The Sister Speaks...

Hey Meredyth,

This is a great site! Thanks to Rusty and his creative mind.

I've been doing entries on the Caring Bridge, so this is my first venture here. Since I've been writing to everyone else, I thought it was time for you to hear from me.

WOW! You sure do have an incredible network of friends. I have had lots of communication with your connections in Bayfield (Claire), Rhinelander, Waupaca, Nashotah, Ripon, people spread all around, and of course our extended family. They sincerely care about you and with their help, I think most of the planet is praying for you and awaiting your recovery!

Mom was at our house a few days the week of the 11th. It was Casey's exam week, so she was able to drive her out to Oconomowoc. She came down with her friend Myra this past Tuesday. When you are up to a dramatic re-enactment of my conversation with mom, I'll be happy to tell you about the route they took to get back to Ripon! Casey and Logan have been to see you on numerous occasions. Perhaps you were aware, I don't know. It was typical...Casey, somewhat quiet when she is in the room with you. And Logan, with no tv to distract him, non-stop chatter. I have been doing my best to find out what is going on, what every IV line is for, what each beep means. Also in the process, I try to do a social history on as many staff members as possible. I haven't gotten to do the background checks yet:)

The nice thing about the ICU is that there is more continuity with the staff, and quite a few do 12 hour shifts. Your new friends include Betsy, Heather, Kevin, Wendy, Rhonda, Marie and April. (there are others, but I am not as "connected" to them). There is also a nurse manager (Jenny) and Care Coordinator-the top dog nurse (another Rhonda) who probably want to be in the Garden Club. You are somewhat unique because not many people are in the ICU as long as you have been. I was told yesterday that Betsy is working all weekend and she requested to be assigned to you. Another nurse said she really hopes she is working when you wake up because she is looking forward to meeting you.

I know Casey already wrote this, but she is a SECOND SEMESTER SENIOR!!!! Can you believe it?!?!?! Time is flying. Her school has the Locks of Love Assembly on Monday and she is cutting her hair. I think there are a total of 60 girls participating this year. She has an appointment with Kate for that evening for her to do the finishing touches.

Logan's big news for the week is that Coach Basham, head football coach at MUHS, is retiring. Logan thinks someone from the coaching ranks will move up and there will not be a big shake up.

I should probably get busy and get ready for work. It is a non-student day which should mean I get caught up on a lot of things. BUT...it tends to be more social, I probably won't get much done. Oh, Well. It is important to maintain relationships and if my colleagues distract me, I think I am obligated to engage.

I'll see later today.

Carrie