RELEASED!

Good morning all!  Mom called and the doctors said that she is being RELEASED.  RIGHT NOW!  I know this is just really exciting stuff!  

Mom is being released today!

Mom is being released with the thought that she will have several days at home to recover and rest before going back to work.  Daddy has asked that visitors do not come over for now.  Mom needs to be home and begin to mend.  

If you would like to do something for Mom and Dad - pray.  

• Mom is still a bit confused.  She even said yesterday to a friend, "my brain isn't quite working well yet."  
• Mom will need to begin to take care of her diabetes.  This is something she neglected after a period of time after her last hospital stay.  
• Pray she decides to take care of her health and that we can empower her to do that.  Daddy EVEN made a doctors appointment for her in two weeks.  (This is something Mom would have not allowed before.)  
• Pray Daddy is able to handle work, Mom and everything else.  Pray he gets enough sleep at night.

Thank you for helping our
family during this time!

Mom is coming home!
Movie day ALL day!

Late last night we got a visit from Jerry Maxwell.  He is a long time friend of Mom and Daddy.  Heidi, Mom, Daddy and I were all watching a movie last night.  Friday nights are generally known as "movie night."  Heidi had to rig the DVD player up to a really old tv, but she got it to work! 

Jerry Maxwell had mentioned that he had called Daddy to check up on him last week.  Jerry hadn't seen Mom or Dad for a couple of weeks.  I wanted to thank him - and many of you.  Keep checking on my parents.  Thank you for being good friends to them! Thank you for being there when we have had emergencies with Mom.  Knowing that someone is out there praying 

for her is comforting.  God heard your 

                                                  prayers and my mom is OK.  

Change of Scenery.....

Mom moved to room 203 at Baylor Waxahachie.  She is NOT contagious AND she says that tonight she would be OK if someone happened to stop by.

This is great!

2009 Page Views and COUNTING!

Today is the day we were supposed to get test results back on Mom's culture from the original spinal tap taken sometime Tuesday.  Daddy got up early and headed to the hospital.  I got my kids to school and my students in specials and decided to spend my conference time conferencing with Mom's doctors.

Mom's culture came back and doctors say today that it did NOT show the bacterial kind of meningitis.  This has them a bit puzzled.  Nothing grew in their culture.  They want to make sure the results are correct, because they are not what they had thought. To double check their findings, they are scheduled to do a spinal tap later today.  We should get these results sometime next week.

With the test results back the doctors have decided to continue to treat her like it is bacterial meningitis and she will continue with the antibiotics.  Mom has seemed to respond to these medications well.

We also do NOT have to wear the gown, mask, and gloves like before.  Mom is still in ICU and it is unclear if she will move to a new room or just stay in ICU until she is released.

I asked Mom this morning if she was up for visitors today.  She said no.  Even though she has more energy and would like company - she is worried she doesn't look good.  (Personally, this is a GREAT sign to me!  She wants to look good for her friends.)  Heidi is going to bring make-up to her today.  There are small rumors that she MAY go home either tomorrow or Sunday.

SO - if you are a friend of mom's and would like to call or visit - call her first and ask.  I will let you know when she says yes.  Doctors are ok with visitors.  Mom's cell is 972-743-6552.

Heidi will be in and out of the hospital today.  She plans on eating with Avery (my daughter) today for lunch at school.  Avery CAN NOT wait!!  Heidi also has a few conference calls from California to take care of for work.  Daddy is in an important IRS meeting that began at 9 this morning.  He will be in and out of the hospital as well, but may be there mostly this evening.  I will be at the hospital as soon as the kids go with their dad for a scheduled weekend visit.  If you need anything  - you can always text me, too. 972-977-6157.

On a side note - the times that Mom has been in the hospital have been difficult on us.  I had the blog open about 4 months then and so far a week now.  During that time - Mom's page has been viewed 2009 times!  All I can say is WOW!  This really shows us that there are people out there that care about our family.  Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and attention!

Love is....

"Loving someone in sickness
or health."

I am up late again.  I was not sure I could go and see Mom today.  Heidi and I decided to trade places.  I took the kids home after working all day at school.  We played, laughed, snuggled and then met Heidi for dinner.  The kids were very excited to see their "Aunt Heidi" again!  Luke could not sit still.  Heidi learned interesting things like what Pokemon Avery likes best and that Luke will only eat eggs if they are cooked inside a cake.  

After eating with Heidi we switched cars.  I took Daddy's BMW and put the top down - while Heidi took the kids in my Explorer back to my house to put to bed.

I got to visit with mom for the longest time all week while she was awake and aware.  She still saw me today when I wasn't there.  Heidi was kind enough not to tell her differently.  So - for the second day in a row I got credit when only my heart and mind was with her.

