Tina’s Schedule

Tina is feeling better and enjoying the warm, sunny days.  She loves to be outside no matter what the weather.  Just throw a blanket on her if it is cold or a fan if it is too warm. She tires easy but most days she likes to go if someone is willing to take her for a walk or a drive.

Tina’s Schedule:

Each morning Tina is helped out of bed.  She is helped with her personal needs and then gets settled in the chair with the remote.

Around 8:30 a.m., the homecare worker arrives.  She gets Tina showered and dressed. They usually braid her hair or pull it back.  They give her something to eat for breakfast and place the phone and tablet within reach.

Around 10:15 a.m., we have our Sister Three video chat.  We are usually talking until someone comes to be with Tina.

On Mondays, the nurse arrives and does her vitals.  Tina's workers know that they just need to walk in as she is not able to greet them at the door.

Respite comes after the nurse and is there for 5 hours.

This morning, when we were started our chat, Tina was already outside.  Mom and dad were with her.  Her homecare worker was sick and couldn't make it.  Tina was waiting in her chair for her worker and she didn't arrive.  She had apparently sent a message but Tina can't get access to the messages by herself.  What she can do is say, "Hey google, call mom."  Mom and dad arrived and mom helped Tina get dressed, took her to the bathroom and got her something to eat.  

While we were chatting, Judy arrived.  She thought she was late because mom and dad were with Tina but she definitely wasn't.  

Schedules are super important for all of us but especially for someone who can't look after themselves anymore.  Sickness happens and it makes sense that someone can't make it to work (like a homecare worker) but shouldn't there be a replacement for times like these....just my thoughts.

Tina sent us this picture and we think it is because her hair is so curly after being in braids or that we get excited to see her upright but either way I thought I would share it because we know that you like to see her too.

The rest of the week there are many soldiers in her army coming to help.  There should be the regular homecare in the morning and a nurse on Thursday.  

Tomorrow, Jenn will come for the day.  On Thursday, Thelma (a friend of Jenn's and mine) is planning on spending the day.  Mom will be with Tina on Friday.  The last time Mom was there for the day, Anthony also came.  It was a good team.  Anthony helped when Tina needed to move and mom did the waiting on Tina. I think they plan on teaming up again. On Saturday, Tammy (another cousin) is coming for the day.  Thank you to all who share their time with Tina.  It is really appreciated.

Next week Tina is scheduled to go to Kingston for her breathing test.

There haven't been any results yet from her MRI.

I think that catches us up for a day or two.  Once again, thank you for your prayers, visits, and those that come to spend time with Tina.

We are STEELE Standing because of your prayers and help.

Home

Tina came home from the hospital after a few hours of being on IV.  This is not something new for Tina.  There have been times in the past where she would become dehydrated and need to go to the hospital.  Everything is harder though when you are dealing with ALS and it seems like it takes her longer to recover.  

When she got home she was pretty weak and nauseous.

Jenn came on Thursday and filled in some of the blanks.  When she was at the hospital her blood pressure was 165/105.  No wonder she wasn’t feeling well.  Her oxygen was at 92%.  Normal oxygen level is 95-100%.  Her heart rate was 120 and she had a low grade fever of 37.3 C (99.1 F).  They said that she had a viral infection.  While Jenn was there, she was pushing fluids and she hadn’t been sick to her stomach.  

Her favourite place is to be outside.

This morning, she was not up to talking but Carol and I chatted with mom.  Mom and Anthony were on duty.  They were keeping fluids in front of her but food was not an interest to her.  After awhile Carol had to hang up because her new puppy went exploring around her beautiful yard.  She sent a picture to let us know that he had been found.

Ron, Sarah and I drove to Calgary for the weekend.  Sometimes you need to hug a puppy and some days you just have to drive out of town.

Thanks to Judy who came on Tuesday and spent the day with Tina.  I also just heard that when Tina went to pick her favourite soap up from Cousin Denise, she refused payment.  Another blessing.

Thanks for praying and thanks for standing with us.

We are STEELE Standing but some days we are just a little slouched.

Thanks for all the comments either on Facebook or on the blog.  We are encouraged by all of you standing with us. ❤️

Back to the Hospital

Tina wasn't feeling well yesterday.  She was quiet and said that her stomach was upset.  

This morning, mom called and said that she was taken to the hospital.  Her stomach is still not feeling right and she is dehydrated.  Her blood pressure is high as well.

Mom wasn't sure how long she would be in the hospital but hopefully they can get the blood pressure down and her fluids up. 

On Monday, Tina was taken on a drive over to Picton across the ferry.  She loves to go on these little adventures but I am positive that she does not enjoy hospital visits.

