Wonderful Wednesday!

Just a quick note to say that Con/Mom is making nice walking progress!! She is still a bit tired, but she can get around with a walker and a shadow person (not including Jack who loves to stand right in front of her, ugh!).  She's also chuckling a bit and attempting smiles.

I mentioned her Christmas cards in the beginning of this blog and I bring it up again because Con/Mom thought she would finish what she started but realized she can't write!  :(  Dad/Dave may help her a bit so we'll see...if you didn't receive one yet, I've included the photo she used on it below:

We were talking about her being home and she said she couldn't think of a word to describe it.  I said we should call it "heaven".  She agreed!  There's simply no place like home!  We had some time in her garden room today; a nice change of scenery.

Her occupational therapist came today and said she may be able to get to outpatient therapy very soon! That was thrilling for her!  She even got a little ride in the car and she said it was very exciting! I bet!

I'm traveling for a few days, but will report on any news from Dad/Dave and Sue so stay tuned...

Home Therapy Commences

Therapy is underway at the Griffore house....PT and speech have been by to see Con/Mom (and an RN) and she is fully cooperative with them, more so than when they aren't there. :)  Her first PT session was like a chiropractic adjustment, but he took her to her edge without breaking her.  Speech gal was kind, loved Jack and will be back Friday.  She has some exercises to practice for both.

As I blew in and out today (was a brief visit to help Dad/Dave move a bed and help them order something online) I thought to myself, #prayfordave! Con/Mom is still not quite herself and the poor guy is taking a beating.  She's like a drill sergeant, but she did let out a nice thank you to me when I left. She'll be calm one moment and short tempered another.  She doesn't like anyone to stay too long, so Dad/Dave is kept on-the-go! We can only imagine what is going on inside her head, and we will never truly know.

So, the prayers are working, but please include Dad/Dave and ask for patience for all of her caregivers.  It truly takes special people to help others through this process.  I wish the therapists could have known Con/Mom before this event because they would see a different woman. We all have our callings in life and I put that of a therapist at the same level of a teacher.  Both require patience, empathy and knowledge.  #1 shout out goes to......DAD/DAVE!  A true superman, superhero and 110% dedicated husband! Love you!

Sunny Sunday

A new week and a new beginning...Con/Mom is settling in and is having a couple days to get used to a new routine.  And that goes without speaking for Dad/Dave and Jack, too! :)  Things are different (like sleeping on the main floor until she masters stairs again), but the gang is reunited and we were blessed with the energy of the full moon last night and the warm sun today!

Con/Mom was happy to get freshened up with a teeth cleaning from her best friend, Linda.  Hard to brush teeth with your opposite hand! She also had a visit from our good friend, Msgr. John, from our parish, St. James in Novi. I am keeping her seat warm at church until her return...her name was mentioned at mass today, too. Sigh.

We are certainly taking everything day-by-day or even hour-by-hour because if we plan too far ahead, we find ourselves backpedaling. :)  During her stay at Botsford/Beaumont, she said she wasn't going to drink again, but I was instructed to go on a wine run today. LOL Also on my list were two bicycle horns.  Yes, you can guess I'm sure; these are for her to let Dad/Dave or anyone know when she needs them if we are not near by. She can't blow air yet as to use a whistle so this is what we're using.

Overall she's really doing well!  Moving around a little such as up and down, but not too much distance. Arm is still what I like to call "asleep".  She likes things orderly and directed Dad/Dave to pick up the mess in the kitchen.  She kept me busy picking up everything else around her right down to the pillow on the couch!

Next adventure......home therapy. Stay tuned for the next chapter of Connie's adventures, aka, recovery and reclaiming her life!

Funny Friday

There truly is nothing funny about this whole situatin, but without a little comic relief we would never survive it! Like some of the amazingly funny cards and Con/Mom's response to them or her disdain for one of her speech therapists and the look in her eyes when she (therapist) walks in the room.

For the last 24 days Con/Mom has only said my name twice, and that was only when she was put on the spot by a therapist. To add to the lightheartedness, what she called me was my childhood name, "Marianne Jean the Queen".  Lol

Today, Dad just realized she was referring to him as her husband. He asked her his name and after contemplation, she said....."Jack 2"! They both laughed, Con/Mom as best she could. Apparently she calls Sue "whatshername".  So, we'll refresh her memory as things settle in at home tomorrow.

