I spoke with Dara tonight and she gave me some good news. Last night, today, and earlier this week, the staff got her out of bed to stand up. She said that once she was helped out of bed, she stood on her own for a while. She feels that one day she'll be able to take some steps. She is feeling strong this week; last week she felt weak. We talked for twenty-five minutes, which is a long time, and she was mostly clear. We talked about our mother's would-be birthday tomorrow.
I know that when people have called her, they feel awkward because they cannot always understand her. Tell her to slow down and to speak more loudly. Speaking louder is good for her, and it helps her articulate better and speak more clearly. She is pleased with your calls, so don't feel funny that you can't always understand her. Just tell her, and do it when necessary. She won't get frustrated.
She is pleased with all the cards she has received, and she received a blanket as a gift from a Douglas friend. It has really lifted her spirits.
I'll just post her contact data again for informational purposes. If you plan to call her sometime in the future, please put the information in your phone or contact list so you have it for future reference.
424-251-4724
Dara Predmore
2017 250th Street
Lomita, CA 90717
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Update on Dara: May 17th
Some good news is that Dara was able to be visited by her boyfriend, Dale, yesterday through a plexiglass window. She enjoyed being able to see him and to talk with him as she has been in two month seclusion.
I've talked with her nearly every day over the past week and she is talkative. I don't always follow her sentences, but she keeps going on with her story. Her voice sounds stronger and she is more articulate and when she puts volume into her words, she is understandable. The longer she tells the story, the softer her voice becomes.
She has been on a complaining tear. The CNA's are not responsive to her requests, staff members come into her room and take her snacks for their own enjoyment, they won't bring her outside, and she is bored. She isn't always able to know what she is eating for a meal, but she feels satisfied enough with having enough food.
I am happy with all the complaining because it is about her situation rather than her health. If she were too weak to talk about her health, she would talk about her headache. This complaining is qualitatively different and it shows that she is more in control of her situation. She is a fighter and she is determined to get stronger.
The amazing thing is that her mind and memory are sharp. She can tell you how COVID-19 is affecting each state, she is aware of birthdays and anniversaries, she can tell you something newsworthy about Tom Brady, she knows the weather, and she is aware of a lot. She is better informed of news items than many people.
Two points of note: The one year mark of her aneurysm is approaching. Though it is sad, she is still fighting. I just wish we could get in there to see her and that her therapy could resume. Tomorrow is the memorial of her former boyfriend, Dennis, who suffered a stroke early in his life. Dara was a loving friend and caretaker to him.
O, one more thing. When I talk with Dara, she remarks about all the pretty bird sounds. I usually call her when I go outside for a walk. The birds make her happy. Her sense of hearing in keen.
I've talked with her nearly every day over the past week and she is talkative. I don't always follow her sentences, but she keeps going on with her story. Her voice sounds stronger and she is more articulate and when she puts volume into her words, she is understandable. The longer she tells the story, the softer her voice becomes.
She has been on a complaining tear. The CNA's are not responsive to her requests, staff members come into her room and take her snacks for their own enjoyment, they won't bring her outside, and she is bored. She isn't always able to know what she is eating for a meal, but she feels satisfied enough with having enough food.
I am happy with all the complaining because it is about her situation rather than her health. If she were too weak to talk about her health, she would talk about her headache. This complaining is qualitatively different and it shows that she is more in control of her situation. She is a fighter and she is determined to get stronger.
The amazing thing is that her mind and memory are sharp. She can tell you how COVID-19 is affecting each state, she is aware of birthdays and anniversaries, she can tell you something newsworthy about Tom Brady, she knows the weather, and she is aware of a lot. She is better informed of news items than many people.
Two points of note: The one year mark of her aneurysm is approaching. Though it is sad, she is still fighting. I just wish we could get in there to see her and that her therapy could resume. Tomorrow is the memorial of her former boyfriend, Dennis, who suffered a stroke early in his life. Dara was a loving friend and caretaker to him.
O, one more thing. When I talk with Dara, she remarks about all the pretty bird sounds. I usually call her when I go outside for a walk. The birds make her happy. Her sense of hearing in keen.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day!
So,....
Happy Mother's Day to all those mothers of children, at whatever age you are.
Happy Mother's Day to those women who are soon-to-become mothers.
Happy Mother's Day to women of adopted children and Guardians.
Happy Mother's Day for all women who have raised children not their own and have accepted them as their own.
Happy Mother's Day to those women whose bodies were unable to conceive or carry new life.
Happy Mother's Day to women whose spouse or partner was unable help them become mothers.
Happy Mother's Day to those women whose circumstances in life, whether through choices, disability, timing, did not make motherhood possible.
Happy Mother's Day to those women hoped for marriage but marriage did not come their way.
Happy Mother's Day to those women who grieve the loss of their husband or partner.
Happy Mother's Day for those of us whose mothers have died and gone before us in the faith.
Happy Mother's Day to all those mothers who await reunion with their children in heaven.
Happy Mother’s Day to all those whose child did not come to full term.
Happy Mother's Day to women for whom the timing for relationships did not align.
Happy Mother's Day to those women who remain single.
Happy Mother's and Father's Day to women who raise their children on their own.
Happy Mother's Day to men who raise children on their own.
Happy Mother's Day to our beloved sisters.
Happy Mother's Day to our dear aunts.
Happy Mother's Day to our grandmothers.
Happy Mother's Day to best friend and girlfriends.
Happy Mother's Day to all those women who loved and formed us.
Happy Mother's Day to those men in our lives who mothered and formed us in love and care.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone who has cared for us and nurtured us lovingly.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who loved.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone who tried.
Thanks be to God. This is your day. Let's help you celebrate.
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