer work in a border village, a real learning experience for them all. They brought back stories and pictures to share.
Then Susan's brother and sister-in-law showed up. Susan was tired and weak but she did enjoy the conversations and she didn't have to say a thing, just enjoy the company.
The medical team had decided earlier in the day that the SICU was no longer the right place for Susan's care. She has been stable for over 24 hours and no longer needs medication to keep her blood pressure up. So after all the family had left they packed her up and sent her down one floor to palliative care. This ward is quieter, if you can believe it. Her new roommate even asked permission to watch her own TV! So when we watched the Celtics' game together tonight we barely cracked the volume on the tiny personal speaker. They won, by the way. They've been doing that all season. I used to be, at best, ambivalent about basketball. They run up the court. They run down the court. Ho hum. But it's one of Susan's favorite spectator sports and she kinda taught me how to watch and enjoy it.
We have been getting lots of cards in the mail and well wishes in our emails. She must be on dozens of prayer lists too and I want to thank all of you for thinking of her and telling her so. I think we belong to many families, not just the ones we are born into. Susan has her theater family and we both have our biking families, and friends we've made over the years. I know these connections help to keep me from going stark raving mad in the face of all this tsuris. (That's three!!!)
We are so glad that today was a family day for both of you. That’s a soul nourishing visit for sure! Geoff, I have to correct you …. You too are an integral part of our theatre family. You have contributed an abundance of your talent building sets, general schlepping of set and props, running lines with Susan and, last but not least, appearing onstage last year … TWICE! Welcome and thank you. Our warm thoughts are with you and Susan …. Always here to help if needed.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and positive thoughts, Jennifer & Frank
Geoff and Susan, my heart is with you every min, hour and days through this journey. I love you both.🥰Amy
ReplyDeleteA day filled with the love of family sounds perfect. Especially with the stories of Mexico from Deidre & family. Happy to hear Susan's care is now deemed less critical too.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you are correct in knowing you have families by birth and families acquired along along the way through life. I hope both Susan and you feel the love surrounding you every day ❤️
Thanks for the update, Geoff, and the positive news that Susan's condition is now stable. We all so wish we could do more to help; you folks are never alone.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you were able to have a family day. Thinking of you both.
ReplyDeleteYour biking friend, Sandy M
Dear Geoff - Please let us know what day and time would be good for a visit. We don't want to exhaust her, but we woud love to see both of you in person. And Geoff, we would like to know if there is anything we can get for you (i.e. a dinner from Bocca or anything)?
ReplyDeleteCorinne and Jim