update- 8.31.06

hi all:

just wanted to post an update for everyone. mom has been doing well this week at home. her and dad have been in the usual routine of: morning walks, workout at the ymca, naps, errands, etc. mom has been doing well overall, but still has those moments/times filled with anxiety and emotion. she is getting a little better each day, though, and we are so proud of her tremendous strength!

i wanted also to give everyone a heads up that mom will, unfortunately, not likley be staying home for too much longer. she was not accepted to outpatient therapy, as she is not quite where she needs to be for that level of therapy. it looks like mom will have to get back into an inpatient-type program for a period of time before she is ready for outpatient therapy. dad has a meeting tomorrow with the outpatient team and they will be reviewing several options with him. it is likely that she'll go to what's called a post-acute rehabilitation center. unlike rhi, where she was before going home, these types of centers are not hospitals. they do, however have 24 hour nursing and therapist staffs, though. mom will be able to receive more intensive therapy which will help her to continue to improve and get her ready for outpatient therapy and home! mostly, it seems the focus will be on her memory and cognitive therapies...she is improving, but it is going to take some time and a lot of hard work from her and the professionals before she's really ready for outpatient!

as difficult as it will be, emotionally, to have mom go back into an inpatient-type program.....it will help her therapy. anyway, lots of thoughts and prayers for dad in the next few days as he works on making a decision that will be in mom's best interest and will guide mom's recovery. it might be a tough month or two on us...but in the end, if it helps her to recover fully, we have to get through it! i always have to remind myself...we are so blessed to be on a road to recovery. it's not a very smooth, or scenic road, but you get the picture (we're on the road and mom continues to improve every day!).

also, i want to ask for thoughts and prayers for my brother, jeffrey. as many of you know, jeffrey served in the marine corp for 4 years and did a tour in iraq. while he was discharged after his 4 years of service, it looks as though he is going to be recalled for a second tour in iraq, for 12-18 months. nothing is official yet, but probably will be soon. please keep him in your thoughts. we are so proud of him and know that, should he be required to do another tour, his bravery along with our support will help him get through it.

hope all is well with everyone. thanks to all those who have helped in the triathlon fundraiser. we are nearing our goal!!! for those who don't know...check out: positivelybuzie.pledgepage.org. keep the faith everyone, we still need it!

much love to all,
xoxox
steph

p.s. i'll be out of town this weekend, but will be sure to update the blog on sunday evening when i get back!!