Sunday, February 1, 2009

Sunday evening

Donna is my younger sister, we're 14 months apart. Even when we were little everyone thought she was the older one and I always hated that ! But not for long, the older I got, the better I liked it. Tonight the nurse guessed that Donna was the older sister, she thought Donna was 3 years older than I am. Oh yeah, some things never change! I'm still chuckling but Donna didn't catch the humor in that moment. She's making great progress but she just needs a little more time.

This evening we turned off the tv, closed the blinds and for once the nurses left us alone for a while. We had a lovely time just talking and catching up. It was almost like we were having a slumber party and we laughed a little, cried a little. ate a little, slept a little and wore ourselves out. I believe she wanted to hear the story again - what the heck happened to her and why she was in the hospital, what about her job and what is happening to her now, when will she be better or will she? Of course, I was guessing at a lot of this. She quickly told me that she wore a size nine shoe but is still having trouble understanding everything people say to her. That's because they all talk to her way too fast (even in the south we have people that talk too fast, believe it or not !) and she gets very frustrated when she is trying to tell something but just can't quite get the words out. Everyday brings her closer and closer to being able to finish her sentences. All of you who know Donna know she is darn smart and boy can she fool people. She always answers when asked a question and they think she is "getting" it but that's not always the case. We tried to give her paper and pencil but it's not quite time for that because she wrote something that only she knows what it says. So, I told her about that new book - My Stroke of Insight - and I think I'll take it to her tomorrow. If you haven't had the chance to read this one, it's very interesting and helps to explain about what is most likely going on with Donna right now. I won't apologize for what I am about to say - I'm going to tell you how the story ends - the author recovers from her stroke. It takes some time but she recovers and so will Donna !

5 comments:

  1. Thank you, Darlene, for these sharing these intimate moments that I am yearning for so much right now. I miss her and love her sooooo much. Thank you for all the love you are sharing, giving, and growing.

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  2. What a special website Darlene! God Bless you all for your loving care and keeping us posted out here in California. We are all praying continuously for Donna's complete recovery. Donna is strong and determined and God is good! We are so thankful for the miracles that have taken place so far. We will pray for you all. I will be forwarding some pictures. Send Donna our love and keep the faith! Tim and Linda

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  3. Keep up the good reporting Darlene! Your love for Donna spills onto the page! We should all be so lucky to have a sibling so caring and devoted. I am also finding an abundance of knowledge in the book "My Stroke of Insight". It is quite informative from a highly intelligent woman that is a brain researcher that completely recovered from a serious stroke. It gives great hope for Donna's recovery and great insight as to what she may be going through right now inside her mind that must be so confusing for the bright woman Donna is. We love her and continue to pray for the best recovery she can muster!

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  4. Darlene...you are being Donna's angel right now. Thank you for the beautiful website where we can watch Donna's progress. We are praying and thinking of Donna continuously and I will be sending pictures this week of our families being together all these years. Thank you for the book recommendation. I will order that today, as well.

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  5. So glad to hear of Donna's progress. I'm praying for her continued healing.

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