Mom Update

I arrived at the nursing home today as a woman who resembled my Mom was walking down the hall.... I was not sure it was her, she was doing something my Mom has not been able to do... When I got to Mom's room, I learned that it WAS her....annnnndddd......

SHE WAS WALKING WITH A CANE!!!!!!

Now that might not seem like such a big deal to anyone else, but she was beaming from ear to ear and her eyes were "Twinkling Mom Eyes".

She had just returned from PT and was getting ready for Speech when I arrived. She is doing more words. She is eating better, less aspiration. And then we hauled to the car to go to a Dr. appointment. Who knew 3 weeks ago that I would be able to tool around town with Mom in tow?
After the Doctor, who told Mom she was doing GREAT, we went to the bank. Mom added me to her accounts so I can assist her with bill paying, etc.

On the trip, I explained to her that we are NOT going for Guardianship. She is much better than we expected and see no reason she cannot manage her affairs with minimal assistance. I told her that a Power of Attorney was a smart move, so if something were to happen, I could step in and carry on as she would wish. She agreed.

Language is still a challenge. Her brain is telling her mouth to speak and what she is saying is not what's passing her lips. We are now at "Noise, Noise, Noise"... we started at "Wa wa wa", then "Why, why, why", then "Boy, boy, boy"....of course you need to insert the ever present "No, no, no. Nebber, Nebber, Nebber" with appropriate finger scolding action when I make her nuts over something.

Tomorrow she and I are having another outing. Every year, on the weekend of Columbus Day, Mom's best friend does a party. All their friends come and bring food. I am bringing food and MOM. Not sure how long she will last. The crowd might be too much. But, dammit, she wants to go and I say "why the hell not?" The party is about 2 miles from the nursing home, so we can escape if necessary.

During OT today, she was touching her right thumb to her other fingers. This is new. I was in tears as Mom was shouting "Yes! Yes!" and "high-fiving" the therapist. She was also batting a balloon with a tennis racket in the right hand.

I have no doubt that Mom will be in her home before Christmas. As the staff all say, she is a miracle!

T