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.