Number 50

This blog is number 50.  We started recording Tina's journey on February 1st, just one week after she had been diagnosed.  I didn't realize at the time that this blog would keep me so busy.  ALS is a disease that keeps progressing and there are many updates.  I also didn't realize how many blog followers there would be and I especially did not know how many people that would be generously giving their time and gifts to Tina to help at a time like this.

Emma has been a great help to Tina since summer break started.  She has tried to keep me informed of what is going on and sends me pictures.  She has been asking since yesterday when I would do the next post and so I thought before I go to bed I better get working on it so that I can publish it in the morning before we chat.  I don't want to mess with Emma or her crazy aunt.

The shirt says:
“Back off! I have a crazy aunt
She has anger issues and a dislike for stupid people
And I am not afraid to use her.” - purchased by the crazy aunt in the picture 

The physiotherapist told Tina that evenings should be added to her homecare time.  She needs to do evening exercises, breath stacking and needs assistance to get ready for bed.  Tina said that the time allotment that she is already allowed is not getting filled.  This past week, only 5 out of 9 PSW times were filled. 

I neglected to mention that when Ray came to visit last week, he didn't come empty handed.  If you know Ray, you know that he is a very generous person.  He brought along a gift card and this wasn't the first one that he has delivered.

Roxane and Philip (cousins) gave some money to Tina to help with gas, meals or whatever is needed.  Another generous and kind gift.

Janie was with Tina one day when they went shopping at Giant Tiger.  Tina had seen a dress that she liked but they didn't have her size and so Janie kept her eye open and found the dress at a different store and bought it.  Tina is wearing the dress in the above picture. She also gave Tina a baby monitor for us to use at the cottage.  

Percy and Ron brought Ron's mom's mattress to Tina's.  Tina said that the bed is so comfortable.  Ron has been stopping in every day to check on Tina and to make sure that his name gets in the blog.  We may need to get a picture to prove it....Emma, that's your job.

There is an interesting story that happened in the Maritimes.  Truman and Lynne were in their home town area visiting.  They went to a market and a lady was selling quilts.  Lynne was telling this woman about her friend Tina with ALS.  The lady went and pulled out a quilt and asked them to give it to Tina.  Scott and Kim were down visiting with Truman and Lynne and delivered this special gift to Tina.

 Blessings are coming from all over the country, from people we don't even know.  We are guessing that this woman has probably been affected in some way by ALS.

On Monday, respite came for the day and Emma spent part of her day with Tina, some with Nana and Papa and some time with Grandpa.

That night Bert and Dawn brought supper and stayed to eat it with the Tina.  They enjoyed ham, scalloped potatoes and a salad and good company.

Emma sent this picture to show where Hope, the cat, likes to sit.

I'd say that there is a lot of Hope on Tina!

Judy came early yesterday  because her homecare was coming later.  Judy was busy putting laundry away while we chatted.

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One week from yesterday , Carol will be flying into Calgary and we will spend a night in Calgary before flying to Ottawa.  We are almost there. Carol already got her hair done and my appointment is on Thursday.  We need to STEELE look good even for our cottage time.

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Other family news...Stephen got sworn in on Monday (virtually) and is now employed by the RCMP.  This has been a long time coming and we are excited for him and Kylie as they start a new adventure.

Taylor, Carol's granddaughter is rocking her new scrubs and we are so excited for her as she follows her own dreams and in her mama's footsteps.  I am thinking this family needs all the psych nurses that we can get.

So number 50 it is ... and all we can say is thank you for STEELE reading, STEELE praying and STEELE being there for all of us.  We are STEELE Standing!