Just another typical Saturday in a Chicago Hospital. Unfortunately, we have enough experience now that we can say that.

I went home last night to re-load, hopefully for the last time. Got my birds fed, did a load of laundry, discovered I have a critter eating cat food in the barn, found Suzanne’s embroidery, packed and on the road I was.

Arriving at the hospital, Suzanne was more than ready to see me. Sharing her stories of what all happened the night before, and share she does. With her Trach valve, she is able to vocalize (not quite talk) and I’m able to understand her, at least some. It’s kind of a cross between the background characters on a Charlie Brown show and a kazoo – – – Whaa Wha Whaa Wha Wha, Wha. But getting better each day as the swelling goes down. I’m probably at about 25% understanding first try, another 25% on the second try and it goes to pencil & paper if I don’t get it after the third try. We laugh about it as I told her “I’m learning”. Her response, “learn faster!”

The only frustrating thing she has had to face in the Hospital is the nurse call button. Since day one, when she pushes the button, the response is “How can I help you?” After a few moments of silence, the attendant on the other end hangs up. At this point, in your mind, you’re saying – – You’ve got to be kidding? NOPE, and every day she/we tell someone, and every day, it happens again. Shared it with one of her Dr’s today and they were upset. They use this floor exclusively for surgeries like Suzanne and everyone should know better.

The stitches in her upper right arm came out this afternoon. Looking really good, the Dr was more than happy. The hole in her throat incision isn’t getting worse and they said that was what they were hoping for. Then the big surprise, Dr. A’s orders today included Suzanne starting with ice chips, something we didn’t expect for a week or two.

As always, when I’m around, walking is in order. Today she hit 3900 steps on her FitBit making the hallway rounds. We have an audience every time we hit the track and usually get a “great job” or “you two are so cute”. They see us as that old couple that walks through the shopping mall holding hands.

The plans continue to be discharged on Monday, at least in our minds.

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent
Acts 18:9