Yes, Dave/Dad will be there bright and early to take our special gal home where she belongs. He is all ready and Jack is home waiting, too. Therapy commences Monday and our new journey begins...

Sue and I each had special time with Dad today and we  are continuing to hold each other up. The prayers are working; please keep them coming!

True Love

My daughter caught me staring into space this morning and I told her I was just thinking, and I was. I was thinking about True Love.  Many of you probably don't know that Connie and Dave have known each other since they were eight years old.  They were married at 20 and had a dry wedding.  This year they celebrate 50 years of marriage. Yes, it's rare.  They are rare.

This morning my Mom called Dad early, we're talking 7am, and reminded him to bring the nail tools back because he was trimming her nails for her yesterday and he missed a few spots. This isn't the first little thing that he has done, it's one of many.  She now calls him "her husband" and he has seen her every day she has been there riding the waves of pain, sorrow, sadness and few rare moments of joy.

There was a day recently my niece was visiting and saw the interaction of Mom and Dad.  Dad was saying goodbye and he was crying.  My niece started to cry not because of Con/Mom's condition, but because of the love they have and share.  They are a team.  They are committed to caring for each other until the end and have respected each other for all of these years.

Sure they have little miffs, but who doesn't.  There has never been mistreatment.  To give you a little more insight into this beautiful world of theirs without getting too personal, let me tell you this: every night Mom would say "I'll make the coffee".  In the morning, Dad would get up early to let out the dog, feed him and bring Mom her coffee in bed.  Then, she would get up and make his lunch.  Since Dad was still working a bit up until Dec. 30 he was still in need of his lunch.

When I was on a trip with my parents two years ago we saw a dog running along the beach.  It was a chocolate lab. :) Mom had been yearning for a dog and always joked that she would get one when Dad "kicked the bucket". It was Mother's Day weekend and on that Sunday, my Dad gave my Mom a card that said she could get a dog. They always sign their cards to each other "#1 Buddy".  Dad drew a paw print on that one, too.Jack has been her new baby, her companion and has given her the greatest joy and he will continue to do so.  The first few days in the hospital she was already asking for him.  What a blessing that Dad caved in and  gave her this joy, this love.

So, that's just a small morning anecdote about their love.  I hope you are blessed in life to experience just a day of what they have.

Wednesday....The a Final Countdown

Sorry if we left you in suspense, but everything is fine. Our meeting Monday was interesting. Interesting in the sense that discussion of her release was like ping pong although there was one constant...Con/Mom saying approximately 20 times in ten minutes that she wanted to go home. Her date went from next Friday to this Friday to Sunday and now it is Saturday. Lol

She's shown improvements in demeanor since there is an end in sight. Her over three week stay was emotionally draining on her and us. She smiled tonight with no teeth showing making a comment that there is nothing to smile about there. Gracie and I brought her carry out from one of her favorite places, Rocky's in Northville. She loved it and even had some chocolate ice cream for dessert.

Therapy continues through Friday and a new team will come to the house beginning next week. Please run visitor requests through Dad, Sue or myself and we will check with the Queen. 😍

Weekend Update

Con/Mom was able to see her buddy, Jack, on Saturday.  It's a short visit of about ten minutes, but it does the job! We had egg salad I brought from home for lunch and she enjoyed that, too. She is counting down the days and knows that each day of the week is the last one there. :)
Dad/Dave had a nice evening making up a game of bridge for two.  He brings her coffee from home every morning since it is their normal morning ritual...
She had a quiet Sunday, but today (Monday) will hold lots of therapy for her! We have a family discharge meeting and Sue is getting her training so we will all be approved to assist her in getting up and down, etc.
Thank you all who already donated to the American Heart and Stroke Assoc.!  Mom was always a supporter and when I told her about the picture I was going to use she clearly remembered it.  In it, we were at the 2014 AHA luncheon and were sipping martinis before the event at MGM.....someday. I remember Rosie O'Donnell was the keynote speaker, a survivor of a heart attack, and her story was very inspiring.  With your help, we are creating awareness and funding research for the #1 and #5 killers.