Heidi DID finally get some sleep.  She went to the hospital around lunch time.  Mom said she didn't get there until 5.  Poor kid.  She comes and stays the MOST at the hospital and Mom is seeing ME AND Heidi.

Regular room tomorrow.
POSSIBLE release SUNDAY!

Mom is doing well from what I can tell.  I missed the time to talk to the doctors today.  I really liked Mom's nurse tonight, though.  The nurse even showed me the CAT scans from when she got to the hospital.  I have SEEN that there is not a tumor.  I have worried for four years that there was another one growing.  I have worried for nothing.  Unfortunately, the nurse would not let me take a picture.  You will just have to trust me.

Mom will more than likely move to a regular room tomorrow (Friday.)  They are waiting until one is available on a regular floor.  We are STILL waiting on the test to let us know if Mom is contagious.  We continue to take precautions just in case.  We wear masks, gloves, and gowns.  Tomorrow, the test should be back.  IF she is not contagious - she can have visitors.  I will let you know when we hear.  For now - still no visitors.  BUT - Mom does have her phone now.  So if you would like to call or text, her phone number is 972-743-6552.  There isn't always great reception at the hospital, but you can try.

Mom just held our hands tonight.
I think she is ready to get
better and go home!

On another note- depending on the test that is coming back - Mom MAY even be released on Sunday!  This is all just a goal for now.  We will know more tomorrow.

I left Mom at Daddy at the hospital tonight.  Daddy finished a LONG day at work (although he visited the hospital quite a bit).  He had been to the down town to drop off the last of his deadline work.  The post office stays open late for days like this one.  Usually, Mom will drive Daddy downtown and they will eat dinner together on the way back.  Daddy is historically to tired to drive.  Tonight, Daddy made the trip alone and then hurried to the hospital.

Mom is happy.  They laughed and they kept holding hands.  Mom is cold in the room and holding Daddy's hand makes her feel more calm.  She told him last night that she felt better with him there.  Things are getting better every day!  Thank you for your continued prayers!  Keep them coming!

What are you READING today??

Good news comes from the hospital today!  Daddy was the first to visit and he called me at work to say she is continually improving!

Mom is still being treated for bacterial meningitis and we don't know if it is contagious or not.  (We SHOULD find out tomorrow.)  The doctors are speculating at this time that it is NOT contagious.  When we find out - visitors can visit.  For now, please wait.

Daddy said that mom looks better.  She is even asking for things to read!  Reading is a great sign because it usually means her head feels better and her eyes can focus.

Please continue to pray for fast recovery!

Enjoy our picture slideshow of our family!
Click "Blessings" below:

Blessings

Blessings - Slideshow

Blessings

Click on the word "Blessings" above to watch our short slideshow/video of our family in good times.  Thank you for praying for mom and continue to wish her well so she can be home with us - and happy.

How Many People Do YOU See?

Heidi did an excellent job today with Mom!  Her connection on her phone wasn't great.

Daddy and I are trying to stay on top of things at work and home and with Mom.

Daddy and Mom
November 2012

When Daddy and I got to the hospital this afternoon the doctor met us at the door to her room.  It has a glass door that remains closed while we wait to see if she is contagious.  The doctor confirmed that she does have meningitis.  We are still not sure what kind she has.  The doctor can only speculate at this point.  He said of the tests he ran today 3 out of 4 confirmed bacterial meningitis.  Bacterial is the worst kind from what we have been told.  It should be treatable.  We will not know for sure if this is contagious, but the doctor says most cases are NOT.  Until we know for sure we are all taking precautions and we request no visitors.

Heidi will be at the hospital again tomorrow and Daddy will be in and out.  His actual deadline this week is tomorrow (Thursday).

Now - for mom.  Her blood sugar is around 200.   This is up from yesterday, but down from when she was admitted.  She is being encouraged to take better care of herself when she gets to leave.  (More discussions about that to come, I am sure.)

Luke and Avery
November 2012

Mom is seeing people who are not there.  This happened after her brain surgery.  Last time she saw her brother Kim and Ethan.  Today she saw me.  She said that I sat outside of her room and wouldn't come inside.  I would just try to communicate through the intercom that really didn't work.  She kept telling the nurse she needed to send me in!  She also saw a man trying to "fix" the intercom problem.  Eventually, the man gave up and the intercom still doesn't work.

I will tell you that I did feel guilty for NOT being there all day today.  With Heidi in - Daddy, Heidi and I are taking shifts.

Mom's fever was creeping back up when I left.  She is on a diet of solid food and ate a really good dinner.  Daddy fed it to her.  She could have fed herself, but she was getting really distracted.

Mom was happy to have us there.  She remembers nothing from sometime Monday until this morning.  She is looking SO much better and she wanted me to tell you to please PRAY for her - because prayer works.

