"Wise and noble thoughts and a constant heart"

Today Mom was very sleepy.  We're wondering if she needs an adjustment with sleeping meds, but we don't want to play doctor.  She has also been somewhat sad, which is not her personality at all.  That could also be a side effect of the sleeping meds.  Goodness, this gets a bit confusing!  (I should have paid better attention during medical school.  Oh, wait, I never went . . .)

After dinner we took Mom for a wheelchair ride downstairs to see the fountain and flowers, and hopefully choose something in the cafeteria.  She opened her eyes outside at the fountain and looked at all the beautiful flowers.  Then she promptly fell back asleep and was zonked all during the cafeteria part.  

When we got back to the room it was time for a shower.  We had a good time with the nurse and CNA as they got Mom showered and shampooed.  We were all laughing together at some silly comments and jokes, and it really lightened things up!  We are so grateful for the kindness and professionalism of so many people who care for Mom.  Even on a hard day, as we are wheeling Mom down the hall, she will greet previous nurses and aides with such graciousness and appreciation for all their care.

Since coming to the 12th floor we have had visits from a few people from the 7th floor, and they are excited about Mom's progress.   We need to remind ourselves that one step forward and two steps backward is normal.  Ah, patience . . .

Tonight Mom got her finger caught on the feeding tube and pulled it out a couple inches.  Bad timing, since they just reinserted it this morning.  As the nurse was trying to get it back in, he asked Mom to swallow for him to help it go back down.  When that didn't work, he asked her to give a little yell.  In her very literal sort of way, Mom replied, "Yell."  We all cracked up, since she did exactly what he asked!

By far the sweetest part of the day was as she was going to sleep.  Mom was sad, and I asked her if she would like Jim Jr. to give her a blessing.  She said she would really like that.  Jim gave her a tender blessing of calm and peace.  Afterward as I was stroking her head she was praying out loud and I heard her ask Heavenly Father to bless her with "wise and noble thoughts and a constant heart."  We plead with Him, the Prince of Peace, to grant her exactly that.