Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A whopper junior with cheese

I am overwhelmed at the moment . . . but it’s not because of what is happening in my life right now. It’s because my inbox is full of support, well wishes for my family, and love. And I’m finding it difficult to process all of your wonderful comments.

My husband is getting better. And this morning, we actually had a conversation and only had to resort to using sign-language once. The brain is a remarkable thing, my friends. And so is my husband.

A few scenes from last week, taken with my camera phone . . .


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A section of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore where my sister, Char, and I went after visiting my husband last Friday. She forced me to have dinner and to walk around a little bit.

It did a world of good.


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Although it tasted just a little bit of guilt.

We ate at Joe Squared 2 at Power Plant Live, whatever that is. I had read a review of this restaurant while at the hospital, and couldn’t get this clam & bacon pizza out of mind.

Yes, clam & bacon. And it was yummy.

: : :

Photos of Johns Hopkins Hospital, taken from various vantage points.


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I got in trouble for taking the photo above from the Wolfe Street entrance. Don’t know why. The over-zealous security guard said that I should know why.


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Taken from one of my husband’s rooms.


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Taken from another room, with a view of the Wolfe Street entrance.


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Taken from his final room, which is my favorite not only because you can see the water in the background, but because this view made it finally dawn on him that he was in Baltimore, at the good hospital.


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Taken from my driveway, heading up the lane to bring my husband a lunch I had just bought for him.
For the past several days, he had been trying to communicate the fact that he needed to gain back some weight. He lost 12 pounds while in the hospital, and was suffering from aphasia (the inability to understand both the spoken and written word). He drew a picture and wrote 700 under it. We knew that this thing he was talking about was round and full of food and it cost either $700 or $7, and for a couple of days, it remained a mystery.

And then yesterday, we realized that he thought he should eat a whopper with cheese because they were about 700 calories. We were elated that we finally understood (and so was he, I’m sure). So I went out to the local Burger Kill (that’s what he’s always called it), bought the sandwich, a large fries, and a vanilla milkshake for his lunch.

And he gained 2 pounds.

: : :

Please don’t think it’s sad here at my house. I am happy. My husband is doing well. The only thing that makes me sad is that my sisters are leaving today. But the sun is shining, my husband is smiling (and busy), and life goes on.

Now, this post was a mouthful, wasn’t it?!!


Much love,
123 Signature

65 comments:

On the Road Again said...

hWho ever thought a Whopper would be such a wonderful thing! Bless you both.

Debra Rector said...

I just returned from a 2 week tour of Tuscany and Rome where every day I ate pizza and beer for lunch. A whopper was no where to be seen in Italy. But if it were there, I would have been sorely tempted. Glad to hear hubs and you are doing well. You continue to be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

Such beautiful Autumn photos. How incredibly fortunate to have access to The Good Hospital. I visited Baltimore once when my sister lived in Maryland. Unfortunately it was August and I thought I was going to collapse from the heat and humidity. It would be much nicer to visit in October:-) So glad you've had your sisters with you and that you figured out that 700 puzzle.

Country Girl said...

Everything's always better in October . . . well, except swimming in the ocean.

~ C.G.

Suzanne said...

so glad to hear things are going well.
Holding you in prayer.

JC said...

Enjoy every moment ... I think that's what it's all about.

I remember the Baltimore harbor. Stayed there when my d was looking at colleges.

I always liked whoppers. Haven't had one in a while.

I hope each day gets better for the two .. three of you.

Annette W. said...

What a blessing to be at Johns Hopkins. We've never needed it but are thankful for the many weeks we have spent at AI DuPont with both kids...

What I found amusing is that he knows how many calories are in a BK burger! 2 pounds is great!

Your love is sweet.

(And seriously, you should know why not to take a picture of it? Really??)

Ellen said...

Glad to hear that your husband has an appetite - always a good sign.

Sending hugs your way.

MrsB said...

Sometimes a Whopper is the only thing that will do....
And 2 lbs! good job!

Linda said...

So glad things are going so well and that you have family and friends for support. Keep your chin up and give George a scratch for us :)

Daryl said...

Clams and bacon ... I suspect I would like this.

Shakes and fries are two of the fastest weight put'er-on'ers .. Toonman will tell you...

Jamie said...

I like your favorite picture too, lots to see, lots of colors and textures. And now I'm Jonesing for a Whopper.

Anonymous said...

A good hospital indeed! Wish we still lived that close to Johns Hopkins! It overjoys me to hear how well your husband is doing. Now go have another Whopper and celebrate this day! {{huggy poo to you}}

Gretchen said...

