Hang on for the ride!

Today we got a special surprise. My childhood friend from Ohio, Gretchen (Keck) McCulloch, was in town and went to see Mom at the hospital. Mom recognized Gretchen right away and was so happy to see her. Gretchen has lots of experience caring for her disabled son, so she knew just what to do and how to help. She jumped right in and was so loving and helpful to Mom. I really appreciated her insights and ideas about Mom's situation and how to help. She reaffirmed how important it is to be Mom's advocate and to be there as much as possible. Thanks Gretchen! We love you!

Ariane brought her violin today and played some more beautiful music for Mom. She started off with several hymns, and then played some classical music as well. Mom cried and said the music was so beautiful. One of the patients down the hall is in the Utah Symphony, and Ariane played for her as well! That really brightened things up on the 7th floor!

Mom was a bit more alert today except when she hurt. At those times she would retreat because of the discomfort, but we could see a pattern in her behavior. We had lots of fun with her when she was more comfortable. Mom ate her entire dinner as well as some yummy vanilla ice cream which Jim Jr. shared with her. She really loves that! Dad is so sweet as he feeds Mom, and when he has to hide a pill in a bite of food so she will eat it, he always apologizes for tricking her!

Tonight as he was leaving, Dad bent down to tell Mom goodbye. The bed was horizontal, and she was laying flat on her back, but somehow she managed to sit straight up into a vertical position all by herself!!! Needless to say it was quite an unexpected surprise! Way to go, Mom!!! The down side to this is that we are afraid she will fall out of bed. (Today when Dad arrived he found Mom with both legs hanging off one side of the bed.) They are having a sitter stay in Mom's room tonight to make sure she doesn't try to go exploring on her own!

We are looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow. It will probably be exhausting for Mom to move upstairs, but we are thrilled about the possibilities. We will be praying mightily for Mom, specifically pleading with Heavenly Father that she will be alert enough to participate in this new experience. We humbly ask for your faith and prayers as well.