November updates

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated the blog. (Can you spell SWINE FLU? I can!)

Mom has made absolutely amazing progress these past few weeks. She has been trying to cook more, and after one LONG afternoon in the kitchen that left her exhausted and still hungry, she has since had better luck. Mom has made her yummy macaroni and cheese along with her fabulous spaghetti, and although it takes a lot out of her, she wants to do the things she used to do.

To her delight, she finally figured out how to get down in the tub so she can take a bath as opposed to a shower. (Who ever knew it was so far DOWN from a standing position, not to mention equally as far back UP when you're finished?) She also washes her own hair and is maneuvering the blow dryer as well.

Mom continues to faithfully do her exercises and practice writing her name. In addition, she has begun using her computer again, typing with both hands! It is very, very slow and painstaking, but she is equally as determined. Early on, Mom couldn't remember where all the keys were on the keyboard, and several of them were worn off which made it extra hard to type. Undaunted, Mom carefully went downstairs and found her old typing textbook from high school (she knew right where it was!) and brought it up to the computer room so she could find the right keys. Thankfully, Randy had an extra keyboard, so now Mom can actually see the keys she is trying to use. Since handwriting is still a challenge, Mom is determined to use the computer to keep up with her correspondence. One of the things she feels the worst about these past few months is that she hasn't been able to write Jace his weekly missionary letter. She is determined to remedy that situation!

Mom's eye is finally getting a bit better. Her eye doctor admitted today that when he first saw her 3 weeks ago, he wasn't sure her eyesight would return because of the severity of the infection. Although it will take another two or three months, he is quite confident her vision will return. Whew!

We are also thrilled to report that the PEG line has been removed. HURRAH!!! It was a simple process done in the office, and other than a bit of discomfort at the time of removal, there was no pain involved. That's good, because all the pain at the time of insertion should have counted for alot!

New this week is the discovery that Mom has lost much of the hearing in her right ear. This wouldn't be unusual as a result of the stroke, so she has an appointment on Monday with a specialist to check things out more thoroughly.

This week Mom's sister, Louise, has been up from California to visit and help out. It has been so fun for them to spend time together laughing and reminiscing, and the week has gone by all too fast. As Mary Engelbreit says, "There is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather!" Mom is extra blessed in the sister department on both sides of the family!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are especially grateful to have our dear Mother home again, and are in awe of the progress she has made. We are also grateful for each of you who have cried and rejoiced along with us these past four months. We couldn't have done it alone!