Janet's sister Marilyn is a Monkey. Well almost. Actually she was born in July 1956 and in the Chinese calendar that means she was born in the year of the Monkey. I was also born in 1956 (June) so I too am a Monkey. Janet likes to joke that when Marilyn is visiting there are 2 Monkey's in the house. Monkey's are known for their cleverness, or what Janet refers to as Monkey business. Marilyn and I decided to apply that cleverness to improving Janet's view of the world. We rearranged the bedroom furniture so that when the new hospital bed arrived Janet could see the Northshore mountains from her bed.
This afternoon the red cross delivered the adjustable bed with many air pockets and also a bed tray and a bath seat and a wheelchair. Janet loves her new bed. We have positioned it in the space we cleared in the bedroom and on a clear day, such as today, she has a very decent view of the Northshore Mountains. We are hoping the bed will put less strain on her back which has given her trouble lately.
Janet continues to read or (have read to her) emails and comments from this blog site. Tomorrow she will go to BGH for paracentisis. This is the procedure where they drain excess fluid from her belly. We both hope that after the procedure she will be able to hold down more food (and calories). I have booked Sunday through Wednesday of next week as family and rest days for Janet. Janet knows that she is fortunate to have so many friends who care about her. The last few months have been an interesting lesson for me on much one person can influence other peoples lives.
On Tuesday Tim Draper a long time TELUS employee and friend of Janet's visited us. Tim is known for his "good questions" and he asked me after the visit what I remember most about Janet when I think back on the time she and I have spent together. I gave him a quick answer about how happy she was the first time we took a cruise together. It was a fast off the cuff answer without a lot of thought. However, the question really stuck with me and I have sought to find an answer in a single word and I have found the answer. The word is "fun."
Janet is fun. She has always been fun. She may always be fun, although at some point in the future, that fun might only be a laugh when we think back on how much fun we had with her. Last night Janet asked for a couple of hours on her own to rest without Marilyn and I (the 2 Monkey's) popping in and checking on her every 15 minutes. Marilyn and I made dinner for ourselves and drank some wine and about 45 minutes into the couple of hours we realized that we already missed Janet. Even when she is very sick, Janet is still fun and we miss her when we are not interacting with her.
Janet and I continue to be in awe and count our blessings for the friendship and support we have received from all of you. Both Janet and I feel like we are a part of a very large, very supportive family that includes all of you. Thank you for all you have done so far to brighten up this phase of Janet's life. I remain committed to making her life as comfortable and as happy as possible.
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4 comments:
Janet and Mark
First of all Mark thank you for these wonderful updates. I continue to be amazed with both you.
Janet I agree with Mark the first thing I think of about you is fun. We have had so much fun together especially at the Christmas parties. Who could forget James and Hank the plastic boys, well maybe both of us, the lips, the drums........I could go on and on.
I just want to say thank you for being a friend and showing us the way with your optomism and courage at this time.
Love
Carole Rayer
Oh Janet,
Little did you know that yesterday you had 3 little monkeys in the room! I was born in '68 which is another year of the monkey - no wonder it was such an upbeat and fun visit. Monkeys sure seem to love your zest for life, curiosity and quest for fun and adventure. Are you a monkey too?! It is interesting that when I met Patrick and Norm for lunch after our visit, I was drawn to a glass of Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. This was prior to this blog mentioning the monkeys in the house. It is my favourite wine, which I discovered months ago because I liked the name and thought it represented Monkey Business, which I am very fond of. So I wanted to savour our precious visit in the present, and then go visit the Monkey Bay winery in New Zealand and toast the magnificent Janet from there. We will be there in March of this year and that is on my itinerary. So I had a glass yesterday and thought great things about you and raised a glass to toast you. I will continue to do so with each glass of Monkey Bay, and now it is even more meaningful. I am not only a Monkey, but I am one of Janet's Monkeys!
Sweet dreams honey,
Colleen
Hi Janet and Mark
Wanted you both to know that I have been thinking of you alot! I am thankful for the blog as I havent wanted to disturb you via the phone. FUN is a great word to describe Janet.We (JR JB Steph)have had many FUN times, all foggy memories (probably due to the wine) but wonderful memories none the less. Thank You for those great memories Janet.
Your Friend,
Sandy Morrison
Although, Janet, I did not get a chance to get to know you as well as I would have liked I did get a chance to know you through Mark and I have a pretty good idea of the kind of person you are. I certainly have gained insight through this blog and the great things people are saying about you.
If I were asked to give the single most useful piece of advice for all humanity it would be this:
Cherish the love of your family and friends it is the most valuable thing you have.
remember that poem by Guillaume Appolinaire, Up the Down Slope?
come to the edge
no, we will fall
come to the edge
no, we will fall
they came to the edge
he pushed them, and they flew
That is the courage and determination Janet and Mark that you have shown with this battle you are a remarkable couple and my prayers and good wishes are with you.
Gurmail
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