                                    

Please pray for Tina.  Our hearts are heavy when we know that she is not feeling well.  We wish so much that she wasn't going through this.  We hate it!

Somedays it is hard to STEELE Stand.

The Return of Emma

 For this post, I have had a little helper sending me information and pictures.

As I mentioned on the Thursday blog, Jenn came with Abby and Emma for the day.  They took Tina shopping all over town.  They went to metro for groceries, No Frills for fruit and Walmart for more fruit and some sandals for Tina.  Emma was staying for the long weekend so that was the reason for so much fruit.  There can never be too much fruit for that girl.

Emma had been taught how to help Aunt Tina when she is walking and so they walked up the ramp together.  Jenn sent me this picture and I stared at it for so long.  It was so good to see Tina's standing. Two months from today, we will be at the cottage and we will need the walking lesson to get Tina into the lake!  It's her goal and our desire to make it happen.

On Friday, Janelle, the Homecare worker, showed Emma how to start the laundry and that became one of her little tasks for the day.  She sent me a picture that she had hung out the wash.

We had our Sister Three Chat with two extras.  Sarah and Emma joined in and were very interested in Aunt Carol showing them all of Xara's reptiles and of course, the two dogs playing.

Emma took Tina for a walk to Mom and Dad's.  It's a good little walk for a young girl to push her great aunt.  Getting there was easier than getting back.  They discovered that it was a little up hill getting back home.  She sent me a message and told me that she got her back in.  Whew!

On Saturday, Mom, Tina and Emma walked to a yard sale that was happening near by.  Tina got a sun umbrella to give her some shade when she sits outside and she does like getting outside.

Sarah and Emma had a little "Sister Two" video chat.

Tina got out for a drive to the Soap Shack and got her favourite soap.  Denise commented on the last blog that Tina's favourite soap has been renamed to Vanilla Spice.  If you are in the Napanee area and haven't been to the Soap Shack on Frizzell Road, you really should take a drive there.  It's worth the trip.  (Happy Birthday Gary!)

Emma didn't go on this little outing.  She had biked to Nana and Papa's and spent the time there with them.  Tina joked and said that she needed a rest from looking after her and so she spent time with the great grandparents.

Emma informed me that the weather wasn't great today and so she was resting while Tina was watching a movie.  They had already been to church today.  They are able to just sit in the car and listen to the service.  She was excited that she got her own bag of curd.  Lucky girl!

Thank you Emma for reporting on your weekend with Aunt Tina.  Thanks for STEELE Standing with us!  You are a good little worker.  Love you!

**pictures have been sent by Emma 

Not Up To Talking Today

On Monday, we had a short chat.  Tina had already had the homecare worker there and we talked for a few minutes and then the nurse arrived.  Respite was scheduled for the rest of the day.

Tina sent us a message on Tuesday, "not up to talking today."  That's always hard to hear.  We know that this means that she is having a hard day.  Judy arrived for the day.  Tina warned her that she was having a low day.  Anthony was around most of the day too.  Judy said that "it was a sleepy day."

I wasn't really feeling that well that day either and then tested positive for Covid that night.

On Wednesday, we didn't talk because Tina was too busy.  She went with Mom and Dad to Tamworth.  Mom had a doctor's appointment.  They then drove to the cottage and had a look around.  Mom and Dad think that we will be enjoying that location for our Sister Three Cottage time.  They went to the Soap Shack but Denise wasn't around.

This morning we got to chat.  Tina was looking good.

Carol was at Xara's.  She will be there for a few days to look after the animals while Xara and Alex have a weekend away before the baby arrives in the fall.

I was laying on the couch feeling pretty rough but it was good to talk to the girls.  Missed days are missed memories.

The rest of the day for Tina was full.  Jenn, Abby and Emma arrived shortly after our call.  Mom and Dad were bringing lunch. Rita came for a visit.  Rita is an old family friend.  She has had her own health issues and was looking good.  She brought gift cards for Wendy's and McDonald's.

We have been blessed in our lives with having a huge family and so many great friends.  They have all been showing up to help Tina.  We want to thank you all for reaching out and helping in so many ways.  

Some blog stats:

• We have 18 followers, including one new...welcome Rick.
• We have regular followers from Canada, United States and Ireland
• We usually have between 125 to 150 people that read the blog after each post
• We are STEELE Standing
• We are better together!

Convertible Time and Back to Zero

On Thursday morning, I received a phone call from Tina.  It was our usual time for a video chat but this was just an audio call.  She used google to ask "her" to call.  Her regular homecare worker wasn't able to make it and so no one had shown up as of yet.  So there she sat with her phone and tablet out of reach.  Austin was still in bed.  The phone had rang twice.  It might have been from another homecare worker but who knows?  We talked until about 10:45 and I could hear the cheerful "hello" from Judy.  I told her that she was a life saver and Tina said, "Oh good.  Now, I can at least get to the washroom."

