October, 2002

On October 8th, 2002, we left Children’s Specialized and moved to Wanaque Nursing and Rehab. I drove in the van with you and I am feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting over in a new place. It was scary for us because I always worry about who will be taking care of you and will you get the special care you need.
I remember when we arrived, we were met in the lobby by Jane, the Admissions Director, and she took us upstairs to the 2nd floor in room 220. We left you with Claudette, the charge nurse and your aide, Gloria. They had to do a preliminary work up on you to make sure you were okay and so we decided to go to lunch. When we came back Dad, Melissa and I did what we could to make sure you were settled in and then we left. Melissa and I took the next day off so we could decorate your room and make it as cozy and comfortable as possible. Claudette and Gloria fell in love with you from the start and did everything they could to make sure all your needs were met. The first few weeks I arrived everyday around noon and spent time with you. If the weather was nice, I took you outside for walks. Your roommate was Chris and he is very seldom in the room because he spends all his time in the dayroom. Several days after we arrived we met a wonderful nurse named Debbie. She was the one person who went out of her way to make sure I was okay with everything and she took the time to explain things to me. I always worried about the care you were getting and if you were being treated well. You were still very tight and sweated a lot and you still could not bend your left leg. Your wheelchair was on order but it was going to be awhile before you would get it.