On the Move, On the Make, On the Mend

Well, Gps is up and strolling. Perhaps he's got his strength back from his increased appetite. Perhaps it's inspired by you all visiting with your priceless encouragement. Perhaps it's the effects of radiation gradually fading. Perhaps it's all of this and more. Whatever the reasons, we are all happy to see him happy. Thank you all for every ounce of your love--in every form it takes.


He is eating at the table and feeding himself, devouring the generous food most recently bestowed upon him by the Webbs. (Thank you!) Tony has even got it into his routine to watch the telly again. You can imagine our surprise (and delight) when just weeks ago, he adamantly refused.


With this renewed movement and strength, comes renewed desire. And with that, comes more and more of the old familiar Tony quips, jokes, and gestures. Yes, he has even taken up flirting with the nurses. He is unapologetically blunt and painfully honest: tell tale good-signs. I've never been happier to have him brush off my hugs: "Why the hell are you smothering me?" Because I love you. "I know THAT!"

His cantankerous refusal of affection says he loves us too.

Paesanos

Wednesday Tony Manzo surprised Grandpa with a visit, bearing grapes, stories of Abruzzi, and memories of Paesano-antics back in their Hilton days. They enjoyed aged Provalone from Aruthur Avenue in the Bronx (thanks to Napa and Mikkel's special delivery from New York). They filled the house with robust Italian adages, which only they understood (but graciously translated): "Getting old's a bitch, isn't it?" was the approximation. Their friendship transcends age.






















As you may know, Tony baked loaves and focaccia for Tony Manzo's ristorante over twenty years ago--which this family always knew was our best kept secret. Not at Tony Manzo's. That's where Hawai'i had it's chance to taste what we grew up spoiled with eating. Friday, Grandpa supervised while I attempted to learn the art of his bread.

Trouble Maker

Don't let him fool you: that army hat doesn't belong to him. Notice the cheeky glimmer in his eye? I was cleaning out my closet and came across a souvenir I picked up in Ukraine. Grandpa immediately snatched it from my hands and put it on. He was very eager to take this photo and impersonate a Soviet soldier. He has also started flirting with some of the day nurses. This can only mean trouble. And, yes, he's waving at YOU.

UPDATES: In-home hospice care continues between 8am and 2pm and overnight. Good times to visit are on Tues/Thurs anytime or MWF after lunchtime (2pm-ish) BUT we welcome you to call and see about arranging a time that works for both Grandpa and you. He's eating vigorously again.

Aloha!

First Class Treatment

While Auntie Joan was here for two weeks, Gpa enjoyed a spa day: manicure, warm eye compresses, and a tri-weekly pedicure from Noly.



The pampering hasn't stopped there. It's no wonder Grandpa's appetite is back-- there has been a surge of food pouring in: Andrea, his distant cousin and long time friend stopped in for a visit with homemade chicken soup; Nani from the station came by to share a pasta lunch from their old favorite restaurant, Albero's; Mrs. Lee across the street and Auntie Judy next door leave fresh gifts from their garden on our doorstep weekly-- from avocados to bunches of fresh scallions and basil; and in addition to Mrs. Kono's delicious cooking--turkey with stuffing, somen salad, or pork belly, Uncle Earl supplies desserts and sweetmeats so regularly that Gpa has 5 course meals 3 times a day! it's first class service at the casa de Komo Mai, where as the name suggests, all are welcome (along with the food!).

Mahalo for all your love and gifts. The whole family appreciates your generosity. Grandpa loves you all--and not just because you know the way to his heart is through the plate . . .