[Dialogue] Reports on Ruth Reames medical recovery-August 7 through18 '07

[Bill Schlesinger]

Matt Reames had called Sunday to let us know of Ruth's stroke.  In two phone
conversations her voice is rich, alive and alert.  She said she has problems
with 'oppositional words,' and was in therapy for both her mobility and
speech.

 

Bill Schlesinger
Project Vida
3607 Rivera Ave
El Paso, TX 79905
(915) 533-7057 x 207
(915) 490-6148 mobile
(915) 533-7158 fax
bschlesinger.pv at tachc.org

  _____  

From: dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net
[mailto:dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of J & O Slotta
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 4:36 PM
To: Colleague Dialogue; Order Community
Subject: [Dialogue] Reports on Ruth Reames medical recovery-August 7
through18 '07

 

=================================================
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
===================================================

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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