Slow Hope

Thanks for patiently waiting for our post.

As Auntie Mae Rens says, this is a time of “slow hope.”  

Mom continues to make improvements in physical/occupational therapy, and her ability to hold her torso upright and balance herself while sitting is improving.  She occasionally stands with a standing chair and pulley system rigged to the ceiling, and it is heartening to see her upright!   The nurses, nursing aids, therapists, and other residents are kind and encouraging and supportive.  

For some reason, she has chosen to be more quiet for the past two weeks; we’re not sure why, but perhaps she’s conserving energy -- or just frustrated, which is understandable.  A recent MRI will tell us more, possibly later this week.  

Dad has almost completely recovered from his fall and is totally focused on being there for Mom.  They have a comfortable, quiet routine spending time together.  The Pavilions sits on the grounds of a restored Victorian mental asylum with gorgeous grounds, and we enjoy walks with Mom in the sunshine.  There are often dogs around to watch and pet.  

On May 30, Val arrives again, after returning home to New York for daughter Amy’s college graduation.  Dad, Mom, and I are super happy about that!  And Brian just booked a flight to return in June.  

Thank you so much for the comforting and cheerful river of cards and other messages.  We read each to her, and she nods and smiles.  

We send our love back.