From The Past: August 11, 2008

When we arrived at the Markey yesterday afternoon, Mom and Dad were seated at a picnic table near the parking lot. I was once again surprised to see her outside. You see, last year she didn’t feel well enough to get out of bed much less walk around outside.

I’m not saying she is in top physical condition this time around, because she doesn’t feel good, but she does feel better than last year.

I resisted the urge to take a picture of us sitting there at the picnic table, but I knew she wouldn’t want her picture on my blog wearing her mask. The picnic table is situated under a huge tree, so there was plenty of shade. The roots at the bottom are massive. It was nice to visit with Mom outside; look at her and look at the green grass and smell the fresh air around her. I believe it does her good to get out, it would anyone, I know.

Her white blood count has come up, a tiny bit. It should begin to go up quite a bit all this week. I am hopeful she will get to come home soon.

It is very easy to get to the Markey. UK has built a new parking garage on Limestone, across the street from the hospital which visitors use during the week.

You do have to pay to park, but it’s not too expensive for the visitor who only stays a short time.

When you get to the main floor of the parking garage via steps or elevator, you get on a shuttle bus (this is free) which takes you right to the main entrance of the hospital.

It is only a short walk to the Markey building from the hospital.

When we leave the Markey, we walk back to the main entrance and another shuttle bus returns us to the parking garage.

Even though the garage is across the street, it is less walking now than it was last year when the garage was basically attached to the hospital because of the shuttle bus. The bus is especially great for hot weather or rain. I am sure it will be nice this winter when it is cold outside, but I do not plan to be there for that!