HOME SWEET HOME!!!

SHE'S HOME!!! Just like we have been hoping and praying and fasting for, Mom walked out of the hospital today, completely on her own!!! It was so exciting and amazing and wonderful! After 82 days in the hospital, it was time for a change of scenery, and what better place to go than HOME!!!

We all arrived at the hospital at 9:00 a.m., and Mom was dressed and ready to go. The therapy staff had one more physical therapy session scheduled at 9:30, so they had Mom help load all her personal belongings on a cart, as a sort of "real life" practice. We would never have thought to have her do any of that, but the physical therapist wanted Mom to realize that she could do most anything she wants to do. (She needn't have worried because Mom pretty much ran circles around us the rest of the day!)

Then the nurse went over the discharge papers, and Mom signed them herself! (It didn't look anything like her previous signature, but hey, it's a new life!!!) Then we posed for pictures in Mom's room and walked out! It was just that simple!

When we pulled up at Mom and Dad's house, it was decorated with two banners - one from the ward welcoming Sister Whitehead home, and another from us kids. The banners brought even more smiles to our faces, if that were possible! We helped Mom into the house and she collapsed on the couch -- but only for a minute. After that she wanted to see things, and even went for a walk around the backyard. I think she felt a bit like Rip Van Winkle - when she left in July, her garden was in full bloom, and today it's the middle of October and everything is harvested.

We had a flurry of things to do - adding more safety rails in the shower and getting a slew of prescriptions filled, but Mom was right in the thick of things. She decided she wanted a BLT sandwich and then visited with the neighbors. Then it was time for a nap.

The rest of the afternoon and evening have been quite the whirlwind. Dad and I aren't sure we can keep up with Mom. She didn't sit still for more than a couple of minutes at at time, and we exhausted ourselves trying to keep her safe, so much so that she commented on the phone to one of her granddaughters that she was being corralled on the farm!

Realistically, this will be a full-time operation to keep track of Mom. She can do so much, but still can't quite remember all the steps for many basic tasks. We are mostly worried about her falling, but have had to realize that despite our best efforts, there is no possible way to watch her every second. Hopefully she will sleep soundly so Dad can get some rest as well.

As we look back on this three month journey, we are in awe of the overwhelming love and concern we have been shown. The yard has been mowed and the garden tended. Visitors have come to buoy us up and we have received many sweet cards and emails. But it hasn't stopped there. Mom and Dad's next door neighbor built a beautiful railing for the stairs in the garage, and several people have offered to build one for the front porch. People are literally waiting in the wings to do whatever needs to be done. We are humbled and grateful for such an outpouring of kindness. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and faith and fasting. The Lord has heard your prayers and blessed us beyond measure. We can never repay your generosity and Christ-like love.

Jim Jr Comments. I went over to IMC and had breakfast with mom 1 last time this morning. I bought scrambled eggs w/cheese, sausage & bacon with hashbrowns and we ate somewhat similar breakfasts! (The food is actually very good here, and is made out of the same kitchen that visitors frequent. After all this time, we haven't tired of eating here --- I am speaking for myself, of course!)

Then Mom was ready to go. Dad, Diane and Randy showed up shortly thereafter, we said goodbyes, mom signed her discharge papers and we were on our way. We spent the rest of the afternoon putting up the rest of the fancy shower heads and safety grab bars, and thoroughly enjoying mom back at home. She was up and down and all over, but soon wore out from all the excitement! What an incredible last 12 weeks! We are so grateful for all your attentiveness, prayers and support. Isn't that what friends and family are all about? ....