Mom was discharged from Spectrum on the 5th and
transported via ambulance to her new digs: Grand Traverse Pavilions rehab
facility in Traverse City – a more manageable 35 minutes from our Glen Arbor
home.
We are all very pleased with the facility, including her
room and therapy services. She has a nearly private room with the exception of
sharing a bathroom. It has a big window next to the bed which looks out onto a
courtyard where children under child-care play. It’s so nice to get her into
her own clothes and surrounded by objects from home.
Four of those objects – Dad, Val, Nance, and myself – have been a care-giving,
need-fulfilling machine. We are together so infrequently that it’s kind of a
thrill to be part of Team Peterson. Managing transportation, meals, visitation
shifts, and fitting individual work time is like a Rubik’s Cube with
ever-changing colors. Fortunately, we can all work remotely. Brother Jeff was a
big help down in Grand Rapids and he hopes to make the 3 hour drive up to see
Mom soon. Dad’s unrelenting vigilance of being at Mom’s side is awe-inspiring.
On top of it all, he has been dealing with his own medical needs. He just
completed a series of radiation treatments for cancer on his nose. Today, he’s
off to get a blood transfusion to replenish his oxygen-starved blood cells.
Mom continues her steady but slow progress. She appears much
more alert and for longer periods of the day. She loves to watch and listen to
everyone and often appears to have something to say resting on the tip of her
tongue. She has spoke single words several times now. More or less hugs and
kisses? “More”. My eyes? “Blue”. Val’s hair? “Black”. Also, “Okay” and “Good
Morning”. She enjoys listening to us tell stories about the family, smiling
with her mouth and eyes.
She has begun both physical and speech therapy. It’s going to be a
long process but we feel optimistic every day we see her.
Her room is too small for flowers, but cards are welcome! Pictures
of familiar faces encouraged. Grand Traverse Pavilions, 1000 Pavilions Circle,
Traverse City, MI 49684.
A big thank you for all the kind words and prayers!
1 comment:
I've been away for a week, so good to hear that she's improving!
Post a Comment