Another Stroke

Jean had been growing progressively weaker in the last while. The last few weeks, he could no longer dress himself. It was too hard for him to get everything on right, and to button his shirt, etc. John would go in and dress him, and then help him undress when it was time to go back to bed. The other evening, Jean was sitting on his bed while John was kneeling on the floor, taking off Jean's shoes and socks. I would have liked to take a photo. It was a beautiful picture of service.

Then last Saturday sometime, Jean had another stroke, and this time it is more serious. His left arm and leg are not working at this time. His speech and swallowing are also affected. He can still speak though, and he can eat very soft and liquefied foods.

The nurse was here to evaluate his condition yesterday. She is not as hopeful for much improvement, but we are still hopeful. His humor and cheer are intact. That is really admirable.

Very, Very Tired

Jean has become much more tired than before.  It seems he would prefer to stay in his cozy bed around the clock.  It's getting harder and harder to persuade him to get up.  He needs to get up to eat, of course, but also so that his muscles do not become so weak that soon he wouldn't be able to get up at all. He canceled physical therapy about a month ago.

It's good for him to get a bit of exercise, and also to have a change of scenery. Once he is up, he stays up for a few hours and then goes back to bed.
He still cracks jokes once in a while, but it seems he has become subdued.

He does like to get out of the house occasionally, for a ride or out to eat. We take him out at least once a week. His appetite remains good.
Friends from church who live in the country (not far from town, the country starts very quickly!) invited him to dinner last Tuesday. They are very kind people, and everyone had a good time.
Jean ate SO much food! His hosts said they were very surprised that "a thin, little man could hold so much food."  They suggested he could take his dessert home to eat later, but Jean said he would eat some now, and take more home. Which we did!

Last Tuesday evening with the Fulkersons