I know a lot of you have been wondering about Ann and Joe and how they're progressing with Ann's (and Joe's) medical problems. I had an email from Joe this morning after I inquired about Ann's status. We last heard from Joe at the end of January and not much has changed since then. Here's what he had to say:
We suggested he might want to volunteer at the VA as he's there every day anyway.
Those of you with Joe's email address might want to drop him a short note letting him know you're thinking about them.
As you know, Cricket suffered a minor<?> heart attack in December. That effectively took her off the liver transplant list. She would require some sort of heart operation....and that means giving her medication. Since the liver must process all chemicals (body fluid) entering the body...and it can't... her death warrant was officially signed. She is definitely now in the terminal stage. She is a resident of the VA Community Living Center and I visit her daily.
Her short term memory is shot. Her long term memory is 'iffy'. She is mentally confused and can't separate fact from fantasy. She recognizes me. She is wheelchair bound. She sleeps most of the time. She receives wonderful physical, medical care from the VA staff.
She has now been in the VA Community Living Center for 6 months.
I'm coping....and waiting. I can't really make any future plans. I doubt I will travel. We had to give up our dogs last November because no pets or plants were allowed because her immune system was so week. So... I am alone. Because of the Arizona heat... having a pet is difficult for them.... and I would want to have a dog with me at all times for companionship.
Oh... my toe got infected in April and I spent 9 days in the hospital. They caught the infection so I did not lose the toe. However, that experience of being in the hospital finalized my decision not to get a dog.....who would take care of it. Being alone now, I don't want to burden anyone to take care of a dog, etc.
Not much else to share. I'm exercising by swimming in the pool and riding my bike.... and walking a bit. Parking at the VA is always a challenge (not enough parking places)...so I usually end up walking at least a 1/4 mile in order to reach the VA building. So... I count on that for some of my daily exercise. I also walk with a cane....well I have it for stability (if I need it)... but it isn't absolutely necessary.
...
I continue to make pens... having lots of fun with laser cut inlay pens. I have signed up for two vendor markets (Sunflower and Happy Trails) starting in November. Hope to sell some pens.. but most of the folks only purchase stuff with the top price of $20. My pens cost twice that much for materials. However, it will get me out of the house.
Haven't found anyplace I want to volunteer....to be able to socialize. Maybe something will turn up.
We suggested he might want to volunteer at the VA as he's there every day anyway.
Those of you with Joe's email address might want to drop him a short note letting him know you're thinking about them.