This morning, Amanda wanted a Trochy’s taco again. So I made the trek down, on their way back, David and Renee were headed into town for a late breakfast. I got Amanda settled, then went with them for a bit. I took them to one of my favorites, Biscuit Love. After breakfast, David’s truck was a little too tall for the parking garage, so he was going to hang out while Renee went in to see Amanda. I proposed that he go in too; I knew Amanda would want to see him, and I could just take the truck to wait for them. I found a non-paid parking lot and walked to Hopdoddy to chat with the crew while I waited.
They stayed a while until PT came in to get Amanda up for a walk. When I got back, Amanda wasn’t in the room and nowhere to be found. I had to go searching for her. She was halfway around the floor about 10 times farther than she’s ever made it before, and only the 3rd time up and walking! She needed a break after I caught up with her. I chatted with the crew; they were all so happy she was walking so far. After resting, she got up and hit it again, making it almost 3/4 of a lap.
As we were walking back, one of the ICU fellows saw us and looked happy when he realized she had been up and walking. I proudly told him how far she’d made it, and he said, “Crushing it!” Amanda was pretty wiped after the walk, and one of the PTs mentioned that she could tell Amanda was pushing herself. Others stopped by and were so happy, and everyone was praising Amanda for doing a good job. We’ve been here so long that we’ve gotten close to a lot of the staff. The nurse said he came up with a saying, “A foot on the floor is a foot out of the door.” Yes, sir, I agree!
As they helped Amanda back into bed, I ran out to the cleaners to grab some pants. They weren’t ready since they needed to remove a stain. After that, I ran to The Joint. My back has been killing me, I have a membership with a few adjustments a month, and I haven’t fully used it since I’ve been here. I was trying to figure out what to get Amanda when Renee texted that they were going out to dinner and asked if we needed anything and if I wanted to come. I’d already eaten a leftover taco, so I was good, and I could tell Amanda didn’t want me to leave without someone here. So, I just asked them to get some chicken and dumplings since they were eating at Cracker Barrel.
Renee came to stay with Amanda and David, and I went out to the open mic night, I had a wingman this time. When we walked in, there was a guy with an awful voice singing. I made sure David knew that wasn’t who I came here to listen to! The open mic turned into karaoke for a bit. I made sure to include my request in the song ‘Home’ so that they’d duet well together and have a little better sound coming from that open mic!
Tomorrow, Brittany and Larry show up. Britt will stay with Amanda to give me a break, and Larry will hang out with me. They arrive within an hour of each other, and both fly out on Friday. It will be great to see both of them, and it’s really nice to have Larry to hang out with. I’m going to be off duty, so y’all will have to hold tight for posts. Brittany has made a few posts before, so she might pop in to write. I’m still going to pop in to see Amanda, but Britt will be my fill-in during rounds. I can tell Amanda isn’t that happy I won’t be here for rounds and most of the day, but we are coasting right now as things are improving. I don’t need to stir the pot, and if needed, Britt will stir it. I just don’t think Amanda really realizes how much has gone on since her transformation. I’m so worn out in every way possible from this place; I need a break.