Cottage Time

Our first full day at the cottage was successful even though we didn’t have power most of the day.  Thankfully we were able to have coffee in the morning before it went out. Mom and Carol gave Tina a sponge bath and got her ready for the day.  Carol and I, along with a manual and Tina’s instructions, helped Tina with her stretches.

Carol and I worked up a sweat and went for a swim and although Tina didn’t get into the lake, we brought the lake water to her. 

We needed to juggle her around the deck on different chairs and in different locations to keep her out of the sun and shield her a little bit from the wind.  The wind really bothers her eyes.  She is mostly patient with us in our lack of understanding on how to do things. 😛 

Ron came out and brought a few things that we needed/forgot and stayed for lunch.  We had chicken and vegetable foil packets cooked on the barbeque.  Dad came a little later for a bite to eat.  I found a game in the shed and we tried it out.

Janelle, one of Tina’s home care workers came and spent time with Tina.  These workers are part of the team and almost feel like part of the family.  We so appreciate their compassion that they show Tina.

The power came on around 5:00 pm just like cousin, Todd said that it would!  I raced for the tea kettle to boil water for our tea.  We sat and talked for quite awhile before Carol started Tina’s bedtime routine.  First, there is the washroom trip and then back into the lazy boy chair.  She needs to be sitting up for the breath stacking.  After two or three of those, Carol put her wrist braces on while mom and I rolled towels to put under her arms to give support.  Carol cleaned, and then filled, the breathing assist machine.  She started the machine and put the mask on Tina.  Carol started Tina’s ipad to let her listen to her Bible reading.

It definitely takes an army to try and make Princess Tina get through her day.  She is actually asking for a tiara! 👑  We are her humble servants ready to wipe her eyes, put a blanket on her or take it off, help her to the bathroom, feed her and give her a drink.  She is good to let us know what she needs and is able to explain exactly how to do it.  When we do have questions, we can text Emma and she can tell or show us exactly what to do.

We are STEELE Standing.  We are STEELE leaning on each other and on you.  There are so many people going through so much.  We hope that you have people to lean on because we have been blessed to have so many people join Tina’s army.  Thank you for STEELE being there for us.

So another night has come.  We had a good day.  Good night from the Mom and Sister Three Cottage Time.