Glad to hear about the joyous cheese events! Also glad you are both home. Been reading your blog for years and now have to comment about how we are thinking of you and hoping for the best.

Jeannelle said...

Kudos to your sister and to the camera phone. And, to you! Keep on keepin' on.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Oh dear Lord, I *so* understand the rejoicing about the weight gain! I'd be happy to come and slap the guard's face for you; does he know what he doesn't know? Of course not but he's too stupid to know that.
LOL

Country Gal said...

I am soo glad to hear hubby is doing well and you are to after all that. Camera phones take pretty good photos. He will be back on his feet in no time driving you crazy and dealing with the pesty squirrels again , then everything will be back as it is supposed to be. Have a wonderful day !

Deb said...

:)

RURAL said...

I am so glad to hear that your husband is a little better. Weight gain is a good thing right now. Have you tried Ensure, or Boost? They work well.

What beautiful pictures your phone takes...that guard is probably not wanting you to give away Elvis's secret location, LOL.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Lori said...

Praying strength and peace as you travel down this road.

Carolynn Anctil said...

I know next to nothing about Baltimore, but that first shot is a beautiful introduction. John's Hopkins, on the other hand, seems a wee bit imposing...It must be difficult for everyone, this aphasia. Glad to hear your husband's on the mend, though. When you get him home, George will provide plenty of his own brand of healing energy. Big Hug!

TexWisGirl said...

this post was full of happiness, healing, gratititude - and some good filling food too! :)

GailO said...

A most excellent way to gain weight! I figure he had nearly 2000 calories in one meal if he had a large shake:) That reminds me why I need to stay away from that place!

I am sure I would love a clam and bacon pizza too:)

You make it seem easy to find some humour in communicating with aphasia...:) Love and hugs to you both.


BTW Why couldn't you take pictures of the hospital entrance?

thotlady said...

Keep eating those whoppers. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

S. Etole said...

Prayers and blessing for you both.

tina said...

it's always the little things that make you smile :)

abb said...

Hurrah for 2 lbs!

Reena said...

Oh, Kate, a wonderful post filled with love and happiness. Hear me smiling??? LOL!
A whopper does sound so good! I bet he enjoyed every bite.

Gone Country said...

Wonderful post! I'm so happy for you and your hubby! I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

Dorothy said...

So wonderful your husband is doing better. God is good. Blessings on you both.

Lee Anna said...

Amazing things: Whoppers with cheese and fries and vanilla shakes! I'm so glad to hear that your DH is doing so well. You are both very strong and obviously love each other immensely. Thank you so much for sharing your love.

Regards,
Lee Anna

Jan's camera said...

Kate, I hope your husband is up and around taking photos and trying to outsmart the squirrels again soon. 2 pounds for one Whopper? Yikes, I won't be having one of them anytime soon. But they are so good. Thinking of you, Jan.

Talia said...

Continued prayers to you and your husband. Cheers to the Whopper! :)

Sarah said...

So glad to hear that your husband is home, communicating, and eating! And that all this is making you happy. Hang in there. Positive thoughts for you abound!

Beth said...

I just wanted to let you that you and your husband will be in my thoughts. I'm glad you're both back home (as I'm sure George is as well).

Here's to a speedy recovery.

Beth

kate i said...

A Whopper and a milkshake...now you've got me going! Every once in awhile a burger and a shake are just the best medicine!

So happy to hear that your husband is feeling better and that you've had the sibs there for help and support.

The JR said...

I'm happy for you both, but I never knew a whopper with cheese would make me cry.

Connie in Hartwood said...

Your glass is definitely half full, Kate, dear. My thoughts are with you and your sweet husband ... how blessed you are to have each other.

Jen at Cabin Fever said...

I didn't get a chance to comment on your last post, but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your husband and wishing him well!! The two of you are so loving and caring towards one another, you portray it in almost every single post, that I know through thick and thin things will work out. I am so glad your house is full of happiness. Thats just a testament of how great a person you both are.

Continue to enjoy life and find happiness in every little thing :)

-Jen

Tammie said...

Dear Kate,
Peppermint Ph.D said it better than I ever could have. I'm keeping you and your husband in my prayers.

Tammie

beth said...

i think those baby steps are turning into toddler steps. i'm so glad to hear that everyday is another positive step towards recovery.

and holy cow. 700 calories and 2 gained lbs. all from burger king. hmmm, i think i'll stick with that YUMMY pizza...you tease !

amazing how prayers work isn't it ??
xoxooxo

Devon said...

So glad you both are home now! Today is good and that is all any of us can hope for!

I loved your photos... I think the security guard has been watching too many Bruce Willis movies!

