Annie is off on her own again. The last NIH visit for a final assessment. I get a couple days off. Nice. Good perspective moment to catch up on thoughts and work on projects. I’m installing an arbor over the next two weeks. My contract work is slow this time of year (Ramadan) so suddenly I have time on my hands.
Sidebar tip for the day: Want to have your survivor not ask you the same thing multiple times? Get them to repeat it back. Then when they ask again you can say, “What was it you told me the answer was?” Works like a charm. Lowers frustration and blood pressure. Your friends will think you’re being mean but they don’t live it everyday. “You’re not helping” said with a smile usually stops the stern look.
Annie also uses her iPhone as a form of memory. She can catalog her day, store her thoughts and remember communication. Again, friends will say “You sure text a lot” and a smile usually clears that one without further comment. I doubt Apple has a stroke app but they should. Quick thoughts and reminders. It is a godsend for when Annie travels. A quick note. A short “I’m okay” and the day can progress. It is a wonderful world with all this technology. Without it she’d be home bound or worse.
Oh, and there is no safer place for her than the airports. Once released into the system she has dozens of people offer support and care. And they’re all screened! The airlines do a very good job with the handicapped. They get it. And they get her out and back safely. I need to think of some way to thank them.
