Post #6: Still No Decisive Direction But . . .

Dear Everyone,

Yesterday Anita actually ate a bit of peach cobbler, but that was it. Certainly not enough to provide any kind of sustaining nutrition. She continues to ocassionally sip water, but again, not enough for sufficient hydration.

More friends came to visit her yesterday, bearing flowers and a card which I read to her. Although it was difficult to tell for certain, she seemed pleased to have visitors. And thank you to all who have come to see her. I know it is difficult in that she can not respond, but the visits reinforce the fact that she is much loved, that lots of people are very concerned about her and interested in supporting her in recovery efforts.

I brought her some photographs to look at. She had had them push-pinned on corkboard or in frames in her office at home. She set about rearranging the photos on the corkboard in what I can only describe as an attempt to organize them into a more attractive arrangement. That certainly is a touch of the Anita we know. Since the corkboard was falling apart, I went out and got her a large foam board on which all of the photos are now pinned. I then set it up in a chair so that she can view it. Today (Sunday) I'll see if she wants to rearrange the photos again.

She is watching the television screen but does not like to listen to the audio. I have been informed that this may be due to the fact that multiple voices on the TV only confuse her - her brain can't process the multiple and fast-paced words.

My overall impression yesterday was that she is somewhat more listless than before - not surprising given the lack of nutrition - and still depressed. We tried one last time with overt encouragement to not make such a serious decision when her brain still has inflammation, when she is not properly nourished, and consequently, when she is not in the best condition to be making vital decisions. I can only hope that she is considering that.

So it is still a waiting game for us as the decision is still up to her.

Melissa