We found everyone we met at the Cleveland Clinic to be unfailingly polite, helpful, and kind, but the nurses of the cardiac ICU exhibited a level of caring, empathy, and professionalism that was beyond anything I had dared to hope for.
Simply put, we couldn’t have asked for more. They took a personal interest in Fred’s care and supported us every step of the way. I felt like giving those two incredible women a big hug when we said goodbye and Fred was finally moved to the step-down unit late on day 3.
From then on, he continued making steady progress toward being well enough to be released. Once he was out of the ICU, I was able to spend more time with him – long days of keeping him company, accompanying him on walks around the unit, and working on sketches in his room. The high point of my day was usually a trip to one of the Starbucks on the first floor of the Clinic (the place is so big, there are two!) or a walk to the food court for some lunch.
But I managed to squeeze a little fun into those 10-hour days at the hospital when I arranged a lunch date with a sketching buddy on day 4 of Fred’s incarceration hospitalization.
My friend Donah used to come to the classes I taught at Summerhill, and she’s been on one or two of my overseas trips. She lives less than an hour away from the Clinic, so she popped over for a few hours to chat and do a little sketching together. Things didn’t exactly work out that way, though.
I must have been craving some one-on-one conversation with an understanding friend, because I ended up talking her ear off, and we never even got out our sketchbooks, except for me to show her the heart journal I was working on.
She was such a sweetie, patiently listening to me ramble on and encouraging me with her excitement about this journal. Friendship…it’s a good thing!
By day 5, Fred was doing really well. Vital signs were good, with very little cause for concern, just a few things that needed watching but were improving day by day. That afternoon, while he was napping, I ducked out for a quick visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art, which was close by. Immersing myself in a different world for a couple of hours did wonders for my spirit.
I spent the rest of my time here…
I enjoyed having a view of the city from my perch by the window. I cozied up in a corner of the room where I was out of the way of the medical staff and service people, but I could still keep an eye on Fred and jump up to help him with things when he needed me.
Sometimes I stood at the window and used the wide windowsill as a makeshift desk.
It was nice being able to use my larger palette rather than the tiny one I had used in the waiting room.
The rest of the time, I either held my sketchbook on my lap to work or used the Coroplast lap desk that I take along when I’m painting on location outdoors. It works just as well indoors! (If you’re wondering what a Coroplast lap desk is, here’s a photo of my setup.)
In the weeks leading up to Fred’s surgery, people kept telling me, “Be sure you take care of yourself, too!” I took that advice seriously, and it has helped to keep me from feeling like an exhausted martyr throughout this whole experience. I’ve taken care of myself by making time to have lunch with a friend, going on a field trip to an art museum, treating myself to a Starbucks now and then, and by giving myself permission to spend hours painting while also being there for my husband. Honestly, I felt a little selfish at times, but I knew it was what I needed to do to stay healthy both mentally and physically throughout this medical marathon.
Fred and I both went into this with an attitude that it was a big new adventure for us, and we’ve tried to focus on all the positive things that happened along the way. Even when he received that initial terrible diagnosis, he took it in stride and readily accepted the fact that he needed open-heart surgery to survive. He was ready to do what it took to get well.
Maybe we’ve been lucky, so it hasn’t been that hard to be optimistic and happy since his surgery. But I can’t help wondering how much our attitude has impacted the outcome.
Coming up tomorrow: Freedom!
14 Comments
Dear Leslie – Thank you for sharing this health event of Fred’s. It was so reassuring to hear that he’s recovering so well. My DH is also ill but in a different way – he had a stroke recently but has fully recovered and he has a form of Parkinsons. So I am his full-time caregiver. As a result I have not sketched or drawn in a very long time. I do however knit when I get bits of time to do self-care and relax. But your post, so very encouraging about Fred’s surgery and recovery, has also inspired me to set up a little sketch area and get back to it.
I remember looking for coroplast boards a.few years ago after your class and I know I have one of the plastic brush holders somewhere too.
I just wanted to let you know how your photos and post has helped me too.
xo – Dorothy
This makes me so happy! I hope getting back into your art in such a low-pressure way will help to boost your spirit as you go through these challenging times with your husband. If you need any help with your setup, just let me know.
You are absolutely right! Your attitude makes all the difference in the world with the healing process. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and sharing a good reminder.
You’re welcome, Laura. Thanks for following along.
Thank you for sharing this experience and showing us how to use art to give us space and positive focus and when it would be so easy to be overwhelmed. I am so glad there is a happy ending for the Fehling folks.
So far, so good! I’m hoping for smooth roads ahead.
Leslie! Thank you so very much for sharing your “experience” with us! The Medical World is fascinating! So is your Journaling! God is the Master “healer” and the “Master Painter”….cannot wait to see your next segment in this wonderful journey! The best to “Fred”….I still remember my husband saying…”you know Fred is a pilot and he has a great runway there on that hilltop at Summerhill” You folks make a great team!!! Bring on the next segment!
Most Sincerely, Nancy & Maurice “hello” to Saundra!
I’ll tell her you said hi. I think she’s planning a visit to Alpine sometime this month, if the weather cooperates.
❤️❤️❤️.
I love both your and Fred’s positive attitude during this trying time. Your journaling is a treasure and will be something you can look back on with pride on how your art was both comforting and healing.
Hugs to you both!
Thank you for your kind comments, Chris.
This is such a difficult time for the both of you. It sounds like you both are weathering through. Keep up the positive spirit and be patient. Positive energy going your way from me.
Thanks, Donna, I appreciate your good wishes.
Glad you were able to spend time sketching and painting and also doing other things. I’m also happy to hear that Fred is doing well. Hugs to you both!