The Booie Child

When my sister was little she would play peek-a-boo.  Instead of saying "peek-a-boo" she would say, "BOOIE!"  She was named "The Booie Child" which quickly got shortened to "Boo."

Heidi and me (Amy) on one of Heidi's
visits home.

Last night Daddy and I were feeling a bit down about Mom's progress and diagnosis.  Daddy asked me to begin to blog.  Mom still had fever (at 10pm) and she wasn't showing great responses.

I drove Daddy to DFW airport to pick up Heidi at 11:20 pm.  We found her.  We found her bags and we headed back to the hospital.  Heidi needed to see Mom and ICU never closes.  Outside of the room Daddy and I showed Heidi how to put on the gown, mask and gloves.  We made quite a sight in our yellows and blues.  We opened moms isolation door.  The nurse was inside checking on her.

There was silence to begin with.  Nobody spoke.  We were all tired and mom was sleeping.  I put my hand on her forehead.  Heidi spoke.  Immediately after hearing Heidi's voice - my mom opened her eyes and had a bit of a smile.  She said, "my BABY is home!"  (It was ALMOST like peek-a-boo as she cracked her eyes open to peek at us). We asked her questions and I am not really sure she knew where she was or why - but the point is SHE WAS AWAKE!

Goals for Tuesday were to have bed rest and reduce her fever.  She met ALL goals for yesterday.  She was exceptionally good at the bed rest.

Mom with my son, Luke.   Spring 2010
Her smile here is beautiful! 

Heidi is at the hospital today.  We are still asking for no visitors because we still don't know at this point if mom is contagious.  Daddy's thoughts are with mom as he finishes a deadline today and I am teaching my 3rd graders.  I will be at the hospital after school to help Heidi.

Please forgive quality of pictures - but pictures of pictures don't work well....  I thought you might want to be reminded about Mom's smile, too as well as seeing our excitement of having my baby sister home!

Have a great day and keep those prayers coming!  Your prayers are working!  God is listening!

Four years and 2 days ago...

Four years and 3 days ago my mother, Debbie Fromm went into surgery at Baylor Dallas with a brain tumor.  Yesterday - my mom came to the hospital again.

Daddy worked late last night.  It is the beginning of tax season and he has been busy.  Deadlines are happening all of the time.  He came in about 9 last night and says that mom was not as responsive as she should have been.  On the phone he said she was "acting funny."  Daddy flew into action.  He scooped her up, put her into the car and went to Baylor Waxahachie.  This is the hospital she came to first the last time.  This is the one my daddy used to be on the board for and the one closest to his house.

He "got her settled" and then called my sister, Heidi.  Daddy didn't call me until this morning.  He jokingly said that he was actually glad for the time difference because he had girls he could talk to at any hour of the day.  Heidi - who lives in California now is two hours behind us in time.

As before - Daddy told me the GOOD NEWS (which - I have to agree IS good news this time):
Mom DOES NOT have a tumor.  Daddy and I have been worried about that.  She has not gotten any scan done since her hospital stay four years ago.

BUT - as before there is also no so good news - Mom is being treated for meningitis.  We will not know which type she has OR if that is exactly what she has for another day or two.

Other complications - when she arrived at the hospital last night - her blood sugar was up in the 400 range.  Her potassium is down.  She also had a high fever.

I came to the hospital as soon as I could this morning.  I took the kids to school and had planning time at 8:15.  I saw her then.  My children cannot be at the hospital at all.  Ethan picked them up after school and kept them overnight.  We still work as a team and for that, I am thankful.

Mom has not eaten much of anything and was quickly put on a liquid diet.  This evening her sugar levels are back in the normal range and so they have changed from taking the sugar level from every hour to just before meals.  Her fever was even down the last time I checked on her - which was about 15 minutes ago.  She hasn't said much at all to me -but Daddy said she spoke earlier today.  Her left side is showing signs of weakness, too.  This has happened since the surgery 4 years ago when she is tired.

Heidi is flying in from California tonight and will be at the hospital tomorrow.  No visitors for mom.  She might be contagious.  I will keep you updated through blogposts again, like I did last time.  Daddy was the one who asked that I reopen it.  Thank you for your prayers (although I really don't even know exactly what to ask for) and for following my mom.

Celebration of Life

Just in case anyone is still out there....

The celebration of Life for my mother is being held this Saturday, May 2, 2009. We will host it at the "Midlothian Conference Center." Midlothian, TX.

The celebration will run from 4 to 6 pm and is a come and go event.

Heidi is really planning most of it. I am just helping here and there. We are curious about numbers because we are serving appetizers and snacks. IF you have not gotten an Evite from me - please email me at aclark78@hotmail.com. IF you haven't gotten an e-mail it is because of an oversight and not because we don't value your friendship.

The celebration is one for my mom, but it is also one to say thank you to all of you who have prayed for her along the way. We never would have made it through all of this without you!

