Mom Update

Mom is doing great. Wish I had another picture to share with you. My friend, Andrea, called me yesterday and said, "Your mom looked so pretty at church last week. She looks like herself again!"

Mom has walked into church for the last two weeks (no wheelchair!) Last week, Dad dropped her off at the door. This week, she walked from the parking lot! She also stood this week during the final hymn! So, I guess it is accurate to say she is getting back to her old -- I mean, young -- self!

Dad is reverting back to his old self, too. Since Mom is getting better, I see him lightening up a bit and doing more fun things. For example, he bought a Wii last week!! He set it up in the living room so he and mom can play instead of watch the stupid shows that are on TV. He also bought the Wii Fit program to help get them both back in shape. (I did it and it said I had the fitness of a 63 year old, which I highly disagreed with! Jack, my son, said, "You don't have the body of a 63 year old, but you do play video games like a 63 year old!" That, I could buy!)

Things aren't perfect, but we are adjusting to this new way of life. There isn't a day that goes by that I am so thankful that I have my mom...and that Dad has my mom! I don't even want to imagine the void -- well, I won't even go there. Nevermind that.

It's hard to believe that it has been 10 months since this whole ordeal began. God is faithful. He has provided us with blessings through this that we would have never imagined. Our faith has strengthened. Our family has strengthened. Our gratitude has grown. And we, once again, have learned that God gives us the grace when we need it (and only when we need it) to persevere through whatever comes our way.

Thanks for your prayers and keeping up with us...

Lots of love,

Audi

WE'RE OFF TO THE RACES !!

Great NEWS ... and Great PROGRESS --

La Donna's physical therapist (Shannon) brought in a wheeled cane for her to try out, and with it she made a wonderful transition in her walking ability. Her balance is much better and she is able to walk good distances without help (except to have a helper walking along side her to make sure she doesn't lose it).

Thursday night we traveled to Anderson to have dinner with some friends. She walked with her cane all the way into the restaurant (and back out again after dinner). Her friends sat in their car in astonishment to see her walk as she did.

Tuesday we had a family conference and Dr. Ed Haskins (head of the Hook Rehab Outpatient Facility) noted her progress and approved her for at least another month of therapy there. While her speech has improved, her right arm and hand have been very slow in making progress (and she is concerned about that). She has been taught how to stand at the kitchen sink and perform kitchen duties (to the delight of her husband), and she is able to count out her medications and take them with supervision.

We are grateful to God and to the Therapists at Hook Rehab for the progress she is making. We are thankful also for your prayers and concern. Any doubt about how much people care about her? Just look at the count of hits on this blog ... way over 3000!