VISITED SMARTY

 Fay and I visited Smarty yesterday afternoon at David Berry Hospital.
[A Community hospital near Nowra that provides rehabilitation and slow stream medical care and specialist palliative care for the Shoalhaven area.]

David Berry Hospital is in Tannery Rd, Berry, on the north eastern end of the town. If you come from the north, and you reach the shopping area, you've come too far.

nmm

He was on the closed-in verandah of the hospital chatting to a mate when we arrived on a beautiful day. He greeted us much the same as he always greets people - yep.... it really seemed like good old Jimmy. Except that he's confined to a wheelchair now. Jim's pretty much lost the feeling below his waist. Think that should read "Jim's lost the feeling below his waist." 

From the verandah (and we later moved to an adjoining room as the temp cooled a bit) Jim could see a couple of streams, the highway, the railway line and farming land. It really is a lovely view.   

 We didn't talk serious stuff. We just chatted. Like old times.
Jan had visited that morning. Visiting hours are between 11 and 1 and then from 3 pm to 8 pm (I think).
Hospital phone number is 02 4464 1001. Jan mentioned that he is not eating much now and has lost quite a bit of weight.
I know what you wanna ask me and I don't have the answers. 
Jim had mentioned to his mate Ian before we arrived that he figured he wouldn't be coming out of the hospital.... that Jan wouldn't be able to manage him at home. 

I think the team photo and the "bush" photo were taken at the Macquarie Muster in March this year. Remember the cross-country trekking we did at one stage? That's Jim, distinguished by the bandage on his left leg, as he makes his way through the scrub.
Just thought you'd appreciate an update on the situation.
bnm
Sunday 9th October 2011 - yes, this Sunday - 9.10.11 - Jim will turn 66 (if my records are correct).
Jan and Jim's address is 17 Bowada St Bomaderry 2540. Give me a ring if you want their phone number. Mine is 0411 386 814.