Week in Review

Sorry for the lack of updating, but Debbie has been here and we have been working really hard to get the house ready for Mom to come home in a couple of weeks.  Even though we haven’t posted life still goes on for Mom at the Rehabilitation Center.  Here is a quick review:

Last Friday:  Speech Therapist cleared her for a “soft” diet now instead of “puree”.  So no more mystery meats at every meal.  The other good news is that she can now drink regular water between meals.  This is a VERY exciting piece of news for Mom, because she LOVES water.  This also means that her swallow is getting stronger so that she can handle these changes without the chance of aspiration.  I also took her downstairs.  Every Friday there is a Farmer’s Market in the hospital parking lot.  I thought the fresh air would be good for her (and kind of didn’t give her a choice), but she went willingly.  We saw flowers, bakeries, fruit and veggie stands.  I think we’ll make this a regular occurrence.

Last Saturday:  No rest going on here.  Mom still had classes until 3pm.  They were group classes that had 4-6 people.  Then in the evening we took Emma and Grant up to have dinner with her.  We ate in the dinning room and even snuck in some KFC mashed potatoes and a peanut butter cookie.  We finished off the evening with a stroll around the hallways.  Grant pushing and Mom steering, it was a sight to see!!

Sunday:  This was a LITERALLY a day of rest for Mom.  Debbie and Karon went up to see her and spend the day.  Mom spent the morning in bed while they visited and decorated her room:

We wanted to show her just how many people love and support her, so we made little balloons and have names written on them.  Anyone who has commented on the blog, called, emailed, texted, sent cards/flowers, brought dinner, etc. is hanging on the wall for her to see. 

Monday:  Back to the grind of daily classes.  During Occupational Therapy she went on a problem solving “walk”.  One of the big things that they stress at the center is independence.  That obviously is the main goal for this whole process.  Soon she will be expected to get herself from her room to the correct therapy room for class.  To help get her familiar with doing this Monday was spent roaming the halls in her wheelchair with Dad and Gail (the therapist) following behind.  She had to propel herself with her right foot, and figure out how to get around obstacles in the hallway, scan her surrounds (due to her limited vision), and problem solve when she got stuck.  Dad thought it was a great class and that she has making great improvements in this area.

Tuesday:  One highlight of the day came during her GAIT class.  This is basically the class that deals with relearning how to walk.  Aaron (her therapist) helped her stand up from her wheelchair alongside a high padded table.  Then using her right hand for balance, with Aaron’s help, she takes a few steps.   Today Dad observed what previously only Aaron has been noticing.  That her left leg is starting to respond, when given cues, while standing to move in a forward stepping motion.  In the past she would step with the right, and Aaron would move the left.  Yesterday she was helping with the process.  Baby steps!!

Again, thanks is not enough for all you do.  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.