Please come and celebrate with us!

Released!

Avid readers - here is another update in the story of Mom.  

Mom and Daddy went to the doctor today for a check up.  This is Dr. Porter.  He was the doctor overseeing her case since she went to the rehabilitation center.

Dr. Porter got reports from Mom's speech therapist and physical therapist (Ethan).  The speech therapist at Baylor may release Mom as early as Friday.  We will have to wait a bit longer for Ethan to release her.  She is still working on balance and stability.

With the reports sounding positive, Dr. Porter decided to release Mom!  She can go back to work.  Mom is not sure of the exact start date but we anticipate it could be in the next two weeks.  

Mom is a bit worried that she will be very tired if she works all day.  I think that at the end of every day most of us are very tired.  I think she will not be the only one.

Things are going very well.  Mom still cannot drive and I really want to thank all of her friends who have helped get her to and from appointments.  You helped my father and I out a lot by driving her where she needed to go when we couldn't.

Thank you to all who have brought food and prayed for my mom.  Without you, we would be in really bad shape!  

The story of Mom batteling her brain tumor seems to be coming close to an end.  I am not done writing yet.  I will post more about Mom's progress as it comes available.  Anything newsworthy - I will post.  Just check once a week or so.  

I will post more details about the May 2nd celebration soon.  Please come!  We would love to see you and thank you in person for helping our family!  

On a side note.  You have been so kind to pray for my mom.  Just as her story is winding down, I have another friend in need of your prayers.  Our best friend has a four year old daughter who is currently in Cook Medical Center batteling for her life.  She was admitted on Sunday.  The doctors don't know what is wrong.  She is on life support.  We pray that she will live and be healed completely.  You can follow her blog at this spot:  www.godsavetrinity.blogspot.com

Thank you! 

I know I should be blogging everyday.  Instead, at least for last week, I just posted tonight.  Please forgive me.  Sometimes I just don't know exactly what to say.

Mom is doing well.  She is out of the hospital and trying to get back to "normal life."  We are not sure what that will be, but we are all anxious to find out.

This week was the week I had to go back to work after Spring Break.  Each morning at 6:30 I would find Mom and take her blood sugar level.  Then, by 6:45 the kids, Ethan and I were gone for the day.  Daddy is usually not far behind us.  

Mom had to go to speech therapy twice during the school day.  One day Daddy was able to take her and the next day one of her friends could.  The speech therapy hours are during school hours and I am unable to help.  If you are able to take Mom to Baylor during the day and would like to help out in that way - please let Mom and Daddy know.  The therapy lasts one day for an hour and the second visit is only 30 minutes.  

For those of you who have spoken to my mom on the phone - you probably think my mom doesn't need speech therapy.  Mom sounds good, but she is working with the speech therapist on language and reasoning skills.  She will do things for memory, too.  The speech therapist even gave her homework to help her work with her memory.  I have to tell her 10 words that are largely unrelated.  Each word I say has to be about 5 seconds apart.  She has to then wait 5 minutes and tell me as many words as she can remember.  I do have cues for her if she needs help.  Believe it or not - it isn't easy.

Physical therapy is going very well.  Mom doesn't need her walker much anymore inside of her house.  When she is outside or away from the house - she needs it.  For now they are renting a wheelchair just in case she wants to "shop."  But it is rarely used because Mom doesn't want to be out that long.  Mom and Daddy went to Brookshires just this evening and Daddy took her in without her walker to get just a couple of things - Mom did well.  Her body is mending quickly and getting stronger each day.  

Ethan, the kids and I are not going to live with Mom this week.  After two weeks at Mom's, Avery is begging to go home to her bed.  I am still going to cook for her, clean when she needs me to, and take her to physical therapy 3 times a week.  I am also going to invite her to our house on the evenings we don't have to go to therapy.  

Mom would love some visitors.  If you decide you would like to visit her during the day, please call first.  She wants to make sure she will be there before you come.  (She doesn't want to miss someone while she is going to therapy.)  Mom loves to talk to people and with Daddy and I at work - she misses that interaction.  Also, please let the phone ring many times if you call her.  You might even call back a second time if it goes to voice mail.  Mom is having a hard time getting to the phone when it rings.  She has a cordless phone, but doesn't like to leave it off the hook for fear it will run out of batteries or it will be lost....

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and pray for my family.  Thank you for caring so much!  I will post again sometime this week - lets say by Friday?  

"Prayers Got Me Through"

Mom is doing well today.  She is beginning to fall back into her old patterns again.  For example, my mom is really not a napper.  Today - she was too busy to take a nap.  It was completely her.  Even in college I planned my days around naps.  So today - I took Mom to speech therapy in downtown Dallas followed by lunch at Bueno and two drive through errands.  After which Mom really wanted to stop by Daddy's office to see him.  

