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.