Well Minnie, you brought back some memories for me. My sisters made sure the clipboard and pen and paper were ready, too. (Charades didn't work too well!) They kept a notebook full of pages and pages of my notes--just when they thought they could have some peace from my talking! Of course when we look at them now we can estimate what stage of pain meds I was in by the legibility.

We also used a dry-erase board to track the nurses' and aides' names each shift and also to track the pain med. times. We could let our nurse know in advance if I'd need it so I wouldn't have to wait long after it was due. The nurses and aides appreciated being called by name--it helped us develop positive relationships that I believe improved my level of care--and I liked knowing how to gauge my progress and expectations so we could ask for medication adjustments if we saw a pattern of pain intolerance.

Amy, all this reminds me of memories we made in the worst of times that made us laugh through them. We may have developed a "sick" sense of humor, but laughter is great medicine and I'm hoping you and John will be able to find (look for) things to laugh at in spite of the pain and trauma so maybe you'll both have a boost in the healing process.

Add my hands to the circle around you and John. If I could give you both hugs, I would. I'm convinced that love heals too and I'm sending that along as well.

Love and hugs,
Ruth