If I hadn’t seen it, I never would have believed it.  Lew enjoyed his bath this morning!  It was like a day at the spa — only shorter.  He said his lower legs haven’t been so clean in ages.  He got to sit down and not move a muscle while in the shower.  He got dried while sitting down.  And he got his hair blow dried and combed (but not just right — he had to do something for himself).  Even shaved.  And he enjoyed every minute of it.  And he made plans to get a bath three times next week!

I’m thrilled!  I don’t have to worry about him while he’s trying to do it himself.  Last time he showered, he had to lie down and rest before drying his hair.  He was exhausted by the time he finished shaving.  Today, he looked refreshed, relaxed, and very happy.

Today was also a day of realization.  I told the CNA that Lew could explain how to work the shower controls or work them himself.  A few minutes later, I was saying, “Turn the top one clockwise.  Now turn the bottom one counter-clockwise.”  I assume that it was because he was in a new situation and a bit overwhelmed.

Then Lew got all worried — a screw fell out of one of the shower knobs.  I told him not to worry about it, that I’d take care of it when he was all done in the bathroom.  Well . . . there was no screw on the floor.  No hole without a screw.  Teasing, Lew asked, “Okay if I show you where the screw came out?”  He was flabbergasted when he couldn’t find the hole missing a screw.

“Honey, I guess now is a good time to have a conversation.  I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday.  I’ve asked Hospice to ask a volunteer to sit with you while I’m gone.”  Lew agreed that it was a good idea to have someone here with him while I’m gone.  I’m okay with leaving him alone while I drive through at the drug store or grocery store.  But if I’m going to be anywhere where I might be gone more than a few minutes . . .

I had to go over to our car insurance office to get photos taken of my van this afternoon.  Before I left, I asked Lew what his name is and where he thought he was.  He answered correctly.  Then I asked him how he would call me if he needed me.  He answered correctly — he would get my cell phone number off the refrigerator door.  (He doesn’t remember how to use the memory buttons on our home phones.)  But, I have to admit, I was in kind of a hurry to get back home.

So, gang, you’ve been offering to help — its time.  If you’d like to sit with Lew while I get out of the house, bring a book or your knitting or whatever.  Lew will likely sleep most of the time.  He may want to get up — its okay.  He can make himself a cup of tea.  If he wants to eat, I’ll be amazed.  He just doesn’t need to be repairing anything.  So, if you’d like something easy to do, please drop me an email and let me know when you’re available.  Thank You!

Nurse Hospice has been asking Lew if he wants a hospital bed.  While trying to arrange his pillows just right this afternoon, he told me he was ready.  Now, what to do with the queen sized bed?