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

[Janice Ulangca]

Thank you, Jim.  This is such a complete and caring account.  I'll send her a note - she's meant a lot to me also.  I'm very grateful for the support of all of you there - it's got to give all possible energy to healing.
Janice Ulangca
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: J & O Slotta 
  To: Colleague Dialogue ; Order Community 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 6:36 PM
  Subject: [Dialogue] Reports on Ruth Reames medical recovery-August 7 through 18 '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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