Page 22 of Heart of a Hero

They entered the family room, where Jennifer said, “Mom, this is Karen Drummond, the home nurse.”

Karen greeted the elderly woman sitting in a chair with a walker nearby. “Mrs. Schultz, it’s nice to meet you.”

Mrs. Schultz was dressed in comfortable fleece pants and a matching zip-up sweater. Black house slippers covered her feet. Her daughter sat nearby, her gaze lovingly on her mom.

“Ni… me… you… too.”

“I have looked over the paperwork from your hospital stay and rehab after you suffered the stroke and have read the doctor’s orders. My job today is to assess your current needs and your home to ensure it is safe and meets your special requirements. I will come weekly for six weeks, or if we conclude that your regular doctor follows you and you don’t need a nurse to check on you weekly, that is fine. And if, after six weeks, you need more, we can reassess at that time. Does that sound like what you hoped for?”

Mrs. Schultz nodded, and her daughter asked, “And what about the physical and speech therapy?”

“That’s what we’ll go over today.”

She reviewed the medication list with Jennifer and Mrs. Schultz, then assessed the home for safety and the necessary items. After her medical examination, they discussed the other therapies. “We have three therapists coming who will have their own assessments. Patrick Bellows is our home physical therapist. Nicole Havand is the speech therapist, and SharonBundy is the occupational therapist. They will have copies of the rehab reports and recommendations.”

After fifteen more minutes of answering Jennifer’s questions, she said, “And so you know, we also have a counselor. If you feel at any time that you would like his services, all you have to do is ask.”

As she said goodbye, Jennifer walked Karen to the door. Turning, Karen asked, “How areyoudoing?”

Jennifer pressed her lips together as her gaze shot toward the family room at the back of the house. She sighed, then smiled at Karen. “Honestly, my world has turned upside down. Thank God I have a flexible job, and my boss has been very supportive. I can work from home and hold video conference meetings when needed. Mom’s been in great health, so for her to have a stroke was such a shock. My dad passed away years ago from a brain tumor when I was in college.” She looked around at the large house. “Mom loved this house and wanted to stay. I live and work in Virginia Beach. When she was in the hospital and rehab there, it was easy to visit, but I knew when she was released to come back here, I would need to stay for a while.”

“Being a caregiver is hard. Make sure you schedule time for yourself. You mentioned that your mom has friends, a women’s group from her church, and neighbors. Let others help at times when you need a break.”

Jennifer smiled, gratitude evident as her expression relaxed. “Thank you. I’m grateful I’m so close to Mom, but you’re right. This has been a huge life change for us both.”

“The three therapists will contact you tomorrow to schedule their first visits, and I’ll see you next week.”

With goodbyes said, Karen walked to her vehicle. The rest of the day followed much the same routine—new patients to assess and current ones to check on.

Her final stop was at Roscoe’s home. “Hey!” she called out when he told her to enter. She walked inside and grinned at Marty and Zannie, sitting at his small table with cereal bowls in front of them.

“My goodness! Is there a party that you forgot to invite me to?” she joked, smiling as she greeted each child and then walked over to Roscoe, who was sitting in his recliner.

“I have some visitors.” Roscoe smiled widely as he winked at her, then looked at the kids.

“We got Lucky Charms!” Zannie said, trying to speak, chew, and swallow simultaneously.

“Don’t choke, sweetheart,” Karen warned gently.

Zannie giggled. “Sweetheart. I like that! Nobody’s called me that before.”

A pain shot through Karen’s stomach at the little girl's declaration. She looked toward Roscoe, seeing his tense jaw. Looking back at the children, she said, “Well, you are sweethearts—both of you!”

More giggles ensued, and she turned her attention back to Roscoe.

“Made sure my pill bottles are in the cabinet since the kids have started coming inside. Didn’t want them on the counter.”

“Good idea,” she agreed. Once she’d checked his medication, blood pressure, and temperature and looked at his legs and feet for swelling, she stood and moved past the kids to make sure his home still met his needs. Seeing everything in order, she returned to the living/eating area.

“Looks like you’ve got everything you need, Roscoe.”

“I’m doing okay, Ms. Karen.” He leaned closer as the kids slurped the milk from their bowls. “Can’t say the same about them kids.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure,” Roscoe said. “For the past couple of days, the kids have knocked on my door when they got off the school bus. They said their mama was asleep, and they couldn’t get in, and her worthless boyfriend wasn’t around. The first day, it was raining cats and dogs, and I had the kids come in real quick so they wouldn’t get any wetter than they already were. When they heard that big truck outside, they ran over to their place. The next day, it wasn’t raining, but the kids came back over here. I know you’d given them some snacks before, and I asked one of the church ladies if they would bring a few things for me to have. Got some cereal and cookies. I already had some crackers and still have some cheese. So, for the past several days, as soon as the kids get off the bus, they come straight here.”

“Their mom doesn’t miss them? Or wonder where they are when they get off the bus?”

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