Robin Update: March Madness --- 03-20-2012

The last update was about a month and a half ago, at the end of January. At that time, Robin had just completed intravenous (IV) antibiotics for (yet another) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Little has changed dramatically since January. Robin’s symptoms have continued to worsen. Her sight is terrible and her pain has increased. While there is little that can be done about her sight, the pain is controllable with medicine, though her doses have nearly doubled since my last writing. There was another UTI about three weeks ago, so I figure Robin is due for another one this week. There have been lots “little things” going wrong; blood sugar spikes, fluid retention in her arms and side, rashes and skin infections, broken teeth, etc. Robin has been through many ups and downs, both physically and mentally, during the last month and a half. But, in spite of these maladies, Robin’s indomitable spirit has remained positive, in general. I think her motto should be, “Better living through Faith.”

About four weeks ago, I bought Robin an iPad2. I had several motivations including the accessibility features for low vision. In particular, I was hoping Robin would be able to listen to audio books and operate the iPad, herself. I got her an iPod a year ago, but her eyesight was so poor that she could not operate it. So the idea was to get her a giant iPod. I think it worked, more or less. Although she has not used it for audio books, she can listen to music and use the camera to see behind her. It has been interesting to watch her learn to use it (as long as I don’t have to teach her). John has the patience and knowledge to help Robin. We even used it this weekend to video phone Robin’s mother, who was using her (other) grandson, Matthew’s, iPad. I think it is going to be a big hit with her as she learns more about using it. If you want to try a video call to Robin via “Facetime,” send me an email and we can give it a try.

Speaking of Robin’s Mom, she told us that she was coming to visit in April. We are all looking forward to her arrival, but none more than Robin. I’m not sure of the date, but I think she arrives right after Easter.

Our good friend and neighbor, Judy, has been keeping Robin’s holiday tree current. You may recall that Judy decorates a four foot Christmas tree for Robin to match the seasons. Robin can see the lights and the large, bright decorations, and she enjoys it especially at night. In February, Judy did a pink and red Valentines tree with hearts and cupids. A couple of weeks ago, she decorated a St. Patrick’s Day tree. It was quite festive. I was going to post a picture, but I came home today and found an Easter Tree, with colored eggs instead of Christmas ornaments. Thank You, Judy!

Lots of folks have been working very hard to help keep Robin’s spirits up. Robin’s college buddy, Margie, is continuing her tradition (started last year, I believe) of sending Robin a card or note EVERY DAY during Lent. Robin really enjoys the “touch” of insight into what’s going on in her life. Pat and John send Robin a card every week, and they have been doing it for years. In all that time, Robin is amazed that they have never sent the same card twice. Normally, the card arrives in Friday’s mail, and it is one of the first things she asks about when I get home from work on Fridays. Patti sends a humorous card every so often, too. Of course, Terry is still sending wacky gifts that make Robin laugh out loud. A few weeks ago, he sent her a HUGE crate of individual servings of “Froot Loops.” (Not sure why, unless it was to get Robin to laugh. If so, he succeeded). Two weeks before that, he sent an electronic parrot that yells obscenities when you pass in front of it. It might offend some folks, but Robin thought it was one of the funniest things she ever heard. She especially thought it was funny when I passed too close and it yelled at me, nearly making me jump out of my skin. There have been several other folks who have visited, brought meals, or flowers, or chocolate covered strawberries or cookies.

Robin’s close friend, Alexis, has been coming over to pray with and read to Robin almost every weekend. She has been reading the “True Blood” series to Robin for so long that they have recently exhausted the series (12 books), even though this genre is quite a bit different from what Alexis normally reads. I believe that, after 12 books, Alexis was starting to like vampire stories.

And of course, we cannot forget “John’s third Grandmother” (and her “delivery boy”) for our weekly gift of dinner on Mondays. They have been faithfully caring for us for years in this way, and teaching us the meaning of love and true compassion. We’ve heard it said “We are God’s hands”, and this couple is living proof.

Once again, let us say, “THANK YOU!” to all of you. You all have been true blessings to Robin and to our family. I wish we could thank each of you personally. We DO thank God for the gift you have been to us, particularly to Robin. I have no doubts that your continuing love and encouragement to Robin has helped her cope, and is a great assistance in keeping her positive.

May God Bless you and keep you for the good that you do.

(Don't forget "Facetime", if you can be patient with us.)

Love,
                  --- Larry, Robin, & John