Journal entry by Jennifer Norris —
Sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a really busy week. This will likely be my last post to this journal. Feel free to reach out directly.
Update:
It took 44 days but Jon was released from the hospital as planned on Tuesday 5/26. I joined him for his morning rehab therapies and learned what he can and can't do. The can list includes: self-care, walking short distance without assistance, and stairs (slowly and with a spotter). He has a walker for extra balance, as needed, but is not dependent on it. His 40lb weight loss means there is a lot of muscle strength to regain and it will be a very slow process. I think everything over the past 2 months has been very slow. He also continues to need an iron supplement and blood thinner medication.
For at least the next 8 weeks, Jon will have occupational and physical rehabilitation 2 times per week. His day consists of small amounts of activity (showering, getting dressed, walking downstairs, standing, walking around the house, a car ride) usually followed by an afternoon nap. Going up the stairs is tiring so it is a once a day activity. Hopefully, each week will continue to bring more strength and energy.
My Thoughts:
There is so much. There have been lots of smiles, hugs, and tears this week. I didn't realize how empty the house felt until Jon was back home. We've been side by side all day, every day. Three days of sitting through my work meetings and he's already declared it too much. LOL. Right now, I'm going to try and balance it all as I am so fortunate to be able to work pretty much anywhere. We'll see how it goes as my chauffering duties continue to increase.
What have I learned about COVID-19? Testing positive does not mean you will end up in the hospital. You can be COVID positive and not have a fever. Every person reacts differently to this virus. Doctors and nurses learn more each day about how to treat those who become sick. In my opinion, like the flu, treatment may become as or more important than a vaccine.
What do I think the future looks like? We'll wear masks in public and maintain physical distance as best we can. We are no more contagious or susceptible to disease than anyone else. I hope that people will wear masks for themselves and others. For me, it's about the common good. Freedom, choice, equal access, self-destiny, etc. are not to be convenient or important when they apply only to you and your wants.
I hope and pray that we are able to return to a new normal (sooner than later) that includes hugs, sports, vacations, in-person collaboration, and school, where I'm not the teacher. Please be kind to each other. Respect the workers who are doing their best to assist you. Don't apologize when your pet or child or spouse interrupts your video conference, we get it. Give yourself some grace. Step away from your laptop. Tell your loved ones, "I love you."
Love to All,
Jen, Jon, and Jackson
Update:
It took 44 days but Jon was released from the hospital as planned on Tuesday 5/26. I joined him for his morning rehab therapies and learned what he can and can't do. The can list includes: self-care, walking short distance without assistance, and stairs (slowly and with a spotter). He has a walker for extra balance, as needed, but is not dependent on it. His 40lb weight loss means there is a lot of muscle strength to regain and it will be a very slow process. I think everything over the past 2 months has been very slow. He also continues to need an iron supplement and blood thinner medication.
For at least the next 8 weeks, Jon will have occupational and physical rehabilitation 2 times per week. His day consists of small amounts of activity (showering, getting dressed, walking downstairs, standing, walking around the house, a car ride) usually followed by an afternoon nap. Going up the stairs is tiring so it is a once a day activity. Hopefully, each week will continue to bring more strength and energy.
My Thoughts:
There is so much. There have been lots of smiles, hugs, and tears this week. I didn't realize how empty the house felt until Jon was back home. We've been side by side all day, every day. Three days of sitting through my work meetings and he's already declared it too much. LOL. Right now, I'm going to try and balance it all as I am so fortunate to be able to work pretty much anywhere. We'll see how it goes as my chauffering duties continue to increase.
What have I learned about COVID-19? Testing positive does not mean you will end up in the hospital. You can be COVID positive and not have a fever. Every person reacts differently to this virus. Doctors and nurses learn more each day about how to treat those who become sick. In my opinion, like the flu, treatment may become as or more important than a vaccine.
What do I think the future looks like? We'll wear masks in public and maintain physical distance as best we can. We are no more contagious or susceptible to disease than anyone else. I hope that people will wear masks for themselves and others. For me, it's about the common good. Freedom, choice, equal access, self-destiny, etc. are not to be convenient or important when they apply only to you and your wants.
I hope and pray that we are able to return to a new normal (sooner than later) that includes hugs, sports, vacations, in-person collaboration, and school, where I'm not the teacher. Please be kind to each other. Respect the workers who are doing their best to assist you. Don't apologize when your pet or child or spouse interrupts your video conference, we get it. Give yourself some grace. Step away from your laptop. Tell your loved ones, "I love you."
Love to All,
Jen, Jon, and Jackson
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