April 30

It is 4:20 pm. I just got back from seeing Judy. Mary and Haley were with me. Judy is sitting up and her voice is much stronger. Today's accomplishments: 1. Judy has been up sitting in her chair for short periods. 2. She has walked a few steps around her ward. 3. Her catheter is out, but going to the bathroom requires a mass disconnection from all the hoses she is sporting. 4. The surgeon was up to see Judy today. He is pleased with her progress. 5. The drain tube from her chest is causing discomfort, but discomfort goes with the territory. The girls moved into the lodge where I am staying today. They stayed in a nearby hotel for their first 2 nights. The girls have found a gym one block away;therefore, they are keeping up their fitness routine. We also walked to Granville Island today for lunch. Judy's brother, David, amazed us by eating a 2 pound donut. I helped him eat part of the donut and we had the help of two starlings and a sparrow. The three birds were having difficulty achieving lift off. Judy's mother continues to decline. She was not able to open her eyes today. She hasn't eaten in 2 days. The staff at St. Paul's have been keeping her comfortable. Friends and family have been stopping by to say their good-byes. The plan for this evening is to see Judy for a short visit. She tires easily. An advantage of having an operation in a distant city is: the chance of too many visitors is less likely. It has been a good day.