[Dialogue] Reports on Ruth Reames medical recovery-August 7 through 18 '07

[J & O Slotta]

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TUESDAY AUGUST 21 FROM JIM SLOTTA
Dear ICA and Order Ecumenical Colleagues,

We in Denver are rallying around our dear colleague, Ruth Reames, who 
has begun a journey of recovery from a stroke she encountered Tuesday, 
August 7. How it has gone this long without being included in the 
listserve conversations is a reflection, I guess, on the steep "Doing" 
curve where we in Denver have placed ourselves. We are placed there in 
large part by Ruth's own active, supportive involvement. In fact, an 
event organized by Ruth was almost cancelled soon after (we) realized 
she would be unable to participate; then, after seeing the error of our 
ways, the event was held with a record number of participants.

I decided to take some time to summarize email reports of the recent 
hospitalization of dear Ruth. All of us who know Ruth will be pulling 
for her recovery, which is well underway.

Her two sons have been here to visit and have returned to their homes 
for the time being. For son Seth, that means returning to Japan to join 
his wife and Ruth's grandchild. Many of you will recall that Ruth and 
her husband, Mark, were Methodist Missionaries in Japan for some 25 
years, relating closely to the ICA work going on there. We in Denver 
have been fortunate to initially count Ruth and Mark--and to now count 
Ruth--as our colleague.

These emails, with some slight editing, are presented chronologically, 
and reflect not only the progress she is making, but the great support 
she is receiving.

She is currently at:
St. Anthony Hospital
Room 540
4231 W. 16th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
303-595-6540

The near future plans for Ruth's recovery are well described in an 
email circulated earlier today by Kathryn Smith. It says:
"Dear Ones,
I just called and talked to Ruth's sister-in-law, Joyce Nelson.  The 
plan is for Ruth to be released from St. Anthony rehab on Sept. 4 and 
moved to a skilled nursing facility for a month or two (place to be 
determined).  Medically, these next two-months are key to her best 
chance of recovery.  Meaning that rehab work and rest is her priority.  
Ruth is a great one for thinking of others and wanting to be of 
service; we may need to help her see that right now she needs to focus 
on herself - like she did after her knee surgery.   That way she can be 
of more service in the long run." -Kathryn Smith
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TUESDAY AUGUST 7 FROM ANNE NEAL
Sad tidings,

I talked with Eric a few minutes ago who received a call from someone 
who was supposed to help Ruth around the house today.  When there was 
no answer but her bicycle was there, they figured something was wrong 
and broke in the house. They found Ruth on the floor and called an 
ambulance right away.  A stroke is suspected, but it is probably too 
early to tell for sure.

 Eric will let us know which hospital she was taken to - St. Anthony's 
or Denver General more than likely. I’ll let you know any news I hear.

When this occurred, I was in the process of discarding the flowers Ruth 
brought to the office last week and cleaning up the bowl in the 
conference room that she had put little buds in. When I went back to 
finish, I noticed the piece Ruth did for our open house. The Rumi poem 
she included was this one:

This being human is a guest house. 
Every morning is a new arrival.
Welcome and attend them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows
Be grateful for whatever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.             Rumi

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8 FROM ANNE NEAL
I was with Ruth this morning and she is doing remarkably well. She 
definitely had a stroke but her speech is good, she is tracking very 
well, and has high spirits. Her left side is weak and partially 
paralyzed, however, there is hope she will regain full mobility. I was 
quite relieved to see how well she is doing.

She’s at St. Anthony’s Hospital (at 16th and Stuart, west of Federal 
Blvd) in the NSICU (Intensive Care) section, room 207. The direct 
number to the unit is 303-595-6700. I’m not sure what the phone number 
to her room is. She may be moved to a regular room later today, once 
they determine that she’s able to swallow without any problems. She’s 
been on an IV since her arrival.

While I was there, she told another friend that she still plans to be 
at the party they are giving for her friend's family on Saturday, but 
it is highly unlikely. She may be in rehab for a couple of weeks after 
her release from the hospital. We will know more in a day or so and 
I’ll let you know.

She is delighted to have visitors. She can't have flowers in her room 
yet, but will be able to receive them when she’s moved to a regular 
room. 

