Video Chats, Agendas, Plans and Updates

Since January 25th, Carol, Tina and I have been connecting by video chat from 3 different time zones every Monday to Friday.  Some times the calls are short due to appointments or work and sometimes they last for an hour or more. We never seem to run out of things to say or plan.  

On Monday, Tina didn't come on and Carol and I chatted.  We checked and found out that she was on the phone with someone about support.  We connected a little later and found out that they were working on a plan to get her some homecare (or as I sometimes make a mistake and call it daycare).  We started discussing the idea of booking a cottage for a week in the summer to be able to be together in person.

I spent extra time with Tina getting the background about her symptoms and diagnosis.  One thing Tina has not lost is her sense of humour.  This is what she posted on her facebook page.

All day on Monday we were sending each other cottage ideas...lots of ideas!!  The secretary of the group completed a spreadsheet with the pros and cons.  We knew what we needed and were looking for what we wanted.

Tuesday, we added more cottages and got more confused. Tina was already dressed and when asked about it, Tina laughed and said, "I did it all by myself."  It apparently took her 30 minutes and it almost made her sick.  We take so many things for granted and can complain about so many little things. I hope today you take time to be thankful for even the little things.

7:15 a.m. for Carol, 8:15 a.m. for Penny and 
10:15 a.m. for Tina

After our video chat, Tina had a visit from Agnes, a friend from work.  She had given Tina some goodies at Christmas and now they were able to have a visit.  Wanda, another friend from work had previously visited and gave Tina a Money Tree plant.  In the afternoon, Pastor Herb came to check in on Tina. It is so nice when people come to visit.  What a blessing when people take the time from their busy lives to slow down and visit.  It is so appreciated.

On Wednesday, Tina got a call from Home Care while we were chatting.  She will be receiving help  every morning starting on Monday.  Mom was at Tina's while we were chatting.  She has been coming on Wednesday mornings to help with laundry, baking and cleaning.  We are so thankful that homecare is being provided.  

Notice the intense looks

On Thursday, we narrowed down our cottage search and it was booked.  Tina was able to be driven out in the snow to make sure it was a good choice and we are all excited about a sister adventure.  Sister time with a lake and hopefully a loon to sing us to sleep.  

Pictures taken from booking site

These days Tina is excited about 3 things:  making plans, having visitors and food delivery.  Shortly after the cottage was booked, meals were delivered by the Royal Coachman.  Tina called me right away to let me know how good they were.  Thank you to all those who are helping with meals.

Clint, one of our cousins, came to see Tina on Friday.  Clint is such a sweetheart and brought flowers and stayed for a visit.  It's been awhile since they have seen each other but were able to reconnect like when they were kids.  Clint has been staying with his brother, Carl who is going through chemo.

Today is Saturday...we don't video chat.  What was Tina up to?  She was at her job at the Salvation Army.  Mom and Dad were the army and Tina was being the drill sgt.  It's great that she is keeping busy (and keeping mom and dad busy too!) 

So sister time....every week day morning from BC, Alberta and Ontario.  There have been tears (usually from me), lots of laughs, planning and solving each other's problems.  Carol and I have our coffee in hand for the call and Tina is ready with the agenda.  The weekend seems strange now without these video chats and leaves us looking forward to Monday to reconnect.

Thanks for following along...we are STEELE STANDING!

Please keep praying!