Thursday, April 18, 2013

April 18, 2013 6:00am




Good morning!  I’m really sorry the blog has not been updated for a couple of days- I know that many of you have been left without any information. We have been busy here in Tehachapi helping Penny be comfortable now that she is home, and that has left us with no time for an update. I’ll try to bring everyone up to speed now.

Penny is now comfortably situated in a downstairs bedroom. A couple of her beloved dogs have carved out a place next to her bed.  Some her friends and ward members have taken turns sitting with her and she has kept Terry busy looking for the things she feels will help her be comfy. Best of all Eliza, Kathryn, Nate, and the kids have arrived!  When I saw her yesterday, she was very happy to be snuggling with grandkids and enjoying her children. 

Having extra family here has created a window of time for the rest of us to begin coordinating her care.  Ward leaders, friends, and family met together last night to assess needs and make a plan.  We hope to have the pieces of this giant puzzle put together before Kathryn and Eliza return home on Tuesday.  We continue to receive many offers of help from you.  And we will need help.  If you will let me know what you would be willing to do, I will make sure that your name gets to the appropriate person. 

Just a last word about visitors.  At our meeting last night, it was decided that it would be best to decrease the visiting hours a little, to give the family a little more quiet time, especially in the evenings when Penny is tired after a long day.  So we would ask that you visit between the hours of 10:30am and 5pm.  We are aware that many of you work and cannot come during the day.  There may be occasions when she might be able to have visitors after 5, but please contact the family to see if it’s a good time.  Remember that she is most lucid earlier in the day, before she gets tired. It’s best if you don’t bring small children with you, as the Swenson home is not childproof.  Also, please bear in mind the sensitive nature of Penny’s illness.  Respect the privacy of the family and please don’t ask Penny medical questions about the nature of her diagnosis.  Keep your visit friendly and positive, not medical. She really does like to visit with you.  Ask her about her grandkids and show her pictures of your family.  She loves to show everyone pictures of hers!

We are so grateful for all the expressions of love and concern that you have sent Penny’s way.  She and her family appreciate each of you and the role you play in their lives.  Thank you again for all you have done and will do to help them!

Karinne

No comments:

Post a Comment