“Good. I’m going to pick you up and put you in the chair now.”
Gini shook her head. “No… uff… sair. No… uff… we… heal… sair.”
He put his big black hands on the sides of her face. “I’m pretty strong. You just let me do the work. All you have to do is sit. Just like you’re sitting here on the bed.”
She opened her eyes and looked at him.
He took his thumbs down her cheeks. “Ready?”
She said nothing and closed her eyes. He gently lifted her up and sat her in the chair. Squatting in front of her, he took both of her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs across the soft skin on the top of each hand.
The whole time she thrust her tongue. Debbie stood nearby observing.
“Dee… bee.”
“Right here, baby.” She put her hand on Gini’s shoulder. “I’m right here.”
Gini stopped thrusting and sat with her eyes closed, her back straight. Aaron put her left hand on the chair arm and then the wheel, explaining what each was.
“Is the chair comfortable?” he asked.
“Oh… yes…”
He smiled, rubbed down her face, and looked up at Debbie.
They let her sit for a few minutes. She sat very tense but said nothing. Aaron never let go of the hands.
After he put her back in bed, she almost immediately fell asleep.
Robert walked in just as Aaron was leaving. “How’s it going?”
“Good. We got her in the chair today. Tomorrow, I’ll move it a little. I know it will probably frighten her, but we’ll go slow.”
“As usual, you are doing a good thing here. She has so much potential.” Dr. Young took her chart from Debbie.
“She’s so intent on walking. Once we get her down to the gym, I’ll get her in the harness and see how it goes. She has lost a lot of muscle mass, but we can fix that.” He flashed a big, white-toothed smile. “Debbie, Dr. Young, see you later.”
Robert went to the bed and took her hand. “Wore her out.”
“Yes, every day. It doesn’t take much, but she will not stop.”
“We know how much energy she’s using just to breathe, not to mention moving around and thinking.”
“And talking,” Debbie added. “She’s talking a lot.”
He smiled. “How’s the move coming?”
“Getting there. I’m sure once we are in, I’ll be finding other things I need. Robert, thanks for suggesting I do this. She’s a special patient. Thank you.”
“It wasn’t my suggestion; it was Franco’s insistence. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. She responds to you so well. And we are on a roll here. I think a major move might halt or completely stop the momentum. However, I’m not happy about not having you on the team.”
“Beverly seems to be skilled.”
“She is. But she’s not Debbie Pierce, my right-hand lady.”
“Oh, Robert, you flatter me.”
The next week was a busy and tiring week for all involved. Taking Gini out of familiar surroundings was a concern, but Aaron came up with the idea of moving Gini in her bed into her new room. She knew her bed, and since she hadn’t ridden in the chair much, taking her to the unit without any fanfare was perfect.
The night before the move, Debbie was at her house trying to figure out what more she needed. She’d realized she hadn’t completely prepared the new household for a special needs person. Can I really do this? she thought. Suddenly, the tears started pouring down her face. She laid her head back on the couch and cried out loud. Why was she doubting herself now? She was a nurse, a good one. There was no reason to think she couldn’t do the job. But she had so many questions with no answers. And she was exhausted and hadn’t even started the job yet.
The door opened, and Lisa walked into the room. “Debs!” She ran over to the couch. “What’s wrong?”
Debbie quickly wiped her face. “Nothing.”
Lisa wrapped her arms tight around her. “Come on, you never cry. Tell me what’s wrong.”
Debbie pulled Lisa closer to her, pressing her face next to Lisa’s. “What if I can’t do this? What if I fail?”
“Debbie, you’re the best nurse ever.”
Debbie pulled away. “Are you sure? Look at me—I’m so tired I can’t think straight. And I haven’t even started.”
Lisa brushed the moisture from Debbie’s cheeks, then wrapped her dainty hands around Debbie’s face. “You will not fail. I’m here to help you when you need help, and the floor nursing staff is there all the time. You will never be alone. Debs, you are a strong woman. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it.”
“Oh, Lisa, I love you. Thank you. I just want to do right by Gini. I want her to survive and live a happy life.”
“I know.” Lisa smiled her wonderful, flirty smile that always turned Debbie on, then she leaned her forehead on Debbie’s. “Remember, this is good practice for becoming parents.” She gave a small laugh. “And, now we know there will be tears.”
“Probably, lots.” Debbie grabbed her in her arms.
Was there anyone sweeter than Lisa? She was always helpful and attentive at the hospital to both patient and families. Debbie took in a quick breath. Lisa was going to be okay on her own for the next few months. She had just confirmed to Debbie that she was a caring, loving, capable woman, and Debbie could always depend on her.
The first couple of days she made several trips to her house and back while Lisa stayed with Gini, who was extremely uptight and agitated. All therapies stopped until a new routine could be established.
Robert realized how convenient it was to stop by the unit on his way home from
