If I were to compare today with the most frustrating day ever, I would have to say it was much worse. And I am going to give you the new address for Kris tonight, but I will send out a caveat in the next day or so confirming she made the move. That should give you some idea of where we are.
Yes, the approvals were all done. Yes, the military, the insurance company, the VA: all approved. The medical records were sent, the application was filled out, all admission information was completed. We had Kris packed up, everything loaded up on a cart, and we were just waiting for delivery of a new special walker for Kris, with every intention of leaving at noon today. Then I received the phone call from the admissions person down at the facility where she will (hopefully) be going. Someone on their board needed a written letter attesting to the fact that Humana (Tricare) will definitely being paying for Kris’s to stay there. It was an afterthought. It was a snafu. It was an oversight. But it extremely upsetting, took us by surprise, and ruined what was to be an easy transition for Kris.
Well, we managed to contact all the right people (military liaison, case workers, Tricare liaison: anyone who might be able to help on short notice), and I think we will move Kris tomorrow (Friday). The frustration and telephone calls going and coming all afternoon made it very difficult to be positive and, by the end of the day, we are still not 100 percent certain. But, here is where you can send those wonderful cards and letters:
Maj Kristine Ratliff
[new address will be posted later]
As always, Kris is so aware of everything that is going on and, when phone calls started coming and going and worried comments were being made, I know she was worried, too. Thinking how she must feel is our foremost concern, and I must tell you it was difficult to conceal our frustration and anger so that it would not affect her any more than necessary.
As to whether we have made the right decision to send her there or not: we just have to hope that we have. It is close to her home, it will be easier for Russell and the children to visit (especially Joshua, who will turn 18 in December, by the way!). As soon as Russell gets the renovations at their house completed (enlarging a bedroom and adding a full handicap accessible bathroom), Kris will be going home, which will make Kris and the family very happy, I’m sure.
The facility is only ten years old and we were able to visit there again yesterday. We talked to several of the folks who will work with Kris and saw her room – a lovely private room with full bath. So... as you receive this update, please pray for our continued guidance and that we have chosen wisely. But, most of all, continue to pray for Kris. George and I truly must leave here in a week or so to return to Florida. It is going to be even more difficult to leave now than it was last December, because I know the winter months will be very long. I have already talked about coming out several times and that will help, but there is just no way to be comfortable not being here every day.
Physically, I do need some time, I’m afraid. We both do. George keeps reminding me I’m not as young as I used to be and, much as I hate to admit it, he’s right! But Kris has plateaued and my greatest fear is that she will decline again as she did during the three months we were not here last year. There have been beautiful, caring Christian folks working with her at RIOSA, and they have uplifted our spirits on numerous occasions. A retired pastor and present employee at RIOSA prayed with us and anointed Kris with oil today. It was just that extra “portion” we needed. Our prayer and strong hope that his prayers (and yours) will be answered: Kris will walk and talk again one day.
George and I bought Kris a special hat last Saturday. (See attached photo.) Across the front, it reads: Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. She was so tickled when we gave it to her and wears it every day to go to therapy. Today, Russell brought in one of her oak leaf cluster pins signifying her position as Major, and George pinned it on the front of the hat.
Watching her smile and realizing how very proud of her service she is helped make the day bearable, truly. And watching her salute fellow veterans who are at RIOSA as patients is a definite heart warming experience. Kris is a very special little lady, and the respect that has been shown her is an indication everyone agrees on that. Without being able to speak, her smile, those sparkling blue eyes and that salute... you just can’t imagine! God is not done with her yet, and He will use her in a very special work for Him... I have no doubt.Blessings and love,
Carol and George
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