This is 50 hours-ish since Mom (Connie) has been at the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Upstate. It’s been a rocky few days for all of us. Dad (Ron) has been up there daily, driving from Cortland for visiting hours at 10am, sitting with Mom and squeezing her hand, reinforcing the love from each and everyone.
He’s been there for many of her neurochecks. Those involve squeezing both hands, questions about where she is, who she is, where she is, etc. Mom has been doing well with those checks some of the time — more and more of the time. But she ebbs and flows right now, sometimes slipping into confusion and weakness. I’ve been assured this is typical this soon in the process.
ACTUALLY — in writing this, I just got off speaker phone with dad AND mom. Mom is very alert and talkative at this moment. Her speech is clear. Her memory is coming back. She even has a little spitfire in her attitude, which is a great sign. The amount of relief to hear her voice and hear her personality is overwhelmingly positive. My eyes are filled with tears of joy.
So that’s it for now. This post should be a beacon of hope for everyone who has been filled with worry the last few days.
I will remain in contact with the day and nighttime nursing staff, her social workers, and the doctors on the floor. I’m calling 2-3 times a day, and I will continue. And I vow to keep this little blog going for all of you. Check back here often. Never hesitate to text, call, or email me if you want a more personalized update.
My dad (Ron) has been so grateful for everyone reaching out. Yall are amazing friends and family members. Though I write this with caution. He’s running on pure grit and adrenalin. These long days are going to catch up to him. I want to gently encourage everyone not to show up at Lansing Ave unannounced. This man needs some SLEEP. He and I are running through his checklist every morning before he leaves, making sure he has everything he needs to be helpful and comfortable. He’s received a ton of help with their puppies at home, Abby and Willa. Feel free to reach out to him, but if you don’t hear back, he has his hands full. You can always try me! I can pass on a message.
We’re going to do everything we can to get Connie back up, on her feet, dancing, playing piano, enjoying many more years together with her family and friends and community.
Love you all very much.
Luka Starmer
August 20, 2024