Yike, Dana and Kotty and many others who are tuned to this station….this–where Dad’s head and body are–is such an unknown place for a lot of us.  Dad calls to me “Chena….” and then says things I just don’t understand.  He tells Caroline, a dynamic & fascinating woman who has spent decades living all over Alaska and most recently Fairbanks–and then volunteers to come into our home weekly to do she probably doesn’t know what but to Heather and me is giving us a few minutes in the “off” mode–about trolleys in New York and seems participatory in the discussion of handicapped issues before the legislature during “his day.”  Caroline tells us about his work for the handicapped parking signs and curbless slots in the sidewalks.  Gosh, I wish I could listen in all day.

But there is laundry to do and floors to clean.  The fields are growing up with lovely grass and the dandilion have turned from beautiful yellow to “let’s spread ’em” white.  Alex spends time getting the mower charged up and a new belt put on, only to find out the tire is flat.  No problem: use the air compressor to fill it.  Shucks, the air compressor trips a breaker.  Now what’s wrong?  Two machines to fix.

Can’t tell you how much good it does us, Dana and Harry and Bob to hear your voices when you call, read your words when you write.  We take it day to day and week to week and every-too-soon things are different and just as scary as before.  Nonni calls often and it is such a period of normalcy to hear him, from Vermont, talk about his life (he doesn’t think it is normal at all, but we know better).

Kotty, your grandpa’s stories are incredible and immense.  Almost no one is telling them but I guess that is the way of life.  Just live  yours to the fullest you can.

Dad did OK today.  Not big on the avocado I made him for lunch (gosh, I almost am over getting offended people don’t like how personal I make their food!) but strong on his transfers.  The old egg salad on dark rye was acceptable, and he was so thirsty.  I can’t tell so much how much he integrates from what we try to communicate with him.  I also don’t think I understand all he says.  It must be frustrating for him.  Hugs and love is what we end up with.

Chena