@imtravis.bsky.social
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I am having a good day. I was able to increase my speed just a tad on the treadmill this morning and didn’t notice any difference! I will do my water bottle exercises after I finish this post.
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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. Mostly it was pretty good. I got the idea of having him choose a water gun that also shoots LED lights, as he expressed interest in that the last time we were there, because I thought he might get a kick out of having a sketch and painting of it on his wall. He chose one he liked, and it will be a real challenge for me. I’ll do the best I can and hope he likes it…
The visit was heartbreaking at the end because he was asking about a pair of blue shorts and later about a wheelchair. He wanted to come home with us. The list of why that isn’t possible would fill a book, and we glossed over it as best we could, but the fact remains we simply can’t do it. He said he was comfortable and seemed glad to see us. 🥺
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Brian and I spent some time at the cafe. I did a sketch for Father’s Day that I’ll paint later, and I’ll get started on the water gun tomorrow, since he wants me to bring it on Saturday. No pressure….
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Brian took more pictures of the turtle puzzle. I took it apart today and put it out for adoption this afternoon. I opened the box and the Cheetah isn’t muffled anymore. The image of it is so good it looks like it should roar! I’ll start it soon.
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My SIL is having a much-needed, much-earned time at the beach this week. You and I are the recipients of a wonderful virtual vacation because of her generosity in sending photos. I’m sharing three with you today of the fact that she can enjoy views of the sunrise AND the sunset from this place!
Droolworthy views to be sure!!!
creativeartworksblog 
Glorious sunset photos from your SIL, Linda! So serene.
I’m glad you have released cheetah! He’s going to be fun to work on!
I am sorry to hear that the end of your visit with Harvey was sad. Everyone I have known except one, who lived in a care facility has told family they want to go home. I bet there are books about why that is. I am sure it is because our brains seek the familiar. I bet Harvey will love the water gun sketch!
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He hasn’t mentioned wanting to go home with us for quite a while, so it was unexpected yesterday. I hope I can do justice to the water gun sketch. I want to add something he really likes to his happy wall Saturday.
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There’s probably/maybe no rhyme or reason to why Harvey asked to come home with you, Linda. It could be he misses being near you, hugging, holding you, etc. all the warm touches. It could be because he thinks it will be everything in your Arkansas home/workshop. As we know with a brain injury (such as these strokes our husband’s have had), it often makes no sense why they do/say some of what they say now.
I am still dealing with this with my hubby too. He will snap at me for no reason now where before his stroke he NEVER would have done anything like that! I have to quickly catch myself so I don’t react! Or explain over and over why I didn’t do something he wanted. And I do my best to turn it into a joke and get him to laugh. It may not work in every situation or for anyone else, but for us, so far, it’s worked.
FyI my new dr was amazing today and I will go back in 2 weeks. I feel improved, so I am hopeful one more session will fix me!
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When he mentions going home, it could be any of several places we have lived before, or even Mars is in the mix now, since he has several wives and children of all ages there now. It just gets to me. Dealing with brain injury is different for each of us, and we each need to work our what works for us. That’s one of the most difficult things about it. I’m DELIGHTED to hear the new doctor was good and that you may be ‘fixed’ soon (if you’ll pardon the expression). 🤭
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Oh, yes, Linda. Mars, eh?!! Oh my, it seems we could write a BOOK about Harvey’s imaginative brain!! I mean if it wasn’t so sad it would be a comedy! And yes, I realize you totally may not be in a laughing mood when it comes to this situation. My heart really goes out to you dear friend.
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My father taught me to stand back and see the humor in as many situations as possible as a survival skill. I do this now with Harvey, admiring his creativity, teasing him about his new harem and children on Mars, smiling when I can. He has always had a creative brain, a busy brain, and that is still giving him a lot to think about. We are with each other on dealing with our men. I’m glad to have you.
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Your father was a superb teacher, Linda!
Indeed. Glad to have each other as we deal with our men. Hugs!
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He didn’t just SAY it, he LIVED it. He said, “Remember me laughing.” It was a long time before I could, but he gave me that gift, too. We can hold tight to each other, Sheila – and hopefully laugh along the way.
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Oh. Those sunsets . 🥰 Thank you for sharing. What a lovely view.
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You’re welcome, Liz. I’m happy we can all share her vacation due to her great photos!
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Every increase on the treadmill is a plus, and it means you are seriously working at better health. What is your speed now? I am doing 2.8. I would like to do more, but at the end of the day, after working 8 hours and getting up at 4:15 Am, that is the best I can do.
I know that was sad for you when your Harvey wanted to go with you and your son.
I will be watching the progress on your Cheetah in the weeks to come. I bet you are anxious to get started
The beach pictures were beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Take care (Donna)
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Hi, Donna. It’s good to hear from you. My speed on the treadmill is 43 kms which is 2.67 mph. GOOD FOR YOU on walking that speed after working all day!!!!!! That’s truly wonderful. And remember, we are all ‘running our own race,’ not to be compared to anything but our own previous performance. I’m just grateful not to have to hang on to the handlebars for dear life now. My balance issues are improving, although I’m still working on being able to walk and look at something besides the ground and quick look up every few seconds. Yes, it was sad when Harvey wanted to come with us. I’m glad that doesn’t happen often now. I’m hoping I can do well enough on the water gun painted sketch that it will cheer him up when we see him Saturday. The Cheetah is out now and I’m trying to get the border together. I’m grateful that my SIL is taking us along on her beach trip!
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