Greensleeves

4/1/26 5:51 p.m.

Great dinner for my last night at Bennett Rehab. Pot roast, carrots, new potatoes.
I have passed my final assessments and attained the score I needed in Quality Indicators (42 out of 42) to be “allowed” (ready and safe) to go home.
Just a final thank you to all who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I have definitely felt each one.
💚💚💚💚

3/30/26 11:25 a.m.

I have to say that this “hospital food” is not at all bad. In fact, the dining service does a wonderful job. I’ve probably had a more balanced diet in my three weeks here than I’ve had in my last three months at home. 🤫
Thing is, I have a sweet tooth. And I do not suffer in that area, even here. But a girl can only take so much sherbet. And last night, after chicken quesadillas, I craved a bit of chocolate. Embarrassed as I was to ask, I pressed my call button. The magic voice answered, “ Your call light is on; how can we help you?” “Is there a vending machine on this floor?” I asked.
Quick as a flash, Donna, my tech, appeared in my room, got the wheelchair ready, adjusted the brakes so I could move safely from my bed to the chair, and we dug my wallet out of my bag. (I can walk with my walker, but the chair is so much faster. And this was serious business, so I cheated.)😉
It’s important that you have an image of my tech, Donna, in your mind. She is small but mighty, probably 5’2”. Wiry and moves with the speed of a a jack rabbit. I outweigh her by at LEAST fifty pounds.
We took off like a shot down the hall, me clutching my wallet. Rounding the corner, I saw the open door and the glow of the vending machines—one crackers and candies, the other drinks. By some stroke of luck I had plenty of bills and coins. At first glance I saw m&m’s and Milky Way, neither of which I like. But then, behind the compartment 501 window, I saw it. A Butterfinger. I haven’t had one for years. Just a touch of chocolate around that barky orange inside that makes your jaws stick together slightly. I was so excited. I tried to feed in my first dollar. Wouldn’t go. I tried another. Nope. Even my quarter went sailing into the slot but dropped out in the dish below. Donna tried, too. It just wouldn’t work. Machines hate me.
Then I decided to try my debit card. I asked Donna to scoot the chair back so that I could see the microscopic diagram of how to insert my card. I swiped and saw those three magic words, “Card was accepted.” And then, “Make your selection.”
This was it…. I couldn’t mess it up. With the caution and precision of a scientist handling plutonium, I pressed 5.0.1. Nothing happened.
I started over with the card. Then 501. Thunk. The Butterfinger dropped down into the drawer marked “ PUSH.” I asked Donna to scoot the chair back so that I could reach that drawer. It was too low and too hard to push the door in far enough. Donna was on the case in seconds flat. I offered to get her something. She refused, saying, “I pack what I need when coming to work.”
“But we’ve worked so hard and have come so far!” I pleaded. Let’s both have a treat! She still refused.

Back in my room, I gingerly unwrapped my treat and switched on the TV. Viewing selection is less than extensive; choices included football, various newscasts, “Jumanji” and Spanish programs. I settled for “Finding Nemo.” It actually was a great choice, as it reminded me of my kids calling me Dory in 2004 when my brain tumor was diagnosed and I had no short-term memory. Gotta laugh or you’ll cry.

I am always excited
to examine my tray
when mymeals are delivered
day after day

I sometimes have cravings
for something that’s sweet
for “cleansing my pallet”
right after I eat

Thank goodness for Donna
who pushed me along
She’s just a wee thing
but, man, is she strong! 💪🏼

We zipped past the rooms
the wind in my hair
I have joy, I have ease
from the wheels
on my chair

It was just like nirvana
to savor that bar
my sweetest sensation
In my stay here so far

So, NO, I’m not starving
the food here is great
I can call to the kitchen
and just have to wait

💚🍫

https://youtu.be/mc2CXf9uxZc?si=lxOpFe52r_jJEhHP
Tonight’s lullaby 3/27 12:22a.m.

Windsong Provided to YouTube by RCA/LegacyWindsong · John DenverWindsong℗ 1975 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music EntertainmentReleased on: 1975-09-19Composer, Lyr...