While With Dad

The day before I left to fly home I talked to a charge nurse wondering what nurses were working over the weekend. While gone I knew Ashtyn would need help going to the restroom and showering. Not being as independent as she’d like, obviously it would be more comfortable receiving help from nurses she knew. The charge nurse wrote down the nurses we wanted and then said, “Ashtyn has been in an assignment where her nurse has three patients. While you are out of town we are going to have her in an assignment where the nurse only has two patients. We want Ashtyn to get the attention she needs and we know what you do.” Isn’t Seattle Children’s Hospital so good to us? I was extremely touched and grateful for her thoughtfulness. Ash also had her dad with her the entire time. While home I got a few texts from Jason including, “Tons of sleep. Physical and occupational therapy Friday. Walked about 25 yards. 2100 cals Friday. Saturday did her makeup, ate 1300 cals including a Jamba Juice. Went outside for a wheelchair around the hospital grounds.” “Ate part of a hash brown and sausage biscuit from McDonald’s. She is really doing good today. Nausea seems better. Talkative. Laughing at tv shows.” “Went outside again. Walked 50 yards. She is a ton more steady on her feet than she was when I got here. Used commode only once during the day, walking to the bathroom the rest of the times. Watched a bunch of Friends and Office.” “She is struggling more with nausea today.” “She also orders me around step by step to get things for her and do things for her. Put blankets on her feet or put them away on shelves. Clean up her end table, put her makeup away, pour drinks, keep fridge stocked, etc. I love doing it!” “What I could never guess on or understand is how you are not in the hospital with back surgery from the bed you have been on all year.” “I have no idea how you do this all day every day. Stressing about every little thing. How have u avoided the looney bin?” Ashtyn loves her dad. I appreciate him coming up to be with her. On the plane I texted Ash, “I’m taking off!” She responded, “Yay! I have not been feeling well at all today and I need my mommy!”