Thursday, July 26, 2007

A saffron envoy

Jatindra was blessed with the association of all of our saffron dignitaries from the Soquel Seva Ashram :
Janardan Maharaj, Parvat Maharaj, Ramai prabhu and our new brahmacari just back from India, Kamal Krsna prabhu.
They brought flowers and tried all kinds of stimulation but he seemed to be in another world. When he saw Ramai, he looked at him and said his name in recognition, he tried to say something to Parvat Majharaj but no one could make out what he was trying to say. The rest of the visit he pretty much non- responsive.

Then later that evening

Divyashakti didi went and she found him more focused. He looked at her and very faintly said "Help, help me. I'm very uncomfortable. Why have you come?"

She told him that he was uncomfortable because of the restraints and the feeding tube. She explained that the restraints were because he kept removing the tube and that was how he was getting his nourishment and that he really needs to learn to swallow. She offered to bring him caranamrta and mashed potatoes ( a favorite) and applesauce.

Then she had the nurses remove the restraints on his arms and loosen the ones on his feet so he could have some movement and she would stay with him. She made sure the pillow stayed in place protecting his injured side of his head and helped him raise his arms over his head giving him some movement. This lasted a little while and then he got too restless and squirmy. She then pushed the nurse button and they restrained him again.

She found him drifting in and out of an awareness of his surroundings. Sometimes focused and sometimes drifting. She wanted to encourage everyone that visits to encourage him to swallow by talking to him about it .

1 comment:

labyris said...

You might ask Krsna Priya to get in touch with her stepson Lakshmana Cody, who previously survived a serious head injury in 1991 and has been through the recovery process. I am sure he would be willing to share his experience with Jatindra and it might be encouraging for him. He doesn't drive so someone would need to offer him transportation.