Christmas post

Hi all,

Eric here. Anne has asked me to update the blog as she hasn't been feeling up to it lately. Feel free to comment, however, as she does use her computer regularly and enjoys hearing from you.

Her days are up and down now, and it's difficult to predict how she'll feel from one hour to the next. Happily, she has plenty of good moments, but there are hard times too. It's important to have a lot of family time these days and Christmas has provided the occasion. Miriam has been here for a week now, helping take care of Anne in a big way and being that much needed breath of fresh air. They've spent some time making beautiful Christmas decorations out of paper, and Miriam has helped make aspects of Anne's care much more efficient. Rick is here now too, also helping to round out the picture and raise our spirits with his profound kindness and sense of humour. Viva has most recently arrived and made a warm situation even better.

There's not much more to say except that Anne is receiving excellent care at home now, with daily visits from the nurse and weekly from the doctor. We wish our friends and loved ones everywhere a merry holiday season, and encourage the use of this time to connect with the important people in life. All the best!

Christmas in our sights

These days my low energy makes me spend much of my time in or near my bed, except for trips to the North York General Hospital where I get drained, and the odd other hospital visit. However, I have a doctor who visits me at home once every 2 weeks, or more often if necessary.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been concentrating on getting stronger - after a drain I have two to three days when my appetite is good, my capacity is at a maximum, and I eat all the full fat food that I can get my hands on. By day four though, the liquid has built up again and I can only eat in bites here and there. Starting the week after next, I will be going in for 2 drainings per week, hoping to be more comfortable.

JP bought me a wheelchair last week so that now I can contemplate leaving the house. I had hoped to go to one of his Christmas choir concerts, but nearer the time I realized that I was too tired to be in one place for a couple of hours at a go. I have been out in the chair for a brief shopping, so it does help.

Miriam was home for a couple of days this week, and she and JP's sister (also here for a visit) shopped for a Christmas tree for the living room. We spent an evening making decorations, as all of ours were taken to Alabama years ago. Miriam's new rule is that we use only items that are already in the house - no purchases other than several strings of lights. We have made lots of white paper snowflakes, foil icicles, and cutouts from cards and boxes. The prettiest result was from some old dried and faded Chinese Lantern flowers that she has slipped over yellow and orange lights - they mute and spread the color, and the light that shines through, highlighting the delicate veins, is just beautiful.

Next week, Miriam is back, then Rick, then Viva, all staying over Christmas and New Year’s. We are all looking forward to it!