I was in Los Angeles recently but even though I was far from Rochester I couldn't get away from reminders of Walt and his friends. Minutes from the airport I saw a parking garage named "Wally Park", and a short while later I saw a restaurant called "CoCo's". Wooooooooo.
Yesterday I took Walt a book of crossword puzzles that is in large print, and a bag of Duncan donuts that we scarfed down together. Over the past week I have been able to watch Walt's recent progress swing between "looking good" to "what the hell?". Last Thursday he was badly confused. Saturday he was a bit grouchy but more connected to reality. Yesterday (Monday) he seemed very aware but he is having great difficulty communicating. He talked a lot but the words and sounds he strung together sometimes did not form a comprehendable sentence. Because these episodes come and go it gives me hope that it isn't due to anything permanent but due to fluctuations in his physical state, infections and medications. For example, Patty and I witnessed Walt go into a loopy state shortly after taking one of his antibiotics.
Despite the communication difficulty, I feel like Walt and I have a pretty good time together. I asked him directly if he liked having people visit or would he rather be left alone. He made it clear he liked having visitors. So don't let his speech difficulty keep you away. I keep asking Walt questions and he keeps talking. I don't have a problem with acknowleding his predicament and neither does he. As Rick said in his comment today, just let him know that you are there for him.
11 comments:
Wally, I'm there for you in spirit Amigo. Onward through the fog!!
Goegs
I echo Gino's comments. Walt needs to feel loved and accepted by his friends and family no matter if he is making sense or not at the time. These damn infections etc play havic with him.
Although I am encouraging of Walt, I do acknowledge his concerns about his recovery and always try to reassure him that my affection for him is in no way conditional on him being anything more than who he is right this minute.
For any blogger out there that would like to visit Walt but feels unsure of what time and where please give me a call and I will run you through the low down. It is very easy.
Love to all
CoCo
Opps Phone is 585 747 3388
It is true my dad needs visitors because he cannot do all of this on his own. You do not have to go up and have a long, intellectual conversation with him; sometimes I will bring him the newspaper and I will bring a book and we will just sit and read together. He will usually start a conversation when a thought occurs to him. I understand that it might be awkward or whatever for new visitors but once you look in his eyes, you see him there and your heart just goes out to him because he is still the same wonderful guy.
Lindsey,
What a great post to the blog. It's true - no one has to feel any pressures about the visits! Just show up and things will flow.
Walt needs his friends much more now than when he was first injured. And kudos to all the people who are already pitching in. (Naturally I think my husband Gino/Cornell is a super guy and a wonderful, caring friend!! You're the best Honey!)
When I think how close to death Walt was I can only marvel as he works his way towards recovery. A long strange trip indeed, and a slow and difficult one too, but it IS happening. We can all feel depressed as long as we take turns - that upbeat and steady faith is necessary too. (I'm just SAYING) LOL
GO WALTER!!!!
Kathy J
Hi Guys,
Does Walter have a phone that I could call him? I see there is a number posted from Corinne; is that the number?
Cousin Debby
hi Debby,
That is my number. Walt's phone number is :585 723 7000 ext 2926
Patty says: Do you have time to read the blog? Would you have time to visit a wonderful man who needs people to give him love and encouragement? Do you have time to volunteer? Could you volunteer to visit my husband who needs some companionship at this most difficult time. He will be going in a nursing home soon. We all might get there someday hopefully way down the road. My Walter is there NOW. WHERE ARE ALL OF THESE "busy" PEOPLE WHO COULD MAKE A BRAIN INJURED MAN'S DAY JUST BY SAYING HI FOR 10 MINUTES. LET'S GET TOGETHER AND MAKE THIS HORRENDOUS JOURNEY EASIER. I CANNOT DO IT ALONE!!!!! PLEASE HELP ME AND LINDSAY AND BRIAN!!! patty
Patty says-Thank you to all of Walter's friends who took the time this week to visit. We are so thankful to you!!! He will be at St. Mary's for a little while longer then he will go to long term rehab.
Walt, Roydale just gave me this blog. Glad to hear that that you are making progress! Maybe you need some recuperation time down here in Florida this winter? What "hotel" are you staying in?I'll be pulling for you in the mean time!! -Jens
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