Friday Update: One Week to Go!

We didn't forget to post yesterday, we're just starting to update you every other day since there is less to report daily, etc.  The first two weeks we see a lot of change, then it will slow down a little so the changes are more subtle.  She's trying to fine tune dressing, eating, etc. Those simple things we take for granted.

Progress is being made everyday! And........we have a release date of NEXT FRIDAY! Of course, these things can change, but it is looking good! She will go home (and most likely not leave for a few weeks) and start home therapy.  Then, we will take her to outpatient therapy for speech, OT and PT.

I spent the entire morning with her going through training for homecare.  She gets tired quickly, but who wouldn't after what she's been through? Continued works goes into her entire body (leg is progressing and arm is, well, being difficult). She wants to get home badly and now she can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  She can be in the comfort of her home soon and hopefully she will get some better sleep as it's been a struggle there.

So, we're making preparations (Dad is putting up some rails), meeting with the hospital staff and looking forward to each new day! Con/Mom is still adamant about no visitors so please be patient with her recovery process/wishes. She has yet to crack a smile, but the spunk arises when necessary. :)  She'll get to see Jack this weekend again, too!

Wild Wednesday

Con/Mom walked down a hallway with assistance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We still have some other obstacles including the arm, but this is a beautiful thing!

She will also get her hair done today at the hospital so I'm sure that will lift her spirits!  Thanks, Diane from Legato!

Tuesday Tidbit

Today, Con/Mom continued with her new demeanor of spitting bullets at Dad for not taking her home. We are hoping to look back at these arduous days and laugh.

Good news is that her right leg is moving in a positive direction, i.e., continuing to gain movement. The arm, not so much, at all. They say it has been most affected and would be the last thing to move, if it's going to.

She is continuing to increase speech, but she's working on volume and projection. Still no smile, laughter or sparkle.

I was driving home from teaching a yoga class tonight and just wanted to pick up the phone to chat with her. :( It's those little things in life that are truly the big things, blessings.  Luxuries we overlook daily. The future is not ours that's why they call the present a gift, not to be a cliche. I teach my students to live in present moment awareness and it is this mindset (and my practice) that allows me to manage this new adversity day-by-day.  It's the only way.

Healing through a stroke is odd.  It takes patience.  Recovery has no guarantees, but for the faithful, we know it is not our will but His.  There is a plan and sometimes we are not meant to understand. We are meant to accept the things we cannot change and have the courage to change the things we can. Good night and God bless.

Manic Monday

Well, each day brings new things and we're not quite to the point of having multiple good days in a row.  The thought of another week in the hospital is making any angelic attributes from Con/Mom take flight.  It is more than blatant.  Connie has no problem verbalizing her disinterest with the current situation. She set the stage of the week stating no visitors other than her hairdresser! LOL

So, I know everyone is eager to see her, but trust us, she really has no tolerance and needs a lot of space right now. Even Dad, Sue and I are limiting our time with her, but of course, 2/3 of us are there daily now for eating assistance, laundry, misc. and to get our hugs and kisses in. :)

We're awaiting feedback from her food test today of a salad.....

PART 2: She passed!  Onward and upward at least in the food department!!!!!!!

And, Dad wants to add that there is so much mail coming to their house for Con/Mom that the mail lady came to the door and asked about her. Awe! ♥

Sunday....a Day to Rest

Mom is having a somewhat restful weekend with no therapy. As you can see from yesterday's post, she got to see Jack.  While she doesn't smile yet, we're confident her heart was smiling.  She allowed me to perform a brief hand massage technique called Armoatouch with frankincense essential oil. :)

This morning was special because Sue and I joined her in the hospital Chapel for a Christian prayer service.  It was short, sweet, sentimental and somber. Meals were typical and then we retired to her room for a little football, but she fell asleep as she settled in.  It was peaceful to just be there with her.  Now, her "husband" as she calls Dad, will help her go through her fan mail.

We are prayerful that Monday will bring progress and perhaps graduation to regular food.....stay tuned and thank you from the bottom of our four hearts for supporting this wonderful lady and our family. Namaste, MJ.

p.s. Two people shared with me this beautiful verse from Isaiah 43:2 in the last few days:

   When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

Saturday, Glorious Day!

