Dolores Wood came to us the end of December after hip replacement surgery at Fairfax Hospital. She was dreading the holidays because her beloved husband of 66 years, Paul, had passed away just one year before. She described the day with tears in her eyes.
“I was busy wrapping gifts all day and I was dead tired. I took my Pomeranian, Tiny Tim, out for a walk at 9:30 p.m. He pulled on the leash to chase some squirrels and somehow I wound up on the concrete sidewalk, unable to get back up. I told Tiny to lay down beside me and he did.”
Fortunately for her, a neighbor who lived near her home in Springfield, heard Dolores crying and came to her rescue, calling 911. She was rushed to Fairfax Hospital where she underwent surgery for her broken hip. She said, “I don’t remember anything from my time at the hospital. My five days there is a total blur!”
The decision was made to come to GHRC for rehab due to our therapy department’s stellar reputation and the convenient location for her family members to come and visit her. Her grandson, Richie, lives just seven minutes away in Bristow with his wife, Brenda, daughter, Taylor, and sons, Joey and Marcus. Granddaughter, Tina, a pilot with American Airlines, lives in South Riding with her husband, Dallas, daughter, McKenzie, and son, Cal. Her daughter, Becky, lives in Purcellville, and daughter, Sherry, lives in Stafford with her husband, Wayne. Becky’s son, Timmy, lives in Winchester.
When she first arrived here, Dolores couldn’t do anything for herself. It was several days before she could even get into a wheelchair.
Now, just five weeks later, she is walking with a walker and transferring by herself. She is very proud of the fact that she can even lift her legs onto the bed all by herself! Of course much of her success has been due to her strong motivation to get back home. She is always pushing herself to do more than is asked of her.
She commented, “The therapy staff is very good. They have made it seem easier for me by counting along with me. I highly recommend the therapy department here. They are all such nice people!”
LPTA, Marie Clonts said, “Mrs. Wood is such a cooperative and upbeat patient. She has terrific stamina and is working very hard to strengthen her hip so she can do things by herself in a safe manner. Not only is she a hard worker – we also have had a lot of laughs. It has been my privilege to work with her.”
Amy Waibel, Occupational Therapist, added, “Mrs. Wood has progressed beautifully in rehab. She has been a true joy to work with!”
Originally from Mountain Lake Park in Western Maryland, Dolores grew up across the street from her husband, Paul. He quit school and went into the Navy while she finished school. When he returned home he got a job with the Department of Agriculture, where he stayed until he retired. She stayed home with their daughters until they went to school. At that time she went to work for the next 12 to 13 years as a teletype operator for Sears.
After Paul’s retirement the couple sold their home in Alexandria and moved to Florida. Dolores enjoyed Florida when they went down there for six weeks each winter, but hated living there full-time. So they left Florida and moved back to Springfield, Virginia, where Dolores has lived for the past 30 years.
Dolores is most anxious to get back to Tiny Tim, her home, her friends, and her church. She will be spending a few weeks at Sherry and Wayne’s home in Stafford. “All in all this has been a very positive experience!” Dolores commented.
We are very proud of Dolores for all that she has accomplished in rehab!
By Lynnette Esse, Activity Director
