A day of firsts

• Mom had her bed to a thirty degree angle, the lowest the bed has been since June. She slept well last night and had minimal coughing in the morning.
• Dad finally nailed a poached egg and fresh, creamy oatmeal for breakfast. He was very proud of the feat.

OK, maybe not a full day of firsts, but a couple good ones.

Today was much more exciting then yesterday. Dad's ill, with the throat and congestion bug, and slept most of the afternoon.

Sarah and Brian, Dad's neice and nephew stopped in to visit. Mary from church came with communion and supper "feeding my body and my spirit," said Mom. Dee also came from church. It was a terrific day of conversation -- something Mom really looks forward too. Colleen and Mary from Wilder came this morning. Mom was thrilled to see them.

Rayah from Willowbrook called and is planning to come visit on Friday. Mom's pleased to know that the nurses at Willowbrook still talk about her and wonder how she's doing.

Mom walked around more today than she has in the previous week. "I'm not venturing into the kitchen though," she says. "The moment I do, I'm going to begin moving things around and re-organizing and I don't want to do that."

Dad's telling Mom he's not sure what to pitch from the fridge. Apparently there are still items in the fridge from