At Daddy's office we ran into her friends the Van Amburghs.  Mom got to visit with them a few minutes before Luke began to cry (because the car wasn't moving).  We jumped into the car and went home.  It took me about a half hour to put Avery down for a nap.  Luke took a bit longer but by 3:00 all were in bed - except for Mom.  I left her on the couch and tried to catch some sleep myself.  When I awoke, she was still in the living room.  She had written down recipes from the Internet to try, written one or two thank you notes, checked the blog (I have to be careful with what I say now - Mom is a follower... ) and she had watched some TV.  

She soon had a visit from two more of her friends bringing food and smiles.  The visit really picked her spirits up.  We had a family dinner and then put the kids to bed.  

All in all - a very good day!  

I was most excited about her blood sugar level.  She didn't always let me test her.  In fact, she only let me test her once today (should be four times), but when I did - before dinner- her blood sugar level was 94!  It hasn't been normal in the evening until tonight.  

More about speech therapy - Mom's first day was today.  We were unsuccessful at locating a speech therapist near us that was able to see new patients.  SO, Mom is taking speech therapy from Baylor Rehab downtown.  (This was the last building she stayed in, but she will now be working with their outpatient department.)  The therapist is young.  Every time Mom tells about therapy she comments on how young the therapist is.  I didn't go into therapy with her because I had the kids and this was the day of evaluation for Mom.  I didn't want Mom to be distracted by the children.  So, while Avery, Luke and I looked for acorns and smelled flowers around the hospital enjoying the sunshine - Mom sat in a room with this lady and took tests.  She told me about a test for visual discrimination (like which object is different), a test for making a schedule, and a test for comprehension (she had to read a passage and then answer questions).  When Mom got home she said her head really hurt.  She blamed it on Ethan (for therapy the day before), Avery being too noisy, and speech (because she was concentrating so hard).  Even with a headache she didn't want to take pain meds because we think they make her sick.  Next week she will go three times to speech.  The first one, Daddy will be at.  The therapist wants to speak with him about goals.  At that meeting they may talk about not having to see Mom three times a week.  The therapist seems to think Mom might not need that many times each week.  She is going to e-mail the suggestion to have less speech therapy each week to the doctor who is currently on vacation out of the country.  

Physical therapy.  Mom went on Wednesday to physical therapy.  Ethan only had her there about 45 minutes.  He worked her hard, though during that time.  One of my favorite things they did was to have Mom stand without the walker and we played "balloon volleyball."  Avery was able to begin to hit the balloon to Mom, but when we found her aim wasn't great - I got to.  I am very good at "balloon volleyball".  It is a talent I didn't know I had.  Mom did very well, too.  She was able to reach up with both of her hands at different times and hit the balloon back to me.  

For tomorrow - Mom will go to physical therapy in the morning and then the beauty shop in the late afternoon.  (Remember, I plan for naps.)  Ethan, Avery, Luke and I are going to go home tomorrow.  Avery really misses her bed.  Daddy's brother (Uncle Bobby) and his son (Spencer) are coming for the weekend.  We should be back at Mom's house on Sunday evening.  

Mom was talking on the phone earlier.  She said something that stuck with me that I wanted you all to hear.  Mom was talking to her friend and said, "Prayers are what have gotten me through this so far."  She is right.  We have all been praying and God listened to us.  Thank you so very much for praying for my mom.  She thanks you, too.   Isn't prayer amazing?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today was a good day.  So far, I think it was the best one since the hospital.  Mom woke up and took most of her medicine and even let me get her blood sugar levels!  

Best of all - she got a hair cut!  She went to her hair place - "One Fine Day" in Waxahachie.  There, she left me in the waiting area with the kids (Avery did wonderfully and Luke slept) while she went back with Jeff.  When I went to check on her Jeff commented that she had talked the whole time.  She said, "Well, I haven't seen anyone except Amy lately."  I think she misses visiting with the visitors at the hospital.  Thank you all for coming to visit her there!  Thank you also for calling Mom and talking with her.  Her phone was broken on Saturday and not fixed until today.  I am sorry if you called and got voice mail.  

Another wonderful thing that happened today was the 10:00 therapy session.  (We were only 30 minutes late.)  Thank goodness we have a forgiving therapist (my husband, Ethan.)  

