Mom Update, July 9, 2010, Friday

Mom had another good day today! Each time we shook her shoulders, she opened her eyes widely! When I saw her early in the day, she was more alert but yet in what I'd call a sleepy state. By this, I mean that, when I tried to arouse her, I could, but left alone, she would remain alert a short while and then drift to sleep. During the day, we try to keep her aroused and alert and don't really let her sleep when we are with her. At night, when Dad, Lenny, Aunt Sophie and I returned, we basically let her sleep and just sat with her---stroking her hair, arms, legs and face, and holding her hands. This is 3 days in a row of opening her eyes. Claudia worked her hard today in the early afternoon...partially alone and partially with mom's speech therapist, Shelby. Claudia put together a "sensory stimulation" bag---full of articles and items of various textures (it's in a green recyclable bag in the armoire near the door). There's a whole technique to use while using these items (as per the speech and the OT person). I'll explain how all that stuff works tomorrow. Mom had 3 friends visit her today as well. With Claudia and I, mom moved around alot. In the morning, she moved her mouth, limbs, and hands and feet alot. She seemed to smile at dad and Lenny twice this evening.

When I looked at her data charts Claudia and I created, she has definitely made progress!! (Though it can't be soon enough for us!). Aunt Sophie, mom's aunt of 93, has been with dad for these last 6 weeks and she is leaving to go back home to New Jersey on Sunday (and will probably return again in a few weeks). This is a long road we are, and have been, on (reminds me of the poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and the line I often think of these days is, "And miles to go before I sleep...").

We feel the prayers of all of you loved ones --- our cherished friends and family --- thanks as always.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6