I'm beginning to dread good days for Betty because the next day is usually not so good. Raymond and I have a hard time staying seated when we see her straightening the refrigerator or starting a load of clothes, but he'll look at me and say, "I think she feels better today." His comment is usually followed by a smile.
Last night I found the laundry I had started folded on my bed. I felt very humbled to think she was doing my laundry. Later she spent a half hour visiting on the phone with a friend. She spoke with joy and I could hear her in the next room. This is not usually the case. I got her a Mr. Frosty and she pushed her bowl of mushroom soup aside to dig into her favorite treat. She only ate a few spoon fulls. She then spent much effort trying to write her name on the cup. Dad and I promised to leave her treat alone so it is safe in the freezer when she wants it.
She was worn out this morning and wanted to linger in bed rather than dress for the trip to Louisville. Such is the aftermath of a good day.
The dietitian at the Brown Cancer Center shared advice today for beefing up Betty's diet. She eats so little, I have to do a better job of packing as many calories as I can into a few tablespoons. This is a new twist for one who spends so much time trying to eliminate calories from my diet. I mixed banana, peanut butter, dried milk and ice cream with one can of Boost liquid nutrition. It was rich to say the least and it tasted nice, but sweet.
Raymond finally allowed himself to go to his favorite hangout for coffee with his friends after we returned from Louisville. He always orders 1/2 of a bologna sandwich and gets a glass of water. You'd think he couldn't afford any more. I get so tickled with him. The reason he hadn't wanted to get out in public is because he didn't know what to say to people. We don't know what is going to happen. It has been easier to rely on this blog to get the word out to friends. I stuck several slips of paper in his pocket that contained the blog address for friends who might be interested. He gets a little unnerved by all the women he doesn't really know who hug him and ask about Betty. He says, "I don't know who they are."
Sickness is hard for the family and the friends. Thank you for all your support and loving concern. Keep hugging him. He'll get over it.
The Boley Family
Hi Raymond
ReplyDeleteDon says that he will take up a collection from our Sunday School Class to buy you a cup of coffee to go with your 1/2 balogna sandwich and if they are generous enough he will spring for the other half of the sandwich.
We miss you making our coffee. Praying that your surgery will be successful and you will have a speedy recovery.
Thoughts and prayers to Betty.