Acute Rehab, Day 16

Mom was moved to a private room today, which is most likely where she'll be for the next week. I got to see her walk down the hallway with her walker, so I've been there for her first (again) steps, and now her most recent steps. Things will most likely be status quo, with steady progress, until she comes home. Keep your prayers going that she doesn't have any further setbacks. =)

Acute Rehab, Day 15

YES!!! Mom is scheduled to come home next Thursday!!! She's been walking up and down stairs, walking all around, sitting up on the side of the bed to eat, all sorts of wonderful stuff. She still gets worn out easily, but she'll be functional at home!

Acute Rehab, Day 14

I (Olivia) heard a beautiful saying today, and I wanted to share it. I was talking to some friends out here about when Mom gets better, comes home, and is able to take care of herself, and how we'll be leaving the area once all that happens. Oddly enough, I miss Florida, and being out here since the middle of December has been an experience, and time I wouldn't trade for the world, but I do need to get back to my apartment, if just to water my orchid and drive my car.

One of my friends said "there will indeed be a rainbow in our hearts at that time", which I just loved. Just like you need some rain with the sun to make a rainbow, you need the hard times to appreciate the good, and the leaving of someone to appreciate having them around.

My mom is the strongest woman I know, and I admire her endlessly. She has had a tough life, and she's come through it with her grace and sense of humor intact. I love her more than anything in this world, and since you know her, you must know what I mean, and why. Sorry to have made this post not about Mom's health, but I felt the strong need to share that saying with you.

Acute Rehab, Days 10-13

Mom had therapy on Friday and Saturday, and both were good days. No therapy on Sunday, so she kicked back and just relaxed. Today, she had therapy, and went up stairs! Six steps, and she did it twice, not just one-by-one, but one foot after another! She was really happy.

The spot where the trache was is almost totally closed up. It's taken longer to heal than we were told, but she's been taking longer to heal for everything, so this isn't something that alarms us. They basically just have a bandage over it right now.

We've been telling her bit by bit the things that you all have been reading about for the last few months. Because she was sedated for so long, there are a lot of things she doesn't know about. When she found out how long she was in ICU, she was absolutely floored. Not that I blame her. And with Easter coming up, this will be another holiday that she's in the hospital. But she's up in spirits, and we're happy to be with her.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. They're working, but she's not home yet, so please, keep them coming. She also loves to get cards, so you can send them to the house, and we'll be sure to bring them in to her. Thank you again.

Acute Rehab, Day 9

Mom had her therapies today, which went well. She has two other roommates in the room she's in, so the space she's in is rather small. There's talk about moving her to a private room, but until then, please don't send any flowers to her, or anything more than cards right now, because she is feeling cramped with the stuff she has to have around her already. =) The thought is appreciated, but the timing just isn't good right now.

Acute Rehab, Day 8

Mom had her evaluations again today, and things went well, so she's starting therapies again tomorrow. She was a little nauseous this afternoon, but that passed.

Acute Rehab (continued), Day 7

Okay, day 1/7, however you want to look at it. =) Mom was moved back to the rehab floor today, so the strenuous days will be happening again. Hooray for rehab! =)