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Monday, March 16, 2009

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.

10 comments:

  1. Erin has always had such a sharp wit and great sense of humor! I'm glad she is beginning to feel better and hope it's not long until she is feeling like her feisty, go-getter self.


    Kimberly Reeves

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  2. HI guys just letting you know that we are here if you need us to bring anything or just come by for a visit. But i know when you dont feel good the last thing you want is visitors. So when we know that she is feeling better we will drop in for a quick visit. Thanks for letting us know how she is doing. Yall are always in our prayers.
    Tracy Ash

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  3. Hi buengers -
    thanks for the update.
    I'm sorry erin is feeling punky, but hoping and praying that her virus has been a big part of what's getting the better of her!
    Here's to a more cheery playful Erin soon!!!

    Lara

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  4. Erin cracks me up! I needed a good laugh today, so tell her thanks for brightening my day. Has she seen Man of the Year w/ Robin Williams? It's PG13 but outrageously funny. She could give him a run for his money any day!

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  5. procrastinating writing about my ontological and epistimilogical (can't spell that word) view of qualitative research........ so i thought i'd pop in and say hi to y'all. i hope erin is feeling even better today! i'm sitting here writing (procrastinating) in the sanctuary of my church and just said a prayer for erin, and you-vickie and walter and davis.. because as much as this struggle is erin's, it's also y'alls who love her so much. i hope y'all are laughing and wii-ing away as i type this.. or even better - that everyone is happily at work and school knowing that you can be there because erin is feeling that much better. :)

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  6. So glad to hear. She is such a hoot!

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  7. Well, I sure hope you filed those correctly!!!

    Glad she's better at least in spirit!!

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  8. I once drove 50 miles to pick up a sputum. I worked in a medical lab and was on call one weekend, and one of the nursing homes had a sputum that needed cultured-STAT! Could not wait til Monday. I made it ride in the trunk. Had not heard the word in years! Sure hope this rough patch is almost history!

    Shea VB

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  9. Ah, Erin...you do have one great sense of humor I have to say. I feel like it's been so long since I've seen you, but I'm very happy that you are at home and doing stuff you enjoy. Let me know what kind of movies you like and I'll try to suggest some good one's for you :)
    Erica

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  10. I miss you guys!! I am so glad to hear Erin is feeling better. This weather is not helping anyone. I hear they are working on an NB picnic for the Spring. I would love to see you guys!!

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