[Dialogue] {Spam?} Re: Reports on Ruth Reames medical recovery-August 7 through 18 '07

[RICHARD HOWIE]

Thanks so much for all the news of Ruth.  Dick and I enjoyed hosting  
her at our home, and we'll have a note in the mail to her tomorrow.
Grace and Peace, Ellen
On Aug 21, 2007, at 6:36 PM, J & O Slotta wrote:

> =================================================
> 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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