[Viva] Romari in Hospital

[Peggy Frank]

Hi friends and wonderful women who have often stepped in to assist another woman in need. 

How are you?  

I know that you are all busy, sometime unwell and life is really full these days but one of our sweet peers is in Hospital and not doing too well. I am reaching out to see if we can rally round her. My number is 250-891-6345 and I will try to stay up to date with her situation. Romari hopes to move back to Holy Family - where people have more time to meet her needs. As you may know, her stroke left her very dependent. She can’t get up on her own and can’t walk at all. Mostly she was moving from bed to a wheelchair when I last saw her. And she still had that mischievous Romari spunk and sparkle.

I had not heard from Romari for a while and wondered what was up for her after moving back from Victoria to the Holy Family residence on Argyle St. about 8 months ago. She picked up when I called less and less frequently. I contacted her son and found out she was in Hospital with a challenging infection. VGH. At first I was relieved, as VGH is the acronym for the Victoria General Hospital - easy for me to visit — but — no she is in Vancouver. She was not very alert when her son, Trevor, arrived a few days ago but perks up when he is there. Trevor is in the middle of a project he had to set aside for a while when he had covid so has to return to New York to finish it. 

Romari doesn’t know many people in Vancouver, so I am heading over tomorrow and will spend Sunday and Monday with her. I cannot see myself staying any longer as I am just recovering from Covid (negative tests but still quite tired and aware that I can easily overdo it). I am also trying to get back on the bike so I can do my 4th or 5th cycle tour for the Stephen Lewis Foundation in September. I need time at home to rest and recuperate. Trevor really encouraged me to stay longer, but it really is pushing my limit. Fortunately, I can stay with my Goddaughter on Barclay Street (west end).

If anyone has any parking tips near VGH, or in the St. Paul’s Hospital/west end area, that would be helpful. If you can text them even better 250-891-6345. I am bringing the car so I can easily get from A to B without expending too much energy. Also if you are able to pop in and spend a while with Romari. Trevor says he is mostly just holding her hand and listening to music. I think it will be helpful to Romari and certainly a relief to her son. 

I know it may not work for you — and such short notice — but if you don’t know you cannot do anything.  

Also, to let you know why I did not include Kath on this email, I will share a bit of her story. She lost a very special nephew last week and is surrounded by family and the memories of a very special young man who left suddenly and early. 

And also that I have had my own grief and worry filled time since Jim’s son tried to end his life in early May. It is hard times emotionally — but I am learning lots and more about myself. Imagine! At 68 - still learning how to deal with challenging situations and recognizing that I need boundaries and help. I have a wonderful counsellor.

Love to all-peg
I am privileged and honoured to be writing to you from sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ - pronounced s-hweng hw-ung tongue-oo-hw, - the Lekwungen name for James Bay.
sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ is part of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations unceded traditional territory.









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