We were up bright and early this fine Saturday morning to get to the hospital prior to Mom’s first therapy session. We packed up healthy lunches with all of Ericka’s yummy food and made sure to include Gina’s delicious bars for dessert! We also packed for Mom just in case she needed some additional options to spur her appetite after no dinner last night.
We mixed up her oatmeal when we arrived this morning after unloading arms full of flowers, cards, goodies and everything else to make it feel more like home. She ate a few bites, but we still were not impressed with a long day of therapy ahead. Debbie, the weekend OT was in right at 8:30 am to start Mom’s first hour of therapy. She let Mom do her shower all on her own today and we really were able to see where some of her confusion lies. Although we do have a long road of therapy, we are encouraged as the staff on the floor is continually stunned at how Mom just strolls through the hallway like she owns the place. All dressed with shoes tied (to Mom’s displeasure…you should see the eye roll when they make her tie them) we made our way back to the room for her OT evaluation. MANY questions surrounding what is most important to focus on Mom regaining for safety and quality of life back at home. GREAT WORK MOM!
We had an hour between therapy, just enough time for me to curl Mom’s hair (I know she can’t WAIT to be able to do it just the way she likes it) but she is much more happy to have it curled then the bed head she was sporting last week ;o) and take a quick snooze and it was time for Speech Therapy. The transporter was again stunned that Mom didn’t need a wheelchair and knew exactly how to get to the therapy gym. We were able to stay and listen/watch her ST and really were able to begin to define the gray area of her understanding and speaking abilities. Speech will be Mom’s most difficult battle, but we are cheering her on as she will need to re-learn how to spell, write, read and speak. (Not from scratch, but a LONG road).
The Physiatrist then dropped in to meet Mom and assess her as well. He was able to explain to us in greater detail the work Mom’s going to need to do. He also encouraged Mom to sing Happy Birthday with him and we had a few words and lots of mouthing! GREAT JOB MOM! He also cleared her for a day pass tomorrow and we are REALLY looking forward to taking Mom to church. I am looking forward to that, but just dreading having to say goodbye to Mom as I get on that plane tomorrow to head back to Florida.
Last therapy session of the day was PT. Kevin will be Mom’s PT for her stay here at Sister Kenny. He worked great with Mom and was very impressed by her ability to move and balance. Mom still has some ‘high-level’ balancing issues she needs to work on on her right side along with some neglect to the right side. Kevin had mom catching balls on a piece of foam, walking forwards and backwards heel-to-toe, and some pilates moves on the floor (we called it her super man moves!)
After ALL OF THAT HARD WORK…Mom was zonked. She slept most of the afternoon and Dad and I were able to get home to do some laundry, pack, finish paying some bills (really proud of Dad after having Mom take care of this for the last 26 years -another series of mysteries unsolved) and buy Chris’s hockey game to watch back at the hospital with Mom.
We picked up one of Mom’s favorites – Chipotle, just in case she wasn’t interested in dinner and headed back to the hospital. We came back to Court and Mom and a full tray of food. She had a few bites of chicken, but that’s it. We think we’ve got her figured out; lunch is her meal (and she did well with her chicken quesadilla this afternoon.) PUCKHEAD LYNN was more concerned about watching her son-in-law then dinner…and we can’t blame her. Chris is playing GREAT! It was wonderful to spend my last evening in Minnesota as a family just hanging and giggling with Momma.
MAN – I’m going to MISS THAT LADY! But, I did book my ticket back for Easter and look forward to seeing the progress the next few weeks bring! God is still in control and I am so thankful that he continues to heal my Mom and heal our family!
Praying for Mom to sign a few hymns with us tomorrow :o)
Gordy, Jessica and Courtney
Where have you seen God’s grace in your life today?