This was Connie approved! :)

Friday, January 8

Normally we'd say TGIF, but for us, each day blends in with the other and it's like a Tuesday. My morning usually begins at 6AM with a drive to see my Mom after the kids are off to school. She was getting freshened up upon my arrival and she got ready for breakfast.  These things we take for granted she has assistance with. She noticed some of her flowers needed freshening up so I was in charge of that. :)  Once a gardener, always a gardener. :)
She went off to PT and as I said goodbye I got a tiny kiss. This is great for many reasons, but medically it means some more awareness is coming back to the mouth.  Her mumbling is becoming more clear, but she just needs to project sound. I told her I'd see her tomorrow and she said, "I'll be here."! lol
p.s. I brought her a peppermint patty yesterday at dinner time and she loved it! I said it was for dessert and she softly said, "Give it to me now!". Yes, m'am! :)

Thursday, January 7

Well, we are all emotionally drained....Mom/Con, Sue, Dad and myself.  This daily climb, battle, fight is exhausting, but we will persevere! Yes,yesterday Connie's eyes were perky, but her soul has been shattered.  The Connie we all knew took a vacation, but we know God will send her back to us soon. The result of the stroke/insult is not only physical, but emotional.  She does her daily work, but she is not unlike a grumpy old man, sorry guys.
The good news of the morning/day is that she got upgraded from nectar pureed food to mechanical grade.  Sounds yummy eh!?  Well, since she almost gave up eating last night because the food is so bad this is a good thing!  I came loaded with pudding, yogurt, humus, creamy egg salad and guacamole, but she was tested by her speech therapist and was able to eat a pancake and can now have her coffee without a thickener. Whew! I bet she would love a glass of wine!
Her right leg has some nice movement, but by the end of the day it is lifeless with fatigue just like the rest of her body.  Sue and I were embraced in a tearful hug in the parking lot last night, but God sent comforting words from an angelic stranger. Dad was comforted by a beloved friend, thank you MR!
Her arm has been most severely affected so it will be the last thing to regain function in some capacity.  Meanwhile, the left stays strong and who knows, maybe she'll become ambidextrous!
#prayforconnie

Wednesday, January 6 Morning

Dad said he got a treat this morning! She was already dressed and watching GMA!  She is wide awake and wants to go home this weekend. :(  Still a lot of work to do, but sounds like this will be a kick butt day!  He says she looks the best ever!  Stay tuned.....

If you would like to send a note to her, just mail to Dave/Dad and he will bring in.  It will be faster than sifting through hospital mail and they way she changes rooms it might be safer.  She holds things up with her left hand and we know she can read.  When I brought the church bulletin to her she went right to the back to see the Eucharistic minister schedule that she is usually on.

Dave Griffore
38673 Southfarm Lane
Northville, MI 48167

Tuesday, January 5

 Connie is getting used to a new routine for the next few weeks. We are more like observers during the day while she is hard at work. Very nice to see her in her own clothes! She slowly wheeled herself down to therapy room with good arm and leg. She's still very tired; last Satuday was her best day so far. They estimate, and we stress estimate, she may be where she's at for around three weeks. She really likes her space and privacy so please be empathetic to her and our needs/wishes. We will certainly continue to keep you all abreast of her progress. We hope to reunite her with her doggie this weekend, but it has to be outside....
We asked that she be moved to a bed next to a window so they just moved her. She was in the middle of the room with five people before.

Social Prayer Chain

 I wanted to broaden the prayer circles and energy for Connie  so please use #prayforconnie  on any Twitter or Instagram post and let the power of prayer lift her up each day. Thank you.  I'll write report soon after I see her for breakfast ....

Monday, January 4 Midday

Connie bounced back today enough to get transferred to IPR (inpatient rehab)! She ate a better breakfast than yesterday, went through PT, OT and speech therapy. Lots to work on! Beginning tomorrow, she will go through 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week. She gets to wear her own clothes, too! They are really moving her along, but we have no idea of how long she will be in IPR.  Next stop.......HOME! There will be about a year of therapy, they say, for now. Right side is still in neglect, i.e., left side doesn't know right exists. She actually looked at a magazine a little today and held a cup to drink; these things are with the left side, of course.

