As I entered the ward, I saw him leading her by the hand, holding it as if made of delicate porcelain.

Caught the eye of a nurse and told her to somehow separate them before Wayne saw me or he’d drop her hand like a hot potato – she was sad enough already.

The nurse had overheard Wayne telling her to not cry. He is more precious than gold, silver or all the jewels in the world.

So, Mighty Mouse rides again! That sneaky little darling got one on me again:) She raised her arms for a hug and gave me her usual loving schmuck on the cheek. Explained that I had to go with Wayne but I’d be back soon. When I arrived a couple hours later, she looked very secretive and somewhat urgent. “Come here,” she orderd, no smile graced her face. “Come to my room – quickly!”

I kind of dreaded to do this in case she wanted to give me something which I wouldn’t have taken. Anyway, I offered to push her wheelchair and she she said,” Yes and quickly!”

Her door was locked and thought maybe someone had been looting her room. She pointed to the wire hung high above her door, “Push it in, quickly!”

She got a sly smile on her face and rolled up to the bed. “Put me to bed, please.” She’s light as a feather but due to rules and possible law suits, I said I’d get a nurse.

The nurses explained that they have to keep her out of the room as she transfers herself and may break a hip, etc.

Mighty Mouse 1 Jean 0

Today at lunch, Mighty Mouse asked if someone could tie her shoelaces. The care aides were busy serving the meals so I got down and tied her shoe – only one was undone. She smiled ever so sweetly, thanking me.

The Sgt. Major called out that she’s only doing it for attention. Tsk, tsk, such an attitude, I thought – then my eyes caught MM using one foot to work on the laces of the other to untie them! Guess the Major had her pegged:)

He hugs me almost to the point of hurting and just wouldn’t let go. Today he stopped just short of crying.

What makes me feel sad is worrying that he is worrying that I can’t find him.

After this initial emotional time, we had a nice visit.

He basically refuses to get up for the nurses and when they do get him up, he doesn’t eat. Noise in the common dining room bothers him so they often take his meals to the room – he doesn’t eat.

Up until yesterday, he would eat if I coaxed/begged/pleaded but not yesterday.

He has lost weight and is very sad.

I’d love to bring him home but think that’s not possible. I need to win the lotto so I can hire private care.

For all his disability, Wayne is still very kind and helpful to people. We each took and arm and helped her sit up, then led her to her room, next door to Wayne’s. Came back to help him wash and clean up a bit to find her walker in his bathroom. Took it to her room.

All of a sudden it hit me – let’s just put it this way, if there had been a dog around, we’d have said,”Fido! What a smell!”

I called a nurse to check on the musical bed lady and she had def. suffered an accident. It was kind of humorous to me as after I suggested checking the lady, I thought, “What if it’s Wayne!!!”

He’d be down right annoyed to read this post!

I have never been there when it happens til today but a small light flashes in the residents’ rooms and of course an alarm rings but it’s not quite as loud as others I’ve heard. All doors unlock in the facility so it’s very stressful for staff til all are accounted for.

Mr. Fleet of Foot made a mad dash for the ward then exterior doors and managed to gallop to the staff parking lot – luckily. The fellow wasn’t from Wayne’s ward. Anyway, it was fortunate as shift change was going on and he walked right into the arms of his care givers:)

Before they found him, I was asked to sit at one of the exit doors in Wayne’s ward as locks still were open. Charge nurses were visibly stressed til all were accounted for. Kind of humorous as a nurse would bring a wandering patient from our ward who had made it to another ward, etc.

When all was settled down, cake was enjoyed as this all happened during nurses’ appreciation tea!

His disability still amazes me and shouldn’t.

We joined a group for cake in honor of the care aides – when we returned to his room, I made the mistake of saying that I’d go home now and see him tomorrow. He adjusted his slacks in his familiar old way and said, “Good idea, I’ll go with you.”

I think “pregnant pause” would describe my reaction. Headed out to the common area and clued a staff member into the situation. She approached him with tomato juice, his fav, and he happily followed her to a table. Hugged him goodbye and he was fine.

I never use the word “home” – always “the house” – I have to be more careful.

Yesterday was really funny, Mighty Mouse said she was here first and should be the only ***. The other *** must have been in the service industry and goes from person to person asking, “what can I get for you?” – It’s very sweet and she runs water and paper napkins to various residents.

Bingo was on the agenda so I asked Wayne if he’d like to play. Very excited and informed me that he had never played bingo before:) Some residents who I would have guessed to be more impaired, played well. The new *** won 3 games in a row and Mighty Mouse accused her of cheating – and so another war.

It was troubling to help Wayne with his card and see him unable to move the markers. I want to be sure to attend “bingo afternoons” as he enjoyed it no end.

When the games were officially over, the activity aide gave each person a prize – a chocolate mint – calmed things down.