Lady Bug

I saw Kim last just over a week ago. It was a shorter visit, but it was jam packed! I had exchanged the pajamas I bought her for the correct size and even found her a pair she liked better than the ones I bought previously. I helped her to buy a new robe online as she had never really shopped online before, and it looked very pretty!! Finally, she got to meet my oldest son for the first time. It was hugely rewarding to me to be able to have her meet him. I told her ahead of time that he can be rather energetic, but he was VERY well behaved. She couldn't play with him, but she was asking him what sounds animals make and they were going back and forth meowing, barking, mooing, etc. It was so cute!

Her daughters were also there. I have only met them a couple of times. They were dancing and bouncing around the house in their dresses. They kept trying to play with my son, but he was way too shy....until they brought out the super hero toys :) Her oldest daughter drew my son a picture of a dinosaur and gave it to him....it was on the same green paper she had written the heartbreaking letter to her mom. I said to Kim, 'she is so articulate!' Kim said, 'yeah...now imagine her calling me a fucking bitch.' Stunning.....that's all I could think of at the moment. That little girl in her blue and white polka dot dress with a few little lady bugs sewn on could say something so vile.

The kids played and we were chatting. I asked her about her pain medications and how her dose was increased. She said that she would have to change the cartridge in her pump before the nurse came because otherwise she would run out. I said, 'well, why don't you do it right now and if you need help, I can help.' I got her bag of supplies and she began the process. Her hands shook slightly the entire time. I wanted to jump in and do it for her, but I didn't want to insult her either. I was in front of the rocking chair she was sitting on ready to help. She was able to do most of it. The things she couldn't do required a strong grip--something she is losing the ability to do. I helped her click the cartridge back in place and lock it, change the batteries, and change the tubing. After cleaning up and putting those supplies away, I snipped all the tags off of her new pj's and got the ready to be washed.

She had also asked me to bring her some water bottles like the ones I usually bring because they are easy for her to open. I brought two and filled one with apple juice as she requested.

She told me that she had been sitting on the ground painting the girls toe nails and it ended up causing her a great deal of pain. She was trying to hide it because she didn't want the girls to know. When she tells me these things, it saddens me immensely. I can't imagine having such basic, every day type activities resulting in so much pain.

I would have stayed longer, but I knew my son had to get some dinner. It was nearing 6:30pm and we had to get back home. I gave her a hug and told her 'I love you.' I asked her to let me know when she gets the robe and what she thinks of it. She said she would :)