Calm in the eye of the storm

Well, to everyone's complete disbelief, the insurance company did not grant permission for Mom to remain on the 12th floor. Their reasoning is that she is on again/off again with her cooperation, despite the fact that she is walking each day and improving in so many ways. They recommend that she be moved to a skilled nursing facility (i.e. nursing home) instead of the intensive neuro rehab floor she is on. It's all a matter of dollars and cents (or is it sense?)

We have filed an appeal with the insurance company and spent the evening pow-wowing (is that even a word?) together as to the best course of action to take. Tomorrow we need to fax/email supporting documents and information to the insurance company to help our case. It has been amazing, no make that downright thrilling, to watch the course we should take unfold before us these past several hours. It all started when Dad, as only Dad can do, put his arm around one of the sweet nurses tonight and asked a question which ended up revealing some highly exciting news. Unbeknownst to us, on their latest goal sheet, the rehab staff estimated that if Mom continues her current progress that she could actually GO HOME in the next 2-3 weeks!!! Of course she would need some extensive help, but this piece of news was beyond our wildest expectations. (I seem to be using that phrase quite often these past few days!) As we looked over the goals each member of the therapy team set for Mom since she arrived, it became even more evident that she has progressed leaps and bounds. Then, as we sat talking at the end of the hall, one of our favorite CNAs joined the conversation. She explained that while the entire staff was skeptical about Mom's situation at first, they have all thrilled at her progress and are rooting wholeheartedly for her to stay. Bit by bit, as the night wore on we gained new pieces to the puzzle and were granted new insights about what we should do.

Despite this latest detour, we each feel peace and calm. It is our firm conviction and testimony that Heavenly Father is in charge and has guided our footsteps to this point. He will not let us down!!! Please join with us in faith and prayer for yet another miracle in Mom's behalf. Although we do not know how He will accomplish it, we know He will do just that! What a remarkable journey this has been to be a part of His great plan. Thank you for walking the path with us. Your faith and prayers sustain us!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, our sweet Mother had a pretty remarkable evening chatting with us. She carried on a delightful extended conversation and enjoyed everyone's company. We showed her the blog and told her that people all around the world are following her progress! She was astounded to think that everyone would be interested! Then we showed Mom the video of her walking and her first comment was, "I look like a witch!" Not even a remote resemblance dear Mom!

Last night Ariane read the history of Lynn that Scott just finished writing for Mom's birthday. Today Mom talked extensively with the speech therapist about Lynn's story and wanted to hear it read out loud again tonight. Thanks, Scott, for all your tears and effort putting that together. It was amazingly effective long distance therapy (for all of us!)