Baby you can drive my car; yes you're gonna be a star!

OK, OK, Mom didn't actually DRIVE a car, but she did go for a drive IN a car, and for sure she was a star today! About 5:30 p.m., we loaded Mom in Randy's car, and went for a ride up Big Cottonwood canyon to see the beautiful Fall leaves. Mom seemed a bit tired, but was part of the conversation, recognized places as we drove along, and enjoyed the scenery. We were gone about 2 hours, and on the way back to the hospital even stopped at Jim Jr.'s house to say hello to Ruth. When we arrived back on the 12th floor, we thought Mom would collapse into bed, but instead she walked a bit to get her bearings, and then ate some dinner. Then she sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed. When we asked where she was going, she announced that she was going HOME! When we explained that she needed to be able to do several things independently before she could go home, she listened intently and then announced that she would have them all mastered in 4 days! Trust us, there's no stopping a Whitehead Woman when she makes up her mind, so this was a thrilling announcement!!!

For a couple weeks now, Jim Jr. has had a goal written prominently on the whiteboard in Mom's room. It says, "Pauline's goal is to walk out of the hospital and GO HOME!" Tonight Randy added a new list titled, "Pauline's own goals." He wrote down what she dictated, and then she jokingly added, "Walk on water!" We all got a good laugh out of that one.

After that, Mom asked who was keeping track of all the things she accomplished today. We told her that I am writing everything down on the blog, and asked her to list the things she wanted us to note. Here are some of her amazing accomplishments:

Fed herself some grapes and chips;

Walked from her bed to the restroom and out to the nurses' station;

Rearranged the covers on her bed;

Sat up and scooted herself to the edge of the bed;

Went from sitting on the edge of the bed to laying down on the bed;

Showed off her "Rockette" moves, lifting her legs straight off the bed;

Went for a ride in the car!

Not bad, dear Mother, not bad at all!!!

Before we left, Mom reminded us that we needed to have family prayer, and offered to say it herself. It has been an absolutely amazing day! Thank you, Heavenly Father!