Visiting

I entered the room, and after being warmly welcomed with a hug and kiss, I was immediately ushered into a chair and offered some horsd'oeuvres, a bowl of baby cut carrots, ranch dip, cheese cubes and crackers. Where was I? Why, at that downtown establishment, Clark Bed and Cafe! Well, techinically, there is only one bed, and it is occupied, but there are plenty of snacks for all.

Even being stationed in a hospital room, surrounded by blips of machines, the drip of chemo and the unmistakable smell of "hospital", Mom has managed to create a homey and welcoming environment. There is a small refrigerator stuffed (and only those who have seen Mom and Dad's refrigerator at home can fully picture this) with healthy juices and food. Over the sink is a shelf, where silverware, plates, and bowls are neatly stacked, as well as containers of healthy snacks. Under the window is another box of individual bags of crackers, kindly provided by a church friend, as well as a plate of homemade treats. On the wall is a bulletin board decorated with cheerful pictures from grandchildren, as well as kind cards from friends. Overall, it created an environment of love, and even normalcy, in a place that can be devoid of those home touches.

I spent about an hour with Mom and Dad as they ate dinner. Mom has been purchasing frozen, ready made items from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's to bring to the hospital for their meals. She said that she was planning on eating the hospital food, and giving Dad the "good stuff", but she couldn't stomach it. She asked, "How do they mess up EGGS? I mean, how can they make eggs taste bad?" So she is making sure that Dad has healthy food as long as he can handle eating, before the chemo makes him too nauseous.

Another blessing is that they were transferred to a nurse practitioner team for Dad's care. This transfer was facilitated by my good friend Susie, who has known Dad ever since we were kids, and who is a nurse on the team. They are glad to see a friendly and familiar face throughout the day as Susie comes in to check on Dad (he is not actually "her" patient to spare them both any embarrassing or awkward situations if he needed to be examined).

All and all, it was a very nice visit, and I was thankful to see that Dad was looking better. Mom also seemed to be in good spirits, and it was really good to spend time with them both.