General Update #125

Dusty called Joyce to check in with her at 9:35 a.m. (8/28) on a break.

She reported that she was able to get some sleep, even though she was very excited to be cancer free and feeling great about that news. She feels that she needs to celebrate and a celebration of some sort over this good news needs to be determined. Dusty agreed and confirmed that they would work something out. Joyce then reminded Dusty that there is a lot of missed things to celebrate, such as adoption day, and not just her being cancer free. Dusty concurred and confirmed that they will have to make up for a lot of missed family celebration rituals. 

Joyce said that she has "lots of catching up to do" for celebratory things and visits with family once she is back at the farmhouse.

Joyce reported that her breakfast was good, having been served eggs, sausage, a sweet muffin, and apple juice. She thought that she was fed quite well.

Dusty asked if he had interrupted her therapy and Joyce stated that the therapists haven't come to visit her yet, nor the nursing staff, only the orderlies who brought her breakfast. She has been watching the Create channel, currently rerunning a Bob Ross episode "the one where he is painting mountains." Dusty shared how his friend Charles' daughter has been painting Bob Ross paintings during quarantine and how fantastic they've come out.

Joyce and Dusty reflected on the good "tutors" and examples that were available to Dusty growing up through public television like Levar Burton, Fred Rogers, Bob Ross. Dusty cited the vast quantities of media he absorbed growing up as valuable to his vocabulary, interpersonal skills, creativity, and broad exposure to general knowledge across several subjects.

Joyce then transitioned abruptly away from the conversation to declare that she thought she will celebrate being in a good mood by taking a "walk from kitchen [she] is in to the living room and back again, and probably snoop a little on the way" as she "doesn't know whose house I'm in or anything right now." 

Dusty reminded Joyce she is at the Aspen Park facility and reviewed her timeline for arrival there with her. Joyce stated that she understood after taking that all in and declared "oh, that's why the view out my window doesn't look familiar!" Dusty confirmed that the view would change and she would be back in familiar surroundings soon enough. The conversation eased and Joyce seemed dissuaded away from "snooping" on the other people in the house she is in for the moment. 

Dusty confirmed that Joyce's agitation subsided and she stated that she wanted to go back to watching Bob Ross work on his paintings instead of the walk. 

"I'm a happy girl," Joyce assured Dusty, as she ended the call.

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