So, shout out to Connie!!!!!! She's frustrated for sure and wants to go home. She's giving everybody a hard time on and off. My heart was broken yesterday, but there was renewed hope today as she let me help her eat, etc. She'll most likely be pooped after 3 hours of therapy, but she will get stronger! There was a little negativity today, but more so determination.

Sunday, January 3 Noon

They say there will be ups and downs....today the sparkle is missing but she was up all night so for now they account it  to fatigue. She was performing magic tricks yesterday and we think she exhausted herself. She went through some therapy and had a tiny bit of breakfast but her eyes are not really open today. 😔 They have seen what she can do so they are letting her batteries recharge.

Connie was in the middle of sending out her holiday cards so if you did not  receive one this year now you know why. She was waiting for our beautiful family photo from our annual holiday brunch.

I hope to have some good things to add this evening. Keep the prayers coming please. 🙏 They are working!

Saturday, January 2 Part 2

Well, in Connie's world she makes dramatic changes within hours! Her zest and spitfire is taking over and she lifted her bad leg several inches midday. Granted, she couldn't move her bad arm like she did yesterday. Then, she started communicating that she wanted to eat and drink but they wouldn't give her anything until she could prove she could swallow. So, she did just that later in the day after moving out of ICU and went through therapy. She was rewarded with puréed food!
We are so pleased with her continued progress and are prayerful that it will continue in a positive direction. We are told to expect plateaus, but our Connie is on a mission! Praise God!

Saturday, January 2, 7AM

A quick recap for those who don't know how she got here: a few months ago she had a TIA with a UTI and they ran lots of tests to find she had very blocked carotid arteries. She is super healthy with low BP and cholesterol but apparently plaque doesn't affect cholesterol levels but they did put her on some meds. During a recheck recently they found her blockage to have increased significantly and risk of stroke was high so they ordered carotid endarterectomy. Tuesday they operated on her 80% blocked left carotid and it went very well. They released her next day and she went home only to have a big stroke on left side within an hour leaving her right side lifeless including speech. She has since regained consciousness and is working with daily therapists, a vascular team and neurologists.

We are requesting no visitors right now other than immediate family and those we have asked to help with shifts. Thank you. I'm sure soon we'll change that.

When I walked in Mom's room she was awake and started "clearly mumbling". 😍 She said "this is a disaster!". I'd have to agree with her.
We've already had several doctors in for morning rounds and the good news of the day is that they have put in orders to move her to a room where she can start to do more extensive therapy. Just a little low sodium and potassium and high BP. She is checked hourly for neurological changes and she still can't swallow but she did lick her lips a tiny it. Her right side is pretty lifeless but a tiny bit of movement is seen here and there in arm and leg. I have received approval to use my certified pure therapeutic grade (CPTG) essential oils on her! CT scan today, too.

What's in a Name? A handful of LOVE!

Because Connie has touched your life in some capacity you are now here reading about a life event that took us all by surprise. You may call her Connie, goddess, Contessa, Aunt, Grammy, #1 Buddy or Mom, but but we call her doesn't really matter because she is a star shining in all of our lives. Dad/Dave, Sue and I thought this would be the best way to keep everybody abreast of her progress as things change daily and so many of you have reached out and we are finding it a bit hard to keep up.

Connie is first and foremost a mother and wife. If you are a blessed to have Connie in your life, how do you think we feel to have her in our family? She is a piece in our puzzle, the angel on our shoulder, the rock we rely on, the queen of the garden, the wind beneath our wings, the apple of our eyes and the frosting on our cake!

We appreciate all of the heartfelt messages, prayers, support and meals our friends and family have provided. The timing of this sad event provided us with time for the shock to settle in, but in two days Sue and I will be juggling work, home and kids along with supporting our father, caring for our mother and grieving when time allows it. Together, Dad, Sue and I will communicate to those concerned here as we shift our New Year's focus on our loving wife and mother.

The prayer warriors are in full swing so please join us as we ask our Lord to guide us through these uncharted waters, hold us all in His grace and allow the medical team the best discernment and judgment when making decisions on Connie's care, future and life.

Namaste ~ Marianne aka MJ