{Karlton Bontrager}

Friday started as another beautiful day in Dunedin. Karlton would not let me take him out for a stroll saying that he did not think I was strong enough to control the wheelchair around the grounds of ISIS. He expressed a real concern for his life so I did not push the issue at that time. By early afternoon, the weather had turned cold and windy so the opportunity for a walk was gone.

One of his physios had been away for a week and was pleasantly surprized at the progress Karlton had made. Also, a nurse stopped me in the corridor and said, “I can’t believe how well he is walking. He is going to walk out of ISIS.” I am always gratified and grateful to hear remarks like these and encouraged at how well Karlton has progressed.

Karlton has nicknamed a nurse “Farmer John” because she has an organic farm and also because of her loud voice. She is quite patient with Karlton and tolerates his cynical comments and jokes. But more important, Farmer John sells organic, free roaming chicken eggs so I have found a great source of protein for Karlton. I was able to make egg foo young, salmon burgers, fried rice, etc. for K. since he has gotten quite fed up with hospital food.

I pan fried some VERY fresh sole fillets that Helen (the reflexologist) had so graciously brought for us … fresh off the boat … as these fish were swimming earlier in the day. Karlton really enjoyed the fish and was quite reluctant to give me my portion of the dinner. This was one great meal that Karlton and I thoroughly enjoyed.

I had planned to leave before dark but by the time Karlton was tucked in bed it was already dark outside and I had to run to catch the 7:45 bus. It was a busy day but Karlton really enjoyed the wonderful reflexology session he had, and was relaxed and content.