Today was Graham's mom's funeral. Graham asked that he be called by cell phone so that he could listen in, and it really worked. His cousin Paul was able to stand with his cell phone near where people were speaking, and we heard all the kind comments about his mom, and were able to hear all of the service. We really felt like we were there, which made Graham feel so much better. He was even able to join in when the Mourner's Kaddish was chanted. Thanks, Paul and Gary!His mom's doctor was there and remarked about how incredibly gracious and thoughtful his mom was with her over the years, always asking how she was (and genuinely wanting to know) and thanking her. She said that the vast majority of patients don't do that, which is why Joan was such a beloved and memorable patient for her.
It reminds me of how Graham is with his doctors and nurses, well really with everyone. When he speaks with someone, whether it's a friend, clerk, co-worker or a stranger, he seems to instinctively ponder "what can I do to make this person feel special/appreciated?" I don't know if it's anything he thinks consciously, but that spirit seems to animate his actions and words. He always keeps the other person's feelings and dignity in mind.
The pain meds worked great today. Graham had very little pain and he felt only the slightest bit spacey. We took a nice walk around the block. He rode a mile on his exercise bike, and he even did his floor exercises!
Now he's getting ready for a masseuse from the Cancer Clinic to give him an hour-long massage. If he loves it, I'll see if I can arrange for her to come out to the house every other night.
THANKS: We got a lovely basket of flowers from some wonderful folks that Graham used to work with at Wyeth in St. Louis. Thank you so much, Cassie D, Tony B, Sioni B, Marti B, Robin B and Rob M! We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness. (If you get a chance, please send me your email addresses. I'd love to send you a personal thank you.)
Thank you Lisa H for the "Sloppy Mommies" (Sloppy Joes made with turkey). It was finger licking good! :-)
The pain meds worked great today. Graham had very little pain and he felt only the slightest bit spacey. We took a nice walk around the block. He rode a mile on his exercise bike, and he even did his floor exercises!
Now he's getting ready for a masseuse from the Cancer Clinic to give him an hour-long massage. If he loves it, I'll see if I can arrange for her to come out to the house every other night.
THANKS: We got a lovely basket of flowers from some wonderful folks that Graham used to work with at Wyeth in St. Louis. Thank you so much, Cassie D, Tony B, Sioni B, Marti B, Robin B and Rob M! We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness. (If you get a chance, please send me your email addresses. I'd love to send you a personal thank you.)
Thank you Lisa H for the "Sloppy Mommies" (Sloppy Joes made with turkey). It was finger licking good! :-)
2 comments:
Dear Graham---I cannot believe you were on your exercise bike and were doing floor exercises. After the last two postings, I was amazed to hear this. You are truly unbelievable. This shows that you still have the strength to keep on fighting this. Do not give up, keep on going. I still believe if anyone can defeat this, it is you. Now that your pain has been relieved, hopefully your strength to carry on will be renewed. Through it all, your inner peace and graciousness never wavers. You are still a "winner" no matter what the outcome!
I am happy to hear that even though you could not attend your Mother's funeral, you were there.
Wishing & Sending You Strength & Peace---Your Friend Bernard
Bernard,
I couldn't believe all the exercise he did today either! He is one determined guy. Thanks for your encouragement, Bernard. Hugs to Joni, Frankie and Kayla.
Lee
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