July 10, 2009

Today Evelyn went to J.C. Penny’s for her weekly hair appointment. Just like last week she was taken to the same stylist who has been setting Evelyn’s hair for many years here in California. The stylist is extremely kind to Evelyn and able to put her hair in the classic short bouffant that she has sported since 2000. Today I will include some photos to give everyone a clearer picture of her!

The photo on the left illustrates the DASH bus that brings her to and from the beauty supply store. It is free for residents in her area, but must be ordered one week in advance. The photo on the right shows off her beautiful "birthday cake" from my uncle Bill, (Bam), aunt Jean, Rachael, and Tyler. The blouse was a gift from my aunt Angi. Many other family members and friends sent great cards and flowers for Evelyn's birthday and she was very thankful for it all.

This weekend we will continue to celebrate the gorgeous weather and practice exercising! Evelyn's overall health is remarkable. Despite the incontinence and neuropathy, the most recent doctor's visit proved that her major organs are all functioning well. The doctor just mentioned that she should keep working her muscles, (kicking her legs, bringing her arms up and out, etc.), and walk a few more steps every day. In total she walks around 10-12 steps a day. She should be practicing more in the living room. With the presence of family, (Angi excluded), she often asks people to do things for her that she can do by herself. For example, when I saw her in the bedroom, she asked me to help her with a blouse and I was happy to help. The caregiver Annabelle caught me helping her at the end and explained how she is working hard on getting Evelyn to do things like this by herself. I quickly learned how she easily reverts to lazier behaviors when she knows that loved are present.

This same phenomenon has been witnessed with young children. When young children know that an adult or older child will help them, they become less interested in completing a task independently. After speaking with Annabelle I felt awful for breaking apart the hard work that has been progressing with my grandmother. It angered me that my grandmother would so easily give up on independence. I suppose that once one's body ceases to function normally, it may be easier just to give up in self-pity. No longer will I stand in the way though! I know better and I hope that when the rest of the family comes to visit, they will help to boost her self-esteem in independence. Yesterday I even cheered her on while she took 8 steps to her chair, (typically it is between 3-4 steps)! As a child Evelyn always encouraged me to never stop and perhaps the best way to thank her is to keep encouraging her in life.