Here is all about therapy today in his words:  I haven't seen Debbie "do therapy" for about 2 weeks and even though I had observed her moving around the house some, we really hadn't had a chance to talk about how she was doing since the hospital.  Last night I was able to read over some of her previous therapists' reports in the info we received from BIR, so that was a good benchmark for me to compare how she was today to 1-3 weeks ago.  We talked a great deal today about how she was feeling and what she felt her limitations are.  I felt that she moves in general, better than i anticipated and her static (not moving) balance was better than advertised. She does however have a great deal of Left arm weakness and neck/shoulder pain and tightness. We went over a few arm and leg strengthening exercises and scheduled her for more treatments later in the week. By the end of her time she complained of a good deal of dizziness as well as muscle fatigue and neck pain. We discussed her goals concerning her walking without an assistive device and her long term plans. She was a model patient and it was a good start to her outpatient therapy. I have already drawn up some homework for her and I will treat her again tomorrow afternoon. :)

Monday - March 16th

Mom was still sick today.  The doctor called in medication for her.  Hopefully she will feel better tomorrow.

10:00 am - Physical Therapy begins again. (Ethan will be her therapist.)

Good things that happened today:

1. The sun shined and it was a warm spring day.  It was the perfect weather to begin Spring Break! 

2.  Mom held Luke many times and was able to hold him for longer than 10 minutes.  She used to complain at how heavy he was and want someone to take him.  Today - I asked her if he was too heavy several times before she gave him up.  (Point - Mom's arms are getting stronger.)

3.  I talked with Mom for a long time this morning and for brief moments I even forgot she had gone through the hospital stuff.  She just sounded like Mom.

4.  The kids are at my house while I am at Mom's.  They are staying with my mother-in-law until after therapy. (Point - even though I won't get to see them tomorrow morning - I will get a full nights sleep.  Maybe.)

Funny

Not much happened today.  It was a quiet Sunday.  Quiet Sundays are the best in my opinion.  Avery, Luke and I headed off to church.  We went to class and then late service.  Luke was awake the whole time, but an angel.  Avery was a bit wiggly.  After church we came home and ate lunch.  Mom still doesn't feel well and didn't join us at the table.  

After lunch we napped.  Luke was awake, though.  He wanted to play.  I wrestled with him for awhile and then Daddy took over.  Daddy said they enjoyed a bit of "Wyatt Earp" while the rest of us slept.  Great boy time.  

When Luke went to sleep - Daddy headed to work for a little while and shortly after he left, Ethan came home!  I was glad to see him!  He shaved the beard that he had been growing since Luke was born.  He looks nice - with or without the beard. 

Tomorrow we don't have much planned for Mom.  We are going to switch her physical therapy from big Baylor to Ethan's clinic.  Ethan has more flexible hours and his clinic is closer.  We will switch the paperwork tomorrow.  If it happens early enough - Mom might have a chance to have therapy tomorrow.  We will wait and see.  

Funniest thing that happened today was when Mom decided to get up off the couch and go back to her bedroom.  Ethan - who hasn't really been around her since last weekend - stood up to help her.  Mom said, "I can do this, Ethan.  I feel very comfortable with doing this by myself."  Then with a small grin on her face she showed Ethan how she could get up and begin to walk with her walker.  Quietly, Ethan followed behind her.  I am sure in his head he was thinking of things to work on for therapy.  When Mom walked into the kitchen she says to Daddy, "Dick, Ethan is following me."  

I cannot wait to see the "therapy" sessions!

Please pray that Mom begins to feel better.  She doesn't think she has a virus, she thinks she just overdid things yesterday when she was packing to get ready to go.  I am very ready for her to feel more like she used to. 

Tie a yellow ribbon on the old oak tree....

This morning began for me about 5:45 am.  The kids and I moved into Mom's house yesterday evening and Luke didn't sleep hardly at all.  He wasn't really cranky, just awake every hour or so.  He even woke Daddy up a few times.  Thankfully, Avery slept through most of it.  At about 6:30 after feeding him again - I decided I should just be up for the day.  

I fixed breakfast for Daddy and Avery and we all sat around the breakfast table (all except for Luke who decided he was tired...) and talked about today's events.  Daddy loves breakfast time and he was very glad to share his table with two morning people.  We were all very excited to have Mom come home!  

After breakfast Daddy headed off to the store and Avery, Luke and I finished getting ready.  Daddy had gone to buy roses for Mom for the house and also yellow ribbons because of an old song.  When Mom saw the yellow ribbons she told me to take a picture of them.  She was also excited about the roses on the table.  

Let me get back to the morning.  Luke, Avery, Daddy and I all piled into the car and set off for the hospital.  We found Mom in her room standing up with her walker and walking around trying to pack.  She was glad we were there to take her home.  Avery was a flutter. Luke's stroller was too big - so we set him outside the door.  While Daddy packed and carted things off to the car - I tried to control the kids.  Mostly Avery.  She has been sick for 3 days before this and other than going through the drive through at Sonic or over to Mom's she has been inside.  She had some energy to let out.  Unfortunately, we didn't know this until we got to the hospital.  When a doctor came by to talk with Mom and Daddy - I took Avery and Luke around the floor of the building.  To distract Avery I taught her to control Luke's stroller (which she cannot see over.)  This came in handy later...

