Still Got It

March 16, 2009

Erin's still got it, in more ways than one. We had a very slow weekend, with Erin staying in bed a lot. We watched a few movies (thanks for the recommendations. . .we are always up to hear what other people like) and have churned through page after page of the book we are on. In many ways, this has been reminiscent of transplant: Erin feeling unwell and nothing but patience to get us through until her counts recover and her various ailments resolve.

Unlike usual, she hasn't had much to say, letting us know what she wants or needs with just a word or two. Last night, as I sat next to her, keeping her feet warm and reading aloud, in sequence she asked for "tissue," "ice water," and "carmex." No "please," no "thank you," not even a name attached to know who she was directing. Walter, of course, brought each item in turn. The third time he jumped up to fetch something, I said, "Erin, you little general, where are your armies?" She turned towards me, deadpan look on her face, and said "In my sleevies. Where do you keep yours?"

This morning, we enacted a similar tableau. This time my mom sat next to her, keeping her feet warm and working a crossword puzzle with her. I walked by and noticed a pile of spent tissues sitting next to her. While I don't relish handling sputum-filled tissue (sputum is a new word I learned in the hospital last week. There are new brochures displayed at every turn explaining to patients and visitors how to deal with sputum--spit and snot--safely), I do it because Teddy will roll around on them and spread the joy of sputum if I don't. Anyway, I gathered them up and asked Erin if I "could file these important papers." She said, "of course." Then as I walked away, she added, "but only if you don't get them out of order or in the wrong folder." I'm sure I heard a rim shot after she spoke.

Anyway, for the first day in a long time, I feel like Erin feels better this morning than she did the day before. She still has whatever she had (illnesswise), but I think she has less of it. She also seems to be experiencing climbing counts (though that's a guess, rather than a scientific conclusion). As for a sense of humor and comedic timing: she definitely still got it.