This is Verdene. She is 82 years old, (I think). For the past two months I have been taking care of her. Actually we've been her live-in care and company.
The week after we moved in she got shingles on her head and left side of her face. She was in terrible pain, crying in the night and really needing some Divine help. (Thank goodness for the priesthood. In a few days time Adam had given her several blessings.) After going to urgent care and getting some good drugs a few days later I noticed that the left side of her face was drooping. Her eye wasn't closing all the way and when she smiled the left side of her mouth didn't move. I thought she had a stroke. STRESS! I called her family and they immediately took her in. She spent the night in the hospital while the dr.'s ran lots of tests. The results were that she did not have a stroke, but it was nerve damage from the shingles. More medication and eye drops every half hour to keep the bad eye moist. At this point I was giving Verdene medication 5 times a day. Basically I was providing 24 hour care.
That same week, she walked into the living room and I noticed blood on her hand and what looked like flesh under her fingernails. Worried, I asked where the blood came from. She said that her leg hurt. So with permission I lifted her pant leg and found that she had scratched a 4 inch long, 2 inch wide, hole in her leg. Basically it looked like hamburger, no skin left at all. I cleaned up the blood and the wound as well as I could. I had her clean up her nails and the blood on her hand and then I called her family. Another trip to urgent care. More medication. Now I also needed to put ointment on her leg twice a day and keep it bandaged. Verdene had been to the dr./urgent care/hospital, 4 times in one week (or something pretty close to that). Poor lady.
During this same time Noah got sick with two infected lymph nodes and a severe ear infection. I bet no one knew that I was a nurse in my spare time (although I didn't have any spare time at this point). So I was also giving Noah medication too!
Verdene has gotten better and after Noah being on antibiotics for 20 days (the first dose didn't work) he's better too. But, our time has ended with Verdene and she is moving in with her daughter. She's having a hard time, thinking of leaving the house she's lived in for 46 years. Lots of tears and reminiscing, but I hope she'll be okay. She's a very sweet lady.
Where are we going? Well, I think we're going to stay at Jeremy's (my brothers) for the next few months. Yes, besides becoming snowbirds (don't be a hater), we are also nomads :) It's not something I'm proud of, but I'm hopeful that consistency will finally come when we get back to Alaska.
The past two months have been weird and I've lost touch with most of the outside world. (I still love all my friends and family. I haven't forgotten you). Being with Verdene has reminded me of how much I miss my grandma. She died two years ago, Feb. 12th. Sometimes it hits me so hard I find little tears rolling down my cheek. Thank goodness I know I'll see her again.
6 comments:
Shell,
I check everyday to see if you have updated your blog and today Whit came running up the stairs yelling that you had updated it. I stopped what I was doing and immediately read every word and looked at your great pictures. I too think about Grandma all the time, especially now knowing that she has my little Annalee and is sending her off with a hug I'm sure. I sure love you Shell and look up to you so much. I can't wait to see you soon and have my little girl meet her Aunt Shell Bell!!! Give the boys a hug from Aunt Holly and tell them I love them to pieces!
Oh my gosh Michelle I am wiping tears away from my eyes. I have always know how amazing you really are but this is living proof you are AMAZING> I don't know that I could do that. Having to juggle the sickness of your kids and then someone who isn't even related too you. You have a big heart. Yeah I lost my grandma when I was in JR. High and let me tell you I miss her everyday. And man I wish I could see her and see how she is doing. I know that we will see her again but miss the love she would give all of us kids.
WOW! Michelle, you are truly an angel. I'm excited for you to get back to Alaska, only because I know that is what you are looking forward to.
I fully started to cry at the mention of your Grandma Eagar. She was an amazing woman. I too love the gospel.
You are an angel to so many people! :) That's why I miss you so much! Sounds like a crazy life you've been living. I'm glad everyone is better and that Verdene is with family now, sounds like that will be good.
.... i think you should come live with us next. We'll put the air matress in the preschool room...
When are you guys suppose to be going back to alaska? This is Laura by the way... Adam's cousin.
hmm. plus you were barely PREGNANT during this all. and having the 'throw ups' like a mad woman.
you are too amazing for words. people dont know even half of what you do.
youre the best sis.
Post a Comment