Monday, February 20, 2006

From ICU to Intensive Care

Jan has a new address!!! she moved this evening to the intensive care unit where she shares a large area with 10 or 12 other patients. The pace is a lot slower that in the critical care area. There is no sense of urgency and the nurse was very kind.

She responds clearly to what she wants and what she does not want. She didn't seem bothered about the change. Her vitals were normal, her temperature just a bit high. She seemed somewhat tired, she would focus for about 5 minutes and then dose off for a few minutes. She needs a lot of rest. The nurse reminded us of the importance of giving her a chance to recuperate.

My Dad and I went in to talk to her. She was very awake and kept looking at us very carefully, like studying our faces. When Dad talked to her she smiled and nodded. Made motions with her lips as if she wanted to form words but no sound came out. Dad prayed close to her ear, her eyes clearly got moist with tears. Did she know who my dad was? Was she praying along? All facts indicate that she was understanding what was happening.

Her cheeks had a nice peach colour, her hand was untied (the nurse asked her not to take her tubes out or else, she would tie her hand). She ran slowly her finger along the stiches and then moved her mouth to one side of her face, like saying: oh well...it could be worse! I told her she looked beautiful, she smiled.

Tonight, I saw Jan the warrior again. I remember her words: I was born to fly! And fly she will! She has a note on her desk at home with a quote from Isaiah 40:30 "they will raise up as an eagle in teh sky.."

Thank you for all your prayers and efforts of love. They are yielding a wonderful fruit.

1 comment:

takebigbites said...

Hi 'Ret. I read your comment on your own journal page -- yes, I have printed the comics you sent, and they are in the email binder along with all the rest. I especially liked 'boots on the wrong feet'! I hope Jan will too when we show her. -Steve (Jan's brother)