Moving on up! (and out)

Mom's on the move today. Literally. At 3:00pm she'll be discharged from the hospital and will be off to her new temporary home at Willowbrook Christian, a skilled nursing facility complete with fountain and a beautiful view from Mom's window. The room will be private and has its very own shower! Wahoo! Mom will finally get to take a shower -- something we all take for granted everyday. She's a little nervous but we're confident she'll really like meeting all the new people.

She's currently being radiated (remember, it's just concentrated sunlight!) Dad is fighting sleep in the chair next to me. He's bobbing apples (a term we used to use in college when someone's head bobs up and down fighting sleep). He falls asleep each night in his favorite basement chair while watching the Red's game. Sometime late, he wakes up and walks upstairs for the remainder of his sleeping, in bed. He's up at 6:00am each morning to begin his routine of bringing Mom breakfast. He usually stays at the hospital until 2:00pm, leaves to walk the dog, then returns until 11:00pm or so.

Today is Mom and Dad's 42nd wedding anniversary. Dad brought Mom roses and a card. He says he got to hold Mom in his arms last night for a while (boo hoo, you sensitive folk will like that). I brought Mom an orchid, a fresh apple and the best card in Giant Eagle.

I'm lecturing dad about the importance of taking care of himself. He looks exhausted. He was just talking in his sleep -- commenting about their dog, Faith. Apparently Dad is a great napper and he's been missing his nap routines.

Mom just got out of her third radiation appt. She'll have a total of 14. Gail, the radiation department's absolute best employee (die-hard Browns fan) checks in on Mom. Mom's on a first name basis with everyone at the hospital. "Where's Megan?" Mom asks. "I want to say good bye until tomorrow."

Gail's giving me the rundown on her favorite bars. Ruckmoore is a good one but there is a little bar called "Bar" right off route 23. No food. Don't take credit cards. Carpet from the 50s. Jukebox is incredible. "A real experience," says Gail. Ask for Deb or Paul. Tell them Gail sent you. Liberty Tavern in Powell is also highly recommended. Kid-friendly.

The massage therapist promises Mom an outpatient massage, "in the next day or two."

Andrea and Jen will be going to Mama Mia tonight, a play that we originally wanted Mom and Dad to attend. I have no doubt they'll love it. Andi loves the theater! (must be the men in their ballet tights)