Mom's case mgr. at New England Rehab called today to talk about discharge plans!! Woo-hoo!
Mom has made great progress, but she will continue to need full-time care for awhile. After some discussion, we decided that the most logical next step is a transfer to a skilled nursing/rehab facility near home. We will be applying to St. Vincent de Paul Rehab and Nursing Ctr. in Berlin NH, and she could arrive there next week!
The timing is excellent, as our family plans to leave Florida on Monday and will also, God willing, be arriving in Berlin/Gorham next week. :-) We are so thankful for how He is working everything out.
You have been so faithful to pray and care for our family during this ordeal. Thank you . . . and now, as we look toward the future, may we ask that you pray for that as well?
To be very frank, Mom and Dad may never be able to live independently again. My father continues to resist the idea of selling their house and moving to somewhere more manageable. I would love to have them near us, where I could be the assistance in their assisted living! My mom would be willing, but Dad says "never."
So would you please pray that God will work in his heart and help him to see that this would be the best for everyone, including himself? Thank you . . . again.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 29
Jack & I went yesterday morning to vote (Florida has early voting) and when we got home, there was a voice mail message from . . . Mom! It was so awesome to hear her dear familiar voice on the machine!! There was a period of silence while she hunted for words . . . but she was able to give her bedside phone number so we could call her back!
Which we did, and had great conversation. She sounds so like herself now! Some words still get mixed up or can't be located, but she manages to be understood.
Aunt Betty called us yesterday evening also, because she had visited Mom during the day and was delighted. Mom understands what happened to her, where she is, and knew Dad had been to visit, but she wasn't sure where he was yesterday. Aunt Betty told her he is waiting for her at home.
Our friends Pastor John and Rosalie Holliday visited her today. Here is his account:
Mom did admit yesterday that she still feels confused. When I told her we are thrilled with how much she is remembering and able to say, she said "Well it's a lot of mixed-up mess to me!" :-) I asked her if she had her Bible, which Lois and I had taken to her near the end of her stay at Dartmouth, and she didn't think so. I don't know if it was left at Dartmouth and mailed back to Gorham, or if it's in her room somewhere. She is reading a little bit now, but that may still be too much for her. She can read her own cards though! :-)
Please keep praying that God would bring her ALL the way back, if that would glorify Him. And thanks for also praying for my dad, as he waits for her to come home.
Which we did, and had great conversation. She sounds so like herself now! Some words still get mixed up or can't be located, but she manages to be understood.
Aunt Betty called us yesterday evening also, because she had visited Mom during the day and was delighted. Mom understands what happened to her, where she is, and knew Dad had been to visit, but she wasn't sure where he was yesterday. Aunt Betty told her he is waiting for her at home.
Our friends Pastor John and Rosalie Holliday visited her today. Here is his account:
"As we walked into Mary Jane's room, she was lying on her bed . . .
She rolled over, put her feet over the side of her bed, stood up, with NO difficulty -- and with more agility than I have - PTL . . . gave Rosalie and I both hugs, and then sat down again on her bed.
We chatted for about 20 minutes and then we had a word of prayer and left. I found Mary Jane, in my opinion, GREATLY IMPROVED since I saw her 6 days ago.. Most of her facts were clear -- or clear enough that we could understand what she was saying or meaning to say."
Mom did admit yesterday that she still feels confused. When I told her we are thrilled with how much she is remembering and able to say, she said "Well it's a lot of mixed-up mess to me!" :-) I asked her if she had her Bible, which Lois and I had taken to her near the end of her stay at Dartmouth, and she didn't think so. I don't know if it was left at Dartmouth and mailed back to Gorham, or if it's in her room somewhere. She is reading a little bit now, but that may still be too much for her. She can read her own cards though! :-)
Please keep praying that God would bring her ALL the way back, if that would glorify Him. And thanks for also praying for my dad, as he waits for her to come home.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday, October 25
We called Mom today!!