THURSDAY AUGUST 9 FROM KATHRYN SMITH
I stopped in to see Ruth at noon today.  She is still in room 207.  She 
has received many visitors and is very grateful, calling them her "best 
medicine."  She said she has a lot of pain, especially in her neck.  I 
only stayed about 10 minutes as it seemed she wanted to rest.
Kathryn

THURSDAY AUGUST 9 FROM SUNNY WALKER
I was in after work for a bit more than 10 mins., but stayed with her 
while her sister-in-law went off to do some things – then we both left 
so she could rest. She is now out of NSICU and in room 287.

She does love the attention, though it can be tiring. Her sons were 
touching down in Denver around 7 PM tonight. It seems she enjoys jokes, 
can move her left toes with EXTREME concentration, but the rest of the 
left is not cooperating much. If, on a visit, she tells you anything 
about what was going on just before she fell (we know she was walking 
erratically and trying to find a flashlight to be able to see Eric’s 
number. She knew she had to tell someone something was wrong. Shortly 
after, Marlo (Margot? My hearing or hers is iffy) who helps around the 
house and yard came over, couldn’t rouse her and phoned 911. The 
doctors are trying to learn what happened just BEFORE that and Ruth is 
having trouble remembering. Still, sometimes she talking about 
something else and a piece of info will slip out. All that is to say, 
pay attention when you visit!

She looks good and is in GREAT spirits!

MONDAY AUGUST 13 FROM ANNE NEAL
Ruth is in rehab, room 540, phone number 303-595-6540. (Raul, in case 
you didn’t hear, Ruth had a stroke last week. She has the ability to 
talk and is in good recovery.) Her sons are still here and she’s been 
grateful for the visits, cards, and flowers. She feels very well 
supported.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15 FROM KATHRYN SMITH
I went to see Ruth in her rehab room 540 this morning.  Steve and I 
were out of town Sun. - Tues.  I see that she has had many visitors and 
has received many gifts and flowers.  According to the white board 
opposite the nurses' station she will be there until Sept. 4.   I see 
that she has a neck brace on. We didn't have time to visit because 
therapists were working with her -  it may be better to visit in the 
early evening.   However, Ruth asked me to pass along that if anyone 
knows how to contact Richard A. re gardening, she would like him to 
know that there is no paid gardening work at the moment (volunteers are 
taking care of it).  If anyone knows any more from talking to Ruth or 
her family, please reply to all here with the latest. Thank you.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15 FROM ANN EPPS
Thanks for this news, Kathryn,

John and I have been thinking quite a bit about Ruth since we heard of 
her stroke.  Could you please forward the address of her hospital and 
room, so we can send a greeting?

THURSDAY AUGUST 16 FROM CATHERINE WELCH
Thanks for keeping folks in the loop, with a very comprehensive eye to 
who needs to be included.  I visited with Ruth on Tuesday, while her 
son Seth was still in town.  I believe he left on Wednesday.  I think 
that the neighbors who are caring for Ruth's mail and yard may be 
Sheryl Johnson and her husband.  I am going to add her to the list 
here.  Sheryl works at Grace Apts. where we did the safety training, 
and coincidently lives across the alley from Ruth.  They have been 
great neighbors!

I'm wondering if we might concoct some sort of visiting schedule so 
that Ruth gets a visit from one of us in her "care bear" network (to 
borrow one of Kay T's terms) most every day, but not everyone on the 
same day.  If the plans for rehab are anticipated to go on into Sept, 
we may need to use some kind of rationale to keep the encouragement 
coming . . . . If people on this list are interested in being in a 
rotation, let me know. 

SATURDAY AUGUST 18 FROM KATHRYN SMITH
Hi Ann,
Good to hear from you. Ruth Reames is at:
St. Anthony Hospital
Room 540
4231 W. 16th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
Kathryn

SATURDAY AUGUST 18 FROM SHERYL JOHNSON
Greetings All,

I spoke with Ruth's sister-in-law, Joyce, for a short time today.  
Joyce and Phil wanted to let everyone know that there is a guest book 
in the room so everyone can share their thoughts for Ruth in whatever 
form they wish....

Her room is gorgeous with the view of the mountains and all of the 
cards, plants, and flowers.  What an amazing support network she has!

Sheryl

  
   
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