Fashion comes to Willowbrook

Belinda, Mom's dear friend of many years, came today with a surprise. A custom designed ruana, "a perfect gift," says Mom. "Eat your hearts out Chico lovers," she adds. I have no idea what that is, so I ask "What is Chico?" Mom explains it is an expensive store for women featuring unusual and original designs with a world flair. Now I get it.

Mom fiddles with her oxygen cord. She's able to walk about her room now, without much struggle. This is a huge victory. She's hungry and convinced she was starving in the hospital. "I was," mom agrees. She quickly turns her attention back to her new ruana.

"It is made from a rich, brown, wispy fabric, showing African symbols and designs," Mom explains. She truly feels like a queen now. "It nicely compliments her white knee-high hose with air-conditioned vents at the toes."

Mom actually got dressed in real pajamas yesterday because it made Rayah, her faithful nurses aid, happy. "I'm just as happy being in no clothes," Mom says. Um, I won't be around for that.

Dr. Seavolt had some good news for Mom today before her 7th "session sunbathing under the golden beams otherwise known as radiation." He said the swollen area is much smaller.

"I am now back on cart," Mom explains. "Because last Friday the oxygen never got turned on. The tank rolled to the back of the van as we made a sharp turn. They consider oxygen a drug and people who transport wheelchair patients don't have oxygen on their vehicles. Therefore I am now being transported by cart in a vehicle that has stationary oxygen on board and is supplied by paramedics," Mom says with vigor.

"Currently it's Nick and Jen. Jen is a nurse and knows lots of good stuff. Her younger brother, Derrick, is a year older than Noah and plays baseball for the Pickerington Panthers. He is a pitcher, a first-baseman and a left fielder. He has probably faced Noah in travel baseball."

Mom wiggles around in her bed, clearly happy to be able to walk without pain. She's re-thought the Budwig diet and is now "scrapping it," Mom says with a sigh.