A couple Sundays ago, I took Lilly with me to visit my mom, who remains in the rehabilitation section, after the heart scare in August. Lilly did struggle with a few things, but one nice comment from my mom’s roommate made it all worthwhile. (Sorry, I forgot my camera, so no pictures.)
My mom does seem to enjoy having Lilly visit once in a while, but the truth is that I took Lilly along more for ME than anyone else. The weather had finally cooled enough, making it safe for Lilly to stay in the (well-ventilated) car while I ran errands after our visit.
I’m not too proud to admit that some days I simply need my girl to steady me mentally, emotionally, and otherwise. Lilly provides a much better coping mechanism than just about any alternative I can imagine.
Lilly did a terrific job, with just two small exceptions:
- She balked / cowered due to the child-size Halloween witch doll on the nurse’s station desk. It had red, glowing eyes.
- She barked at the caregivers who came in to help my mom at one point. I suspect it was the bustle of so many unfamiliar people in such a SMALL space.
Seriously, I don’t realize how many personal space issues I have … forget Lilly’s need of space for a second … it’s squinchy in there with all the equipment and furniture and stuff.
I’m sure part of it’s emotional, but boy does it feel claustrophobic in there to me.
However, Lilly let both my mom and her roommate pet her at length. She went with me to check my mom’s mail and was a polite little star in the hallways as we passed:
- Other visitors
- Residents in walkers
- Residents in wheelchairs
And, Lilly maintained a nice DOWN-STAY, calmly and quietly at my side for more than an hour.
When it was time to get hopping on our other errands, I made the mistake of asking Lilly if she was, “Ready to go.” She began leaping as high as my head and squeaking.
Oh, boy.
I apologized to my mom’s roommate as I hustled Lilly out of the room before she broke something, but the roommate smiled as big as the sun, telling me, “Seeing her was the highlight of my day. ”
Because of Lilly’s fears, we may never be an official therapy team, but once in a while … we do brighten someone else’s day.
***
You might recall that Lilly visited her other Grandma in 2010 while she was getting her strength back in rehab too.
That was a wonderful comment. Lilly and you made her day.
I love the comment from your mom’s roommate 🙂 Glad you both had a nice visit and hope your mom is on the road to recovery!
Such a wonderful comment from your mom’s roommate. Maybe I’m just overly emotional today, but I teared up when I read it.
I enjoyed going on this visit with you and Lilly.
Isn’t it wonderful when someone else enjoys one of our dogs? Your stories of Lilly make me want to hug you both…’tho I doubt she would appreciate it!
Glad to hear your visit went so well. And it’s good to admit that sometimes we need a little support ourselves. Sounds like Lilly did a great job.
That sounds like a great visit! And also like the 2 exceptions were pretty valid, especially with your description of her reaction (she didn’t just have a meltdown).
Who wouldn’t love to see Lilly’s enthusiasm when they are sick? Way to go Lilly and Roxanne!