April 8, 2008

Rhonda Writes -
So, tonight, Mr. Lacey was trying to get me to break the law. We had a rough afternoon with nursing staff so I was trying to give in to his every need, want and desire… (Yes - those who know me? I can't hear you laughing!) I don't usually do that very well.
BUT - Eric tried a new thing today. Ice chips with a spoon. Mind you, he's not eating the ice chips. Their job is to cool the spoon off, then Eric sticks it on his tongue to cool it, then he practices swallowing. So here I come with a cup full of ice and a plastic spoon. He kept trying to tell me something so I put his speaking valve on and he said "METAL---- I need a metal spoon". Okay, so I didn't think about plastic not cooling off the way metal would. He told me, "go get a metal spoon and don't let them tell you no for an answer". With that I got nervous. Of course, they had no metal spoons (not even in the cafeteria). When I came back to tell him the great news he told me in a firm voice……. "Tell my mother to bring me a metal spoon and a cup - she won't forget".
Yes ladies… MOM won't forget. Rhonda just HAD to bring a plastic spoon. What purpose does that serve (other than scooping out strawberry Jell-O). Once he realized I wasn't getting a metal spoon, guess what he did? Grabbed that cup and chunked ice into his mouth. PANIC sets in and I start yelling "spit it out… spit it out…" He's spitting, laughing, etc. I'm not finding it so funny. I grab the suction and proceed to take any moisture out of his mouth for fear he would aspirate. After the attitude and chaos, I was done. Toooo much drama on a Monday night. So, by this email, you should be able to tell he's doing better. His spirit has more fire and he's getting spunky. (It's Kim's fault… everyone just say that over and over). :) I can't wait to see what kind of excitement we'll see tomorrow. Please… no feeding Eric. Even if he tells you he can have that cracker? Don't do it!! :)