Mom had called Lois this week, so I've been hoping she might call me too. Then I realized Lois must have left her phone number with the nurses, but they didn't have mine . . . they do now! :-)
Our conversation was lengthy, lucid, laughing . . . wonderful. Mom is expressing herself so much more clearly than she was a week ago! She understands why she is where she is, and remembers who has been to see her. Names and details come hard, but she realizes the reason, and is good-humored about it. She called me "Jack" and we both laughed. I told her I knew who she meant! She said she has to go through everybody's name before she gets the right one.
She talked with Danielle and Evan too. (I think that was enjoyable speech therapy! :-) They understood that her words would get mixed up, and they were very patient, and helped her with words she couldn't think of.
We talked a little bit about how I would be there to help her when she can go home. She is looking forward to that!! She said "That will be great!"
Physically she is doing well also. She ate 100% of her breakfast this morning! And she is walking down the hall and back with a walker now. My dad got down to visit yesterday, with George Melvin . . . thanks George!!
So we continue to be very encouraged by her rapid progress. THANK YOU for praying!!
Mom had called Lois this week, so I've been hoping she might call me too. Then I realized Lois must have left her phone number with the nurses, but they didn't have mine . . . they do now! :-)
Our conversation was lengthy, lucid, laughing . . . wonderful. Mom is expressing herself so much more clearly than she was a week ago! She understands why she is where she is, and remembers who has been to see her. Names and details come hard, but she realizes the reason, and is good-humored about it. She called me "Jack" and we both laughed. I told her I knew who she meant! She said she has to go through everybody's name before she gets the right one.
She talked with Danielle and Evan too. (I think that was enjoyable speech therapy! :-) They understood that her words would get mixed up, and they were very patient, and helped her with words she couldn't think of.
We talked a little bit about how I would be there to help her when she can go home. She is looking forward to that!! She said "That will be great!"
Physically she is doing well also. She ate 100% of her breakfast this morning! And she is walking down the hall and back with a walker now. My dad got down to visit yesterday, with George Melvin . . . thanks George!!
So we continue to be very encouraged by her rapid progress. THANK YOU for praying!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, October 23
We have more encouraging news about mom's progress! My sister Lois, who is now in Virginia with her family, told me that Mom called her yesterday. :-) Someone helped her dial the numbers. Lois mentioned Mom's walking with a walker, and Mom said "Yes . . . it's a . . . process." She had to think about it, but she found the word she wanted!!
Our friend Pastor John Holliday visited her today. While he was there, Mom also chatted with John's wife Rosalie on the phone, and did very well. Pastor Holliday said Mom did great with her therapy class, keeping up with about 90% of the movements!!
Pastor Holliday took Mom's shoes to her, as well as her elastic sleeves needed for lymphedema in her arm. That was a blessing.
Dad is going to be able to visit her tomorrow, thanks to friends who are taking him. We really appreciate all the help he is receiving!!
Thank you so much for praying. We are so encouraged by Mom's progress, and know it is the Lord answering our prayers!
Our friend Pastor John Holliday visited her today. While he was there, Mom also chatted with John's wife Rosalie on the phone, and did very well. Pastor Holliday said Mom did great with her therapy class, keeping up with about 90% of the movements!!
Pastor Holliday took Mom's shoes to her, as well as her elastic sleeves needed for lymphedema in her arm. That was a blessing.
Dad is going to be able to visit her tomorrow, thanks to friends who are taking him. We really appreciate all the help he is receiving!!
Thank you so much for praying. We are so encouraged by Mom's progress, and know it is the Lord answering our prayers!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 21 - Mom is retaining information!!
Aunt Jane called this afternoon with great news. She had been in to see Mom, and Mom greeted her clearly, by name. But wait, that's not the best part!!
Aunt Jane mentioned that I (Alice) will be there in a couple of weeks, and Mom told the therapist who was in the room, "That's my daughter. She and her family are coming to stay awhile!"