After visiting with her nurse and getting all directions for medications - we went on our way. Daddy wanted to visit all of the people he now calls friends that we have met since our time began at Baylor  8 1/2 weeks ago.  Two of my favorites are on the same floor as Mom at the rehab center.  One lady named Lucy came in because her husband had an accident during the ice storm.  She, Ethan and I got to spend the night at the hospital together and we became fast friends.  The other, Mrs. Berry is a very kind lady!  She also came in because of the ice storm.  Her husband was walking into work and slipped on the ice and bumped his head.  Both ladies have been friends to our family through all of this.  I am very glad to have met them! 

Daddy then thought we should go and see other nurses on other floors - people who helped Mom that she may or may not remember.  He wanted to tell them thank you and also show Mom off.  He wanted to let them know that she is going home and what they did for her got her to this point.  BUT - as we started out for the underground tunnel from the rehab hospital to the regular hospital things began to happen.  

Picture this - Daddy has a plant and coat in one hand and some other things from Mom's room in the other hand.  (His last load for the car.)  I was pushing Luke with my jacket and Avery's across the top of the stroller.  Mom was pushing herself some and I was pushing her, too.  I would push Luke, come back - push Mom, etc.  Avery decided to help and we thought it was best for her to push Luke and not Mom.  So then - we are going behind Daddy and Avery is pushing Luke, I am pushing Mom into the elevator that will take us to the basement.  While we are there - Mom's huge glass of ice water spills off of the stroller we forgot it was on that was pushed by Avery.  Daddy then decides he needs to push Luke and juggle the things in his hands.  Avery goes between us - sometimes pulling on my shirt, sometimes "helping" Daddy push the stroller all the while wearing a CLEAN bed pan on her head.  I can only imagine how we looked. We went to the third floor of Truett first and didn't see anyone at first.  We finally saw one nurse.  At this point - the kids are hungry and tired and so is Mom.  We call it a day and go back down the tunnel to the car.  

We get into the car and it is stuffed with all of the things we have.  Wheelchair, walker, stroller, a plant, etc.  Daddy decides we need to call Heidi.  She needed to be part of the moment, too.  He dials her as he is pulling out of the parking lot, in the backseat I am reading to Avery and Luke is talking (not a quiet car)  -- when all of the sudden -  Mom feels sick.  

We pull over, help Mom and then make other plans for lunch.  The original one was going to Pappadouxs.  We decide to call ahead and get take out.  After getting take out from there we went by a chicken place for tea.  (Really good tea, but Dad noticed that a gallon of tea there costs more than a gallon of milk. - Not sure we will go there for tea again.)  Then home.  We ate a wonderful lunch - all of us at the table.  (Except for Luke who was again - asleep.) 

After lunch I fed Luke and then Mom, Avery, and I tried to lay down to take a nap.  Luke didn't want to sleep - he wanted to talk - so he and Daddy spent some boy time together before Luke decided to lay down, too.

Dinner was more quiet.  Mom still felt sick.  She didn't eat.  Daddy, Avery and I had popcorn and hot dogs.  I went to the store after the kids were in bed.  

At times today I had no idea if I was helping or creating more of a problem with the kids around.  Ethan would have been here - but nobody knew when Mom would get out of the hospital and he had a business trip scheduled for Houston this weekend.  Thankfully - he will be back tomorrow.  

Daddy is who I found myself watching today the most.  We all are a little different because of this event.  I have told Daddy and Heidi that I think the three of us are closer now than we were.  Daddy did what he always does today - he visited.  He laughed, he showed his family off, and he celebrated with anyone who wanted to celebrate.  We are lucky.  So many of the people we met didn't get happy endings.  Mom is one of the lucky ones.  Of course - she is not at the end of her story or her journey yet.  

Mom's therapy today- she got to hold Luke.  She got to get in and out of the car and go home.  When she got home she got out of the car very quickly!  Mom didn't feel well today, but we think that was from motion sickness and trying to do too much packing this morning.  Tomorrow is another day....

On May 2nd (Saturday) we are having a party to celebrate Mom's recovery.  All blog readers are invited.  You have been praying for my mom and we want to thank you.  More will be posted about the event as it gets closer - just save the date on the calendar, please.  It was supposed to be a surprise for Mom, but Daddy couldn't keep it a secret.

As for the blog.  For now I will write.  This week will be filled with eye doctor appointments, physical therapy (maybe done by my husband, Ethan), grand kid time, and other normal everyday things.  I will keep you posted.  

