Friday, 11 Feb 2005:

Gabriella had a quiet and restful night after her busy day at the hospital. Yesterday, we were visited for the first time by one of the nurses who will be stopping by once a week to check on Ella’s progress. As this was the initial visit, there was much paperwork and some time spent getting to know one another. These short weekly visits are the first of three types of nursing support we hope to receive.

The purpose of these weekly visits is to help the parent’s of “medically fragile patients,” like Ella, identify potential problems between regularly scheduled visits to the doctor. The second type of nursing support allows the parent care-givers some time off (16 hours per month) to decompress and relax, hence the name “respite nursing care.”

Although Ella’s condition and our situation merit this type of nursing support, it is currently unavailable due to the shortage of nurses here on the islands. It is likely that Ella will also qualify for the third option – “full-time nursing support” (56 hours per week or more) – however, the nurse shortage is once again a factor.

Your continuing efforts to help us find nursing support is greatly appreciated. And, as always…

Thank you for your prayers.