This morning began in Victor, NY with another hotel breakfast. After checking out we began our long journey across 90east, the New York Thruway. We bought a big thing of chicken strips at a service station, and supplemented with some of the food we still had remaining, for lunch. We arrived in Holyoke about 3pm and headed straight to the rehab center to see Great- Grandma. Honestly, it wasn't that great of a visit. Her oxygen levels were in the 70s, low low low. Her hands were purple and I think they were bothering her. She seemed very fatigued, almost like she was drifting in and out of sleep. When she did talk, her voice was strong though and of course her mind still very sharp. We didn't really know what to expect and what her new normal would be like. We visited for about 30minutes before running to the Stop n Shop for groceries (yay for milk and fresh fruits!) and then to Great- Grandma's apartment. We unpacked and washed some dishes and started some much needed laundry.
Aunt Betty called about 4:30 when she finished up work. The rehab center had called her and after talking to them and us, she went straight over there. This had me pretty worried. Great- Grandma's oxygen was indeed way too low. Betty tinkered around with the machine and was able to get her levels back up into the 90s fairly quickly (not sure why the nurses hadn't done this sooner?!). She then came here to the apartment and we were joined by Uncle Rick for dinner at Phylly's. The food was good, and as always, we enjoyed cookies and ice cream for dessert :). The kids ate pretty well, especially Abby with Uncle Rick's help. We enjoyed catching up on the family, especially in regards to Cousin Amy. It sounds like there are some exciting new treatment options, and for the first time in a long time, Rick says she is hopeful and talking about the future. We also visited with a few other residents and people, everyone here always seems to know Dorothy Chase and wants to see the kids!
After regrouping and a quick Chloe bath (she spilt lemonade down herself at dinner), we all went back to the rehab center. I am so glad we went again tonight. Whatever Betty did to help Grandma and get the oxygen going again made all the difference in the world. It was wonderful to see Great- Grandma back to herself, certainly made me feel tons better. She had her color and she was alert and life was so much better. Abby does the best with her, I think Ryan is a little scared or nervous or something around her despite my pep talks. He did well though, he got pretty close and blew her kisses and posed for a picture or two. And I know that Great- Grandma enjoys watching them, even if she's not always interacting. Abby, on the other hand, was right up there sitting with her in the hospital bed. At some point Rick gave them his phone and the almost 97 and the 4 year old sat there hunched over the phone together for a really, really long time. It was a neat sight, really special. Chloe did well, she wandered up to her a few times and she actually wanted to get her nose, but what with the oxygen issues and all, we wouldn't let her. But she did show off her tricks and she was able to convince Uncle Rick to let her do back flips off his knees. She also blew kisses and waved. She would wave to Great- Grandma's roommate too, which I thought was super sweet. It was a good, good visit. The Red Sox were on in the background and all was right with the world.
So grateful to be here and visiting with Great- Grandma. Looking forward to another awesome day tomorrow!
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