I can't help but be a little sad and brokenhearted that she's no longer at Sloan, with Dr. P sitting by her bedside, the "fine bouquet of foods" and sweet staff of nurses. Calvary has a totally different vibe - they're very sweet there, but it's just different and I guess Mom's not the only one adjusting.
She was pretty out of it yesterday - falling asleep midsentence and the like - but today she perked up pretty shortly after my friend Tracy and I arrived (my Aunt Judi was there too - in town, staying at Mom's place, until next Thurs). Her food came while we were there, and I pretty much forced her to eat as much as she could (little did I know that someday I'd be using my Dad's words: "just two more big bites!" on my Mom).
So.
For those who want to visit and/or send flowers, cards, letters, etc., here is the mailing address for now (I say "for now" because she's still in a shared room, a temporary situation):
Janet Ward
Calvary Hospital, Room 307A
150 55th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Please feel free to visit her at the hospital. Enter at the main entrance, walk up the escalator, and ask them at the Information Desk to direct you to Calvary Hospital.
My Aunt Judi is with her every day, as am I, but I think all visitors are really good for her right now. Of course you may get there and find that she's sleeping, but even so, I think just being in the room is a good, good thing for her right now. Squeeze a hand, stroke a cheek.
I would also ask that, for EVERYONE who visits - do me a favor and, should you be there while Mom gets a meal of any kind, please please encourage her to eat, and when I say encourage, I mean nag. She's still feeling the effects of brain radiation, the move, etc., so she's weak and wiped out. Nourishment is just of the utmost importance right now....also, good energy, love and big hugs. These will all help her. I was amazed to watch her transformation in just a few short hours: all we did was hold her hand, make her laugh, read some letters to her, tell some stories, and of course forcefeed her. Heh. So if I can see the difference in a few short hours, then it seems to me that it's very real.
Please let's all help to make her strong. We want Janet Ward, through and through, for as long as we can have her.
3 comments:
i appreciate your honesty, sarah. truly your mom's kid. i can really see it these last months. anne lamott, one of my fav writers, says. of life: 1. show up
2. tell the truth 3. share it with others......you are doing all three. blessings!
You're a strong one, Sarah, for sure. I'm going to get down there some time this week with my friend David. You may remember him from my wedding. He and your Mom did a Joe Chakin class together and he really wants to see her as do I. I'm aiming for Monday evening. I just have to coordinate with him. It's visitors 24/7 right? Let me know if there's specific visiting hours. Love to you and Janet.
Yes - visiting hours are 24/7! Forgot to mention that - thanks for bringing it up Jeremiah. Yay for Joe Chaikin folks - she'll love that.
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