Not only was that a long, clear sentence . . . but it is our FIRST indication since the accident that Mom is retaining the new information that she is being told!! This is a great sign that her brain is healing well.
Thanks so much for praying for her! Please keep on!!
Dad told me yesterday that he would like to go visit Mom this week. Also, she needs her shoes--I forgot to pack them for her :-( If anyone would be able to give my dad a ride to Portland this week, and bring Mom's shoes, that would be a great help.
Thank you Lord, for Your goodness!!
Aunt Jane mentioned that I (Alice) will be there in a couple of weeks, and Mom told the therapist who was in the room, "That's my daughter. She and her family are coming to stay awhile!"
Not only was that a long, clear sentence . . . but it is our FIRST indication since the accident that Mom is retaining the new information that she is being told!! This is a great sign that her brain is healing well.
Thanks so much for praying for her! Please keep on!!
Dad told me yesterday that he would like to go visit Mom this week. Also, she needs her shoes--I forgot to pack them for her :-( If anyone would be able to give my dad a ride to Portland this week, and bring Mom's shoes, that would be a great help.
Thank you Lord, for Your goodness!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday, October 19
Lois hopped on a plane yesterday and is now reunited with her family in Virginia. I (Alice) am still in Florida, for two more weeks. So our Mom updates have to be gleaned from the nurses, and friends and family who are able to visit in person! If you get to see Mom, we would love a phone call to share how she was doing while you were there.
Her nurse today reported not too much change. She answers some questions appropriately, and other things she doesn't seem to comprehend.
She has become quite attached to an adorable little stuffed dog that Lois got her. She likes to put him on her shoulder, and she told the nurse that his name is "President." Hmm . . . maybe I'll write him in on Election Day!
Mom's vital signs, blood sugar levels, and other physical indicators are all good!! We are thankful for that. She continues to receive supplemental feeding through her tube, at night and also when she eats less than 50% of her meals.
Thank you for your prayers, concern, and support! Our family appreciates it so much!!
Her nurse today reported not too much change. She answers some questions appropriately, and other things she doesn't seem to comprehend.
She has become quite attached to an adorable little stuffed dog that Lois got her. She likes to put him on her shoulder, and she told the nurse that his name is "President." Hmm . . . maybe I'll write him in on Election Day!
Mom's vital signs, blood sugar levels, and other physical indicators are all good!! We are thankful for that. She continues to receive supplemental feeding through her tube, at night and also when she eats less than 50% of her meals.
Thank you for your prayers, concern, and support! Our family appreciates it so much!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday, October 17
This morning Lois said Mom wasn't feeling so well, but she seemed to get stronger as the day progressed, and was quite chipper when I (Alice) talked with her on the phone this afternoon!! It was wonderful. She sounds like herself, and she called me "Sweethaht" with that great Maine accent. I told her that our family is planning to drive up there soon, and she replied that the whole group of us is coming! That was a long sentence for her to get out, and I was so excited.
I asked her how the weather was there, and she said it was "falling." That was pretty close, since it is fall! She tried to say some other things that came out garbled. Then she laughed ruefully, and said "Oh dear!" It is so wonderful to hear her laugh.
Physical therapy worked with her today also, having her lean over on each side, then forward and back, and raise herself back upright again. Lois said it was obviously very difficult for her, but she worked hard and did it! We are so proud of her.
Dad likes the Senior Meals he's been receiving, and says he's doing fine. Thanks so much to all who are helping and checking on him!
I asked her how the weather was there, and she said it was "falling." That was pretty close, since it is fall! She tried to say some other things that came out garbled. Then she laughed ruefully, and said "Oh dear!" It is so wonderful to hear her laugh.
Physical therapy worked with her today also, having her lean over on each side, then forward and back, and raise herself back upright again. Lois said it was obviously very difficult for her, but she worked hard and did it! We are so proud of her.
Dad likes the Senior Meals he's been receiving, and says he's doing fine. Thanks so much to all who are helping and checking on him!
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