What a Turn Around!

Last night at our request, Mom only received half the amount of sleeping med, and today she was so much more awake and alert! (They also increased her dose of the wake up med, so we're not sure which was responsible - maybe both? But hey, we'll take it!) We were excited that in physical therapy she was able to kick her lower legs on command (despite being downright mad about some of the other therapy!) This evening when the nurse was transferring Mom from her bed to the wheel chair, Mom totally cooperated and was able to briefly bear her own weight in a standing position with only the nurse to support her. So, we continue to see small improvements, and are grateful for every single one.

Despite the progress we see, the doctors and therapists are not quite as optimistic. They classify her as only passively participating in therapy as opposed to taking an active role. With time running out on our two week trial, we are anxious for things to turn around. Today in a family meeting we were told that if she keeps up like she did today they might allow her to stay past Monday. We really, really, really need everyone's faith and prayers over these next few days. We know that Heavenly Father has guided our steps in allowing Mom to be here, so we have faith that things can and will turn out favorably, and are pleading with Him to speak hope and peace to her mind.

Tonight we had some very coherent conversations with Mom. She was able to express some strong opinions, and although she was upset about a few things, it was wonderful to see her alert enough to express her feelings in the first place!!! We also watched President Obama's live speech on healthcare reform, much to Mom's chagrin. He is NOT on her list of favorite people, so she was a bit agitated to hear his voice. As she peered at the television screen during the speech, she said, "Who's that in the back - Joe Biden?" Pretty good long term memory there, Mom. She was also pretty keyed into the words she heard. Once when Obama said the word acrimony, someone asked what it meant and Mom piped up with the definition. Not too bad!

She also had a few lighter comments that were funny. When the nurse came to take Mom's dinner tray, she was pleased to see that Mom had eaten most everything on her plate. Jim Jr. made the comment that it's just the fluids we're concerned about. Mom piped up with, "Chicken fluids? What's that?" We all had a good laugh about that one, including Mom. Then when she was getting ready for bed, Ariane commented that Mom didn't have any holes in her socks (a longstanding family joke). In all seriousness, Mom replied, "I'm SO thankful for that!"

When it was time to leave, Dad asked Mom if she wanted to say the family prayer. She agreed and gave a beautiful prayer. Afterwards she told us that she was grateful for "all you guys do to make my life so happy," and then commented that "Heavenly Father knows that I'm not perfect, but He knows that I try hard." Of that we are sure, dear Mother!