Waiting on Pins and Needles: Katie’s Story, Part Eleven
Posted: December 8, 2014 Filed under: Katie's Story | Tags: caregiving-book, emotion, Katie, lack-of-emotion, pain, waiting 2 Comments
Waiting on Pins and Needles
Each time Judene and I visit, we try to be optimistic, but too often we leave feeling discouraged, generally for one of three reasons: Will Katie be unresponsive? Will she be crying out in pain? Will she show any discernible emotion? All are difficult to understand—mysteries buried deep in Katie’s brain.
The backward steps are alarming and disheartening. We remind each other to remember: “One, two, cha-cha-cha!”
Indeed, our visit last week was really good. Katie was alert. She no longer has to wear her braces during the day. She did not cry out at all, and for the two brief moments that she did experience some pain, she said, “Ow, ow, ow,” QUIETLY. 
She also made an emotional statement (albeit unemotionally): 
“I’m going home on the 12th no matter what.”
Three steps forward for sure!
What to Do about Mama? 