Hope is a Beautiful Thing

Yesterday’s visit went very well.

I had every reason to dread it. It makes sense.

But I shouldn’t have. 

Mom is in good spirits. She is able to maneuver a motorized chair with her semi-good hand. She can’t feed herself, but the staff there is marvelous (of course) and are taking excellent care of her. 

She was very thankful for the lotion, jolly ranchers and chapstick … staples of her daily life! Some comfort from home. Also a stuffed sheep and some blankets and a YipYip I scored from a local artisan.

She’s uncomfortable/has some pain; her left arm hurts (we think she may have fallen on it), she has to wear the Cone of Shame (they take it off for meals - bonus!). 

Her mind is as sharp as ever. She was all about telling me where the backup supplies are in the house, and reminding me about what items were in the fridge downstairs that should be used up. 🙂 

Mose important: she has a great attitude about rehab. She said repeatedly that she is willing to do whatever they tell her to do. A fellow patient, who also fell, arrived at Mercy immobile. He’s now walking. It was a poignant retelling. He said, “I don’t know what your faith is - I’m a Catholic and my wife is Presbyterian.” Mom said, “I’m Presbyterian.” He said, “well trust in God and these folks.” 

She has a lovely view of the South Side, the river, the trains. 

We (of course) still don’t know what the future holds, but I was so encouraged by the visit. I’m glad I went.