Taking the next first step

There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity. - Washington Irving

Yesterday we got the good news that Mom could be transferred to UT Southwestern's Zale Lipshy rehabilitation hospital. She now has a nice corner room with a view of downtown Dallas. It gets nice light in the morning, and the skyline twinkles like Christmas every night. We liked Zale the last time Mom was there; it's a beautiful facility, the staff were strong and kind, and she made progress in their physical therapy care. The trouble is staying long enough to make a difference; the health care industry is designed to move people through the system quickly and get them home, but it takes patience and time to regain strength when so much has been lost. Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

So we aren't sure how long Mom will be at Zale, but we're hopeful she is there long enough to rebuild some muscle strength, energy and endurance to return home and enjoy a better quality of life than she has for the last two months or so. Her goal is to strengthen her back, core and leg muscles in particular, which have been so devastated by the months of high steroid use. Stronger muscles mean more mobility and less pain. More self-reliance and choice. Activities to enjoy in this holiday season. One fewer reason to be depressed, when there are so many reasons why one could be.

I'm writing this from an altitude of 39,177 feet, thanks to the in-flight wifi on my flight back to Texas. Today I'm thankful to be spending my 38th birthday weekend with Mom and Dad, helping to get Mom settled in her new digs and lending some support to Dad, who is under more strain than anyone should ever be. I'm thankful my employer lets me take off every few weeks and doubly thankful for my husband and son who understand and give me extra hugs when I return.

This holiday season we're asking for the gifts of strength, health and family time together. Let's hope 2012 ends on a better note than it began.

Advent Season!

Several days into this hospital stay, Mom is feeling somewhat better, but still has obstacles to overcome.  She was diagnosed with an infection and treated with a trio of antibiotics, which over the past few days have done a good job of restoring her hand movement.  We're still waiting for good progress with physical therapy, however, and her speech comes and goes, but one hurdle at a time. 

The steroid she's been taking since February has made her skin terribly thin and prone to easily tear.  I learned my lesson a few weeks ago when sliding a pillow under her arm, my ring caught the a small fold of skin around her elbow and ripped it right off. Just a little tear, but it wasted no time bleeding and then my attempt at a soft band-aid with gauze and paper tape caused further damage. She didn't even flinch when it happened, but we were both sad and the bruise which will take weeks to heal is shaped like a circle from the tape, with a little interior frown from the ring.  :(

We are enjoying the season, despite the bruises and tears.  Today at Starbucks I picked up a coffee and chocolate lover's Advent Calendar, and got a free skinny vanilla latte with purchase.   Before she opened it, she said "25!" and why would she say that without reading the label or me telling her what it was? It doesn't even look like the little Advent calendars she has given the girls in years past, the big flat ones with chocolate molded toys in each paper compartment. I was surprised she figured out what it was just by seeing a few numbers on a box.  This big Advent box is super cute, and the little doors give Mom something to look forward to each day, not to mention providing a challenge of how to open the tiny cardboard door each day. 

During lunch today we caught the end of a new(ish) version of Miracle on 34th Street, with an ending neither of us were familiar with.  She very clearly said, "I don't remember this part?!" and neither did I.  I think it's fascinating that she can remember what she doesn't remember, even though it's been at least a year since she's seen any version of that movie. 

We're happy to be at St. Paul for now, but are all looking forward to getting over to Zale Lipshy for some seriously good inpatient physical therapy.  We are hopeful that transition will take place in a few days, when this infection is cleared up, and some overall strength returns.