A Scattering said...

Much love going out to you and your dear man. As a teenager many years ago I walked this road with my mother. My thoughts are with you.

Woman Seeking Center said...

All wonderously good news! Recognition of JH from the view, appetite alongside awareness that weight gain would be good (via the 700 note) all excellent! Toss in a silly security guard for a giggle (oh my gosh all we can say about him is 'really?!') and it's all grandly happy news!

Being home, being together, better news still.... (every aspect of a person heals better at home methinks).

Kudos to your sister(s) ~ a la pizza ~ for giving you a handful of moments to care for yourself, so you can replenish. Must refill, in whatever incriments you can so you can continue to be strong for the one you love! (with that in mind strive to guiltlessly welcome any moments or acts or actions that renew you Kate). Doing so whenever possible is really truly not selfish ~ but rather a gift you give to 'both of you'.

Here's to each mornings birdsongs finding him better and stronger...

Hugs to you both

Annie said...

crying here...so pleased to read your posts Kate. continued love and prayers.

Kerri Farley said...

What an uplifting post Kate. So glad your hubby is doing better! Hang in there my friend!

Mary Lou said...

Kate, I haven't been on here for a while so missed what was happening!! I'm so glad your hubby is better now.
Prayers for you!

Cloudia said...

much love
truly
to YOU, Dear Friend!!!!!


Bless you for thinking of us.


I will be thinking of YOU both!!!
Fondly,

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Whoppers with cheese; bacon and clam pizzas; bouyant and bountiful comments of love; and some improvement to boot.

This is all good.

Stay strong and may the improvements continue.

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Wonderful words! The simple things are the ones that matter most, aren't they?? Who'd a thunk a Whopper would do the trick? ;)

Hilary said...

One day at a time......I'm here for you.

JaneK said...

so glad you are having some sunshine both literally and figuratively! and not sure why a picture is all that big of a deal...I'm not sure why the guard didn't want you taking a picture. thanks for the post, Kate. I'm sure I speak for all in that we relish the updates. And hopefully, it has some therapeutic value to you!!!

Lili said...

What a wonderful update Kate. Don't know why you would get in trouble taking that pic of the hospital though, that guard sounded rude anyway. Still holding you both in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo ~Lili

spindrift,maine said...

Time is a healer and a friend. So glad things are going so Whopper-ly! Take care of yourself, Kate. xo

Jeanne Walker said...

Praising God for being so gracious to you both! He is a man after my heart...I love Whoppers too! Sad that your sistas are gone, but thankful that they were able to spend time with you...I know that they had to be a blessing during these days! The photos are great...cannot believe they are taken from a camera phone! Until next time, Jeanne

Christie - Fine Lines said...

Gosh, Kate, I was away for a short vacation and came back to your news today. So sorry to hear of what you and your family are going through (again). But, I wish you all good days ahead, Whoppers if that's what it takes, and lots of smiles. Glad to hear that you are taking time off work to give you time to devote the healing process.
xoxo Christie

Dawning Inspiration said...

Was just praying for you and your husband a little earlier... so glad to hear things are improving. Praising God!

Sheila said...

Glad to hear things are getting a little easier everyday. Keep smiling!

Bluebird49 said...

Don't know why, but the 7th picture was my favorite. Sounds like asking for a bigger plate was asking for the exact thing! Hopefully Andrew will be drawing one soon--laden with fattening favorite foods!:)

I was so happy when I checked in to see if you'd posted...I'm so relieved and happy prayers had been answered. :)

linda said...

A speech therapist once told me that if the spoken word can't be found SINGING might bring the words ...because songs are located in another area of the speech center. Might be worth a try, especially if Whoppers are involved!
Does DH like banana bread?

Mary said...

I'm so glad that things are beginning to look up for you both! And I can tell that you are enjoying your new phone, too. ;) xoxo

mrs mediocrity said...

A mouthful of good news is always a good thing.
xo

BB said...

Gosh... am back after being away a couple of days. You made me cry a little ... "the brain is a remarkable thing, my friends. And so is my husband."

I do hope he reads your amazing blog.
:-)
BB

The Village Queen said...

Glad he is doing better and happy you have had good sister support. You both are in my prayers. (George too)!

michelle said...

I have been away from blog for awhile and came by to check in on gorgeous George photos. I am glad to hear that your husband is on the other side of his surgery. As a cancer survivor myself, it can be a scary road at times but it sounds like you all have an amazing support system and lovely family. I will put prayers out there for the continued recovery of your husband.

p.s. I used to blog at typicallibra.com but have now moved (you know just so you know who the heck I am!)