Guided imagery

Although we have had a few challenges here and there, we've had many days where we share smiles and hugs and tears. Over time conversations with Robin have become simpler. Mostly we ask her about what she sees or about her stuffed animals. As her body has slowed down her ability to remember things has decreased and her rate of speech has slowed so it often sounds childlike. Each day she rests for longer and longer periods with her eyes closed.

Most of the time she is not sleeping, rather she's paying attention to what's going on in the room. As we have discussions sometimes we'll see her nod her head, or open her eyes to look at us. A couple of nights ago I called to order some takeout food. As I was ordering soup my attention was drawn to Robin who wasn't looking directly at me, but she was making a peace sign in my direction. It took a moment to realize what was going on, and then I asked Robin "did you want a soup also?". She nodded yes and then closed her eyes and lowered her hand. It wouldn't have seemed out of place, except Robin hasn't eaten any kind of food in a week - but she's in the room and she wants to be part of the action.

Last week one of the hospice folks talked to Robin and helped guide her through some imagery. The nurse asked Robin to close her eyes and to go for walk with her. She would ask Robin what she saw as she was walking along. Sometimes she would see people, sometimes things and sometimes animals. The nurse would ask Robin what she wanted to do with the object, for instance if it was a person then "are they saying anything to you", or "do you want to ask them something". Whenever Robin seemed done with an object the nurse would say, "OK, let's step through a door, leave them behind, and close the door". At one point Robin "came across a blanket", "picked it up" and found a smiley face underneath!

The nurse really helped us understand how much Robin's consciousness is still present even when it looks to us like she is sleeping. Since then my sister Kim has become our resident expert in helping guide Robin through an occasional journey.