Something you can do for me - I am going to cook for Mom this week especially because I have Spring Break.  I am not a cook.  I have about 5 recipes that I cook all of the time and that is it.  I am needing help to get better.  I am looking for healthy recipes that I can cook and then maybe put in the freezer so that when I am not here on the weekends or in a few weeks - Mom can pull them out and cook them and have a good hot dinner.  SO - if any of you know these recipes - post them on the blog OR e-mail aclark78@hotmail.com.  Also - any tips for storing frozen meals like this?  Thanks so much for your help! 

Meeting - 10:30ish

We had another meeting with all of the important people on Mom's case this morning.  I wasn't there (Avery has strep), but Daddy called me and wanted to make sure I put it on the blog quickly.

Mom WILL be released at 10:00 on Saturday morning.  We will go and pick her up and she can stay at home!  It has been 8 weeks of hospital and rehab up to now - so we are going to be very happy for her to come home.  

Mom will continue to have therapy as an outpatient.  For now, we think she will go to Baylor for her therapy needs.  She will see a speech therapist and a physical therapist.  She will be there for an hour 3 times a week. Mom is working with the speech therapist on cognitive therapy and speech and the physical therapist for things like balance.

Mom will not have to be with someone all of the time when she comes home.  For the first week she will be with the kids and me.  We have Spring Break so we are going to celebrate at Mom's house.  After next week, both Daddy and I are just about 10 minutes away if she needed us.  For now it looks like Ethan, the kids and I will be staying at Mom's during the week and then at our house Friday and Saturday nights.  This way - I can worry about only cleaning, cooking, and washing for one house - not two.  It is also more stability for the children.  They will not have to go over to Mom's house each afternoon - and then leave a few hours later.  We can keep their eating and sleeping patterns the same.  We will also have the longest "family" times which are Friday night and Saturdays to ourselves.  We are taking it a week at a time, though.  If we are not needed to help with Mom then we will go home.  

Mom can talk on the phone now.  Her cell phone is 972-743-6552.  She would love to hear from you.  Today, Thursday and Friday - please only call between 4:30 and 7:30.  This gives Mom a chance to finish with therapy and rest for a bit before visiting.  

I will keep you posted if anything changes, but for now Mom is still in rehab.  I will post something on Saturday evening to let you know how her first day home went.  

Thank you all for your prayers - they are working!

The little things....

I was really, really tired on Sunday!  Loosing an hour stinks!  Ethan, Avery, Luke and I went to church with Ethan's mom who was visiting for the weekend.  We went to late service (which we never do).  Just before we went in the doors, Daddy was coming out after class.  He couldn't stay any longer.  He wanted to be with Mom.  

I didn't go and see Mom.  We had company and I had many things to do for school.  Thanks to may WONDERFUL husband - I got a nap and a bit caught up on things.

Daddy took Mom to Target and got a few things she had been wanting.  She was even able to get a frame for a picture of my kids that she ordered in December.  (I am sure she will show you the picture if you visit.)  

Mom and Daddy also visited with Blake and Sandy Utley at On the Boarder.  (Visiting for about 2 hours - away from the hospital.)  

Many things Mom has done this past weekend really made her tired.  I continue to think of all of the things I do each day that I take for granted.   Getting out of bed, up and down into a chair, navigating through a crowd -- all become major events.

Next weekend Mom is still scheduled to go home.  We are very, very, very happy!  

This week there is a meeting sometime to confirm that mom is going home.  (I think the meeting is Wednesday - so check the blog either late that day or on Thursday.)  Unless I hear anything new - Mom is still just rehabilitating! 

Thank you for all of the food, cards, calls, gifts, and prayers.  I am very glad that you are helping us through this difficult time!  Words cannot express how thankful we are that you are around to help us! 

Weekend Pass....

Well, not the whole weekend, but at least for today Debbie was able to leave the rehab hospital and spend the day at home. At 11 am Dick and Amy went to a class to learn the proper ways to help Debbie while she is outside of rehab, such as transfers in and out of the car and how to fold and transport her wheelchair and walker. A physical therapist at BIR instructed them and then it was out into a warm, windy March Saturday!
First stop was for lunch at Pappadaeux (not sure if i spelled that right). Debbie had a Greek salad and some gumbo. They raised some eyebrows with the wheelchair and Debbie's appearance but they enjoyed themselves and Debbie didn't seem to notice. Then it was on to home! It was obviously the first time Debbie has been in her house since she collapsed on January 21st. Debbie spent some time looking for things that have been missing or misplaced during her absence then felt tired and wanted to nap for a bit. Following her nap Amy and Debbie made a stop at Sonic (of course) then skipped a planned trip to Target because Debbie was too tired.
Debbie is now in room #312 in BIR. It's a private room and she is happy to have full control of the thermostat and can watch her own TV without disturbing a roommate. She enjoyed her time out but was exhausted by the end of the day. When Amy left Debbie had everything she needed and was very tired and sore. She is allowed to take a day trip tomorrow as well but is unsure of whether she will venture out tomorrow.