Simon ate a sandwich and a banana today! He peeled the banana left-handed and would have eaten it all in one gulp if I'd let him! He is also drinking water through a straw. This means that his swallowing is nearly 100% and he is learning to eat on one side. He had his first cup of coffee this afternoon, probably the first hot drink he has had in a fortnight. I am so pleased with him.
He was also chatty, asking if we could go away on holiday, and could he come home. He had a look at a Hiroshige art book, and seemed to really enjoy that for a few minutes. Also listened to some music. The breathing mask is still on, and that is a shame because he really wants to communicate more. After being told off by one of the nurses for interfering with his breathing mask he gave a distinctive rude signal (behind her back!). Then he listened to me read from George Pelacanos (I must worker harder on an American accent). Each day, Simon looks a little better and gets stronger. He is able to help the nursing staff by lifting himself with an overhead grab (not sure of the technical term), and he lifts his head off the pillow to eat and drink. He is clearly frustrated by his condition, and all of the constraints on his movement. I just wish we could get him out of the bed. The lady in the next bed was put out into a chair today, she looked so happy.
I have seen some whizz-bang wheelchairs, they are everywhere once you start looking. Today I saw a guy operating a chair with his chin moving faster than anything on the M25!
Keep the messages coming, Simon responds to these. I read Roger Mcgough's poem 'At lunchtime', that certainly appealed to him. He likes cards, and appears to read them, though I can't be sure about that.
Much love, Marian x
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi Marian and Simon
ReplyDeleteWOW! Just even looking back over the last 3 posts Simon has made leaps and bounds in terms of his appetite, communication and what he likes. I'd definitely have passed on hospital spinach, as well. The Australian's have a real habit of wanting to 'cream' everything. Creamed spinach, creamed cabbage, creamed potatoes. Yuk.
Really pleased he's chatting about wanting to visit home and get up and of bed and about. I'm sure having seen that lady sitting in a chair, he'd be keen to get out of bed. Just a matter of time, and he'll be kicking Dad's ass for even intimating he'd swipe the music collection.
The gargantuan sea container just rolled up in front of our house on a pantechnicon and we have a team of chaps loading all sorts of boxes, cartons and containers into the container, so it won't be long now until we're home and hosed.
I'm pleased to hear Shirley is also a dab hand in the kitchen, what with chicken cacciatore and shepherds pie. Coupled with Mum's culinary efforts and a few creations from moi when I get home, Simon won't have to face any crappola ward food! Plus, you'll never need to worry about heating up a can of baked beans!
Talking of food, I'm reading a book called 'Table Talk - Sweet and Sour, Salt and Bitter' by AA Gill. He's a food critic and writer and does a great column in the Sunday Times.
One of my fave quotes is -
'For lunch on a dreary Wednesday it offered the warm welcome and bonhomous hospitality of a Norwegian small claims court. Sensibly, they'd put in a wood-burning pizza oven (hopefully, they'll get around to incinerating the chairs anyday now)'.
He's a great laugh. If you see any of his tomes, do grab one.
Lots love Melanie + Penny xxxxxxxxxx
It's great to hear that Simon is gradually returning to his old self once more. Tell him we are all rooting for him here in Sussex by the sea. He needs to go and see Dr Harvey, always good for whatever ails us.
ReplyDeleteLove from David, Linda, Helena & Joanna.
Brilliant progress - congratulations to Simon - the first two weeks have covered a deal of ground and recovery is the pathway now not just the goal.
ReplyDeleteTony and I are thinking of you both. Took Tony up CN Tower in Toronto yesterday for anniversary lunch - when he had stopped feeling green with vertigo, and had come down again, he thinks he quite enjoyed it..
Spent my time at ICEL09 talking about role modelling digital literacy in the classroom - not perfected Powerpoint, just the stumbles and serendipity of learning online and how to sort out the sense of stuff once found. Seems to me you two are role modelling something pretty wonderful too, for all of us - friends, family and connected beings.
God bless
sueg
Hi Marian and Simon
ReplyDeleteWhilst I normally communicate with you via email I just wanted to say how great it is that so many freinds and family are logged on as followers of you blog. It just grows in number every day and it's great to see the love and support flooding in.I send Thanks to everyone who stands by my Little Sister and her Man.
David xx
Gla Simon liked the poem, he has such a great sense of humour (Simon), that I love the idea of him being amused. Are you taking any fotos? I know he does not like his picture taken often, and would not want them put on a blog, but there may be moments you will want to share together later (like his rude gestures to nurses who are unpleasant, though I guess that should not be encouraged too much :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is real quiet here at Mithras house at the moment, and I really miss the Skype fone calls that I would get from Simon. Tell him to hurry up and get himself fone ready. I would love to talk to him, when this becomes practical. Mitch also says she misses his cheeky/funny/thought provoking texts!
Love to you
asher