We all know that things happen and people can't make it to where they are scheduled to be but when it comes to someone that depends on them to get out of a chair, it is frustrating.  Thankfully Google will make calls for Tina if she really needs help.

Tina and Judy's schedule was changed.  They waited for the homecare worker to come and help get Tina ready for the day.  It was also the day for the nurse.  They then took advantage of the beautiful day and went for a drive in Judy's cool convertible.  They made a quick stop at Mom and Dad's to show off their wheels.

They went for a drive and Judy asked Tina if she would like to go to a restaurant. Tina said, "if you don't mind feeding me?"  They went to a restaurant called "Itty Bitty Restaurant."  They shared a clubhouse and some home fries.  There was a gentleman that showed quite a bit of interest in Judy's car.  Tina teased her and said, "that man is flirting with you".  Judy responded, "He's flirting with the car."  Thanks Judy for giving Tina a great day and showing up at just the right time.

On Friday, Mom was back on duty.  She still wasn't feeling well and so spent the day just being there for Tina.  We chatted for a bit in the morning.  When our dad worked at Dupont, they would have a sign at the front of the plant saying how many days they had gone without an incident/accident.  Tina said that she was back down to zero this morning.  She fell when she was with her homecare worker.  She was proud of herself that she was able to roll on her side instead of falling face forward.  She didn't hurt herself but it sure is hard to hear that this is happening. Austin was there to help her up.

This morning, Tina used google to call mom.  Her control for the chair had fallen on the floor.  She was stuck in the chair.  She managed to somehow use her foot to do what was needed.  Nancy D spent the afternoon with.  

Today, Ron and I celebrated our 39th Anniversary.  We went out for breakfast, had a steak barbeque for lunch and stained the fence in between meals.  We are STEELE together and STEELE having fun even if it is staining a fence.

While I was working on this post, Carol was texting me.  She has her ticket booked to come to Calgary before our trip to Ontario for cottage time.  Our plans are coming together for our Sister Three Cottage Time.  Cottage booked, flights scheduled and car rental reserved.

The Three Sisters 39 years ago today!

We will get an updated picture at the cottage.

We are STEELE Standing except when Tina falls and then someone is there to pick her up and we stand again.  Thanks for standing with us.  We need you!  We need each other.

MRI and Staring at Ceilings

Jenn has been trying to come one day a week and is usually the one there for appointments.  Yesterday was the MRI appointment.  This had been rescheduled from last month due to Tina recovering from pneumonia.

While Jenn was out tearing a part the wheel chair…actually she was loading it in the car and discovered that certain parts come off…a neighbour popped over with some banana bread.  The kindness of so many people really has been overwhelming.  

Jenn took care of some laundry before they left for Kingston.  They are trying to keep the house work and laundry caught up so that mom won’t have to do much on her days that she spends with Tina.  Mom has been getting very run down and her vertigo has slowed her up a lot.

Jenn took Tina to Kingston and they made an important stop at The Wilton Cheese Factory to pick up curd.  You need to be from that area to understand how it’s hard to drive by and not stop. 

Tina had a little anxiety this time about her MRI and took a half of a lorazepam to calm the nerves.  I certainly get the need for that.  The time that I had one I closed my eyes the whole time and prayed and counted the minutes until it was done.

Jenn found a wheelchair parking spot, got the wheelchair out of the car and got Tina in the chair.  Then they looked at the closest sidewalk and realized that it wasn’t accessible.  They needed to walk a ways to get to the sidewalk.  Tina said that she has been really noticing all these little things that no one would notice unless they are in her condition.

Jenn had a friend meet her at Costco to help with Tina’s shopping trip.  It’s pretty hard to push a wheel chair and a grocery cart at the same time.  They got what they needed and then made a stop at Tim Horton’s for lunch.  Tina said that she did really well through the day and then when she got home she felt that overwhelming tiredness hit her.

———-

A while ago Tina helped look after an elderly man before he passed away.  His daughter, Donna delivered pizza, a Caesar salad and garlic bread to Tina this week.  She was returning the favour.

“Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. 

Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, 

just know in your heart it will be returned.” 

- Steve Maraboli

And now for the view of yesterday morning…😂

Tina got tired of holding the tablet so that we could see her and let it slide down so that she could see us but all we could see was her ceiling and a few of the nice cards given to her from so many people.  Carol is usually showing us her puppies playing or the cat sprawling but at this moment it was her ceiling as well.  I decided  I should show them my ceiling too.  Sometimes if you can’t beat them, you join them.

We are STEELE Standing and sometimes we are staring at ceilings. 🤪

And today we are STEELE Standing with the Leafs! 🍁

Even if you aren’t a Leaf fan, we appreciate you STEELE standing with us….but just don’t tell us your a Habs fan! 🫠 🏌️‍♂️⛳️

Welcome to the Fam!

My laptop is getting worked on and so the last couple of blogs have been slowly and painfully created on my iPad.  So here I am still with the iPad but I know that I can’t wait any longer to do an update.

Let’s go back to last Thursday…Jenn was there for the day.  The home care worker is usually Tina’s first visitor of the day.  She is the one that gets her ready for the day.  Often Tina’s hair is French braided when we have our morning chats.  While Tina looks ready for the day, Carol and I usually have bed heads.

The nurse came to do her check in and since Jenn was there to glance over the shoulder she sent the blood pressure reading - 131/90 with a heart rate of 84.

Tina’s doctor came for a house call…WHAT?  A house call!!  That’s a great doctor.  Dr. Liz was happy to hear that Tina had good support and lots of resources provided.  She said that she would be back in about a month to check in.

The amazing Melissa brought mini meatloafs, mashed potatoes, carrot muffins and a dessert.  

She has totally gone the extra mile in providing so many meals to Tina and the boys.

Howard and Hilda sent gift cards with Jenn to help with some meals.

So many generous people have blessed Tina  and they appreciate every gift, meal and visit.

Tina wanted to share a picture of mom with their pastor.  

If you are old enough “Mutt and Jeff” might come to mind. 🤪 Please keep mom in your prayers.  She has been suffering with vertigo for the past few days and is not feeling well but is still trying to do her days with Tina.

On Sunday, Nancy D (from the Roblin church) provided a Mother’s Day brunch.  Tina loved it.  There were Belgium waffles, fruit with real whip cream.  What a wonderful treat.  Anthony took Tina for a walk down to see mom and dad.

Yesterday, Carol got a belated Mother’s Day gift.  Two years ago, Tyler and Rupert came to stay at Carol and Mike’s.  

The visit has lasted a long time and through this time they have been working to get custody.  

Yesterday permanent custody was granted!  They celebrated with kalimari, salmon burgers, yam fries and cake.  Exciting news!  This is our official welcome to the family!  

73 days until Sister Three Cottage Time!

We are STEELE a standing and we have one more officially standing with us!

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day from Us!

We have been blessed with a great mom.

She is one of the biggest reason that we are STEELE Standing!

May the 4th Be With You

I remember the first time that I heard the phrase, "May the 4th be with you."  I worked at Innovation Credit Union in Swift Current and this was the day that the IT department lived for.  They got quite excited.  They served treats and played Star Wars movies all day.  Just to let you know...I have never watched a Star War movie but I needed a title for this blog. 😂

Tina has been keeping a busy schedule as by now you all know.  It keeps me busy to keep up with her.  I could go and stain some more of my fence or do a blog post...I guess you know what I chose.

On Monday, Tina first had her homecare worker come in the morning.  The time has been increased from 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours a day.  The nurse came after and did her regular check up.  The nurse comes every Monday and Thursday.  Respite came to spend the rest of the day with Tina.

Yesterday was a full day.  The homecare worker came and got Tina ready for the day.  Cousin George arrived with Tim's for a visit.  We got to say a little hello on our video chat.  George is a great guy and super easy to visit with.

Vicki arrived to spend the day with Tina.  She, of course, did not come empty handed.  She brought chicken lasagna and éclairs. They decided not to eat that for lunch and instead went for a drive and picked up Dominos pizza, using a gift card from Ryan and Crystal. 💕

Janie (okay, everyone calls her Jane now but I just can't do it) came for a visit in the afternoon.  She came bearing gifts.  I am stealing a picture from her Facebook page.  I have not yet experienced one of her tarts but I feel like I gain weight just looking at them.  Tina asked mom to hide/freeze a couple of tarts for her.  She said that they "are SO good." I now have a strong urge to make tarts or we could just give the address to the cottage to Janie!!! ❤️

She brought 18 to Tina 

Janie also brought sloppy joe squares.  I just looked up a recipe for this and I think I may have to try it sometime.

Today, Mom is back with Tina.  Mom was looking for things to do.  She was feeding Tina a muffin during our chat.

The occupational therapist was scheduled to come later.

So May the 4th be with you....we have found that a force of people have jumped in to help Tina. Mom and I were talking yesterday about the amount of people that have helped in so many ways.  It has truly been “out of this world.” 😂

Thank you to all those who have been the FORCE behind us to help us to STEELE Stand.  "May the force be with us all." (I googled and that is the response.) 

STEELE Standing with our Force!