Queens Zoo

Today Sam and I ventured outside Park Terrace and went to the Zoo. It is within walking and wheelchair distance and so for the first time in our new lives together, we had an adventure. It was refreshing and invigorating for us both to be around nature and animals instead of inside the facility all day. Sam as always spotted the animals way before I could and would point them out to me. We also went to the petting zoo and Sam fed some of the sheep and goats. She had a big smile on her face all day as did I. The morning however did not start out well, as again Sam was depressed when I arrived. She was refusing to eat because she said she was dead, and dead people don't need food. After talking with her about this; telling her that she might feel dead, but in fact she was quite alive and well and that alive and well people need lots of food- she ended up eating everything. I mention this episode in the morning because my time with Sam recently has not been one way, nor straightforward, but rather very complicated. We had a wonderful time today, but it was mixed with all sorts of emotions. On Friday, Jenny gave me the two week update on Sam and basically said that all the therapists thought she was doing very well, especially in cognitive and physical therapy. They therefore decided not to change her medications. She said that it is a good sign that she is acting depressed as they all feel that she is becoming more aware. She also told me however, that Sam had lost 3 pounds over the last two weeks and because of that, they are not yet removing her feeding tube. I must say that I was disappointed in a way, all around with the report. I'm glad the therapists think she is doing well, but in my experience, I still feel she is over medicated. and perhaps the medication itself is causing some of the depression or crying. I also think they could easily remove the tube at this time but they simply won't do it quite yet. As always I will let Jenny and the neuropsychologist know about her mood this morning (perhaps this is why she lost 3 lbs....depressed and the aids that feed her during the day don't take the time to talk her out/around it) and about my overall concerns.