TOO OFTEN ?

 Am I blogging too often? My recent sporadic posts were merely updates about my health. Assuming that my updates were unintentionally boring, I've decided to expand my repertoire to random thoughts - whatever comes to mind. Which, of course, could also be boring, but that's beside the point.

I used to blog about the forest and my cats. Currently I have no forest and no cats. It is a strange situation - as though I'm viewing my former life from a dangerous unobtainable distance.

Two - now actually three - months in a hospital bed can do horrifying things to a person's psyche. I am completely ravaged physically and mentally. In retrospect, however, I'm much stronger than I ever thought.

When I was transferred from Cookeville Medical Center to rehab here in Jamestown (on August 11th) I was in deplorable shape. Physically I couldn't even sit up in bed. My legs were completely numb, almost paralyzed. 

My physical therapy here began extremely slow. My entire body was fiercely resisting any kind of movement. I eventually had to be pulled out of bed with two people forcing me to stand on my useless legs.

In time, days later, I was able to sit on the edge of the bed for ten astonishing minutes. I eventually was able to stand for about eight minutes with the help of a walker.

Slow, agonizingly slow progress. I wanted to give up, but if I succumbed to cowardness there would be no hope.

Was I ever able to walk through the forest by my property?

The physical therapists here are really superb. One is a man, but I most often work with two woman. They have the patients of saints.

Progress??

Lately I can get out of bed myself, wheel around in a wheelchair, and have begun walking with the aide of a walker. And I do many other arm and leg exercises.

I've recently had several dreams about having the ability to walk again.

Well, contrary to talking about other things. I'm being boring with my health issues, as usual.

What about my roommate from hell? He contracted pneumonia and spent the endless nights yelling for the nurses and causing complete nocturnal chaos. I was fortunate to sleep an hour.

Yesterday he was finally removed from my room. He's being transferred somewhere. I thought they said Crossville - but I don't think there's a hospital there.

I hate to admit that it's been like heaven without him. The peace is sublime. Hopefully I don't sound like a heartless ogre. Thankfully, he has a loving family that is constantly in attendance.

With my luck, he'll be back *smile*

My new cell phone arrived on Friday, as schedueled. A Samsung Galaxy, Android - compatible with Tracfone - which I've used for at least 15 years. I haven't even taken it out of the package yet. Too many other things going on here.

The Amish choir was here last night, singing hymns in the hallway. Their singing is absolutely beautiful. They come here once a month.

Should I finally end this tedious post? If you're still awake - - congratulations.

Luv, Jon

One more thing -

Did any one of you send me a book about the Romanovs? A few days ago a nurse came into my room, gave me the book, and hurried out before I could ask questions. No one seems to know where it came from. 

I have had a long, passionate interest in the Romanovs - especially Tsar Nicholas and his family.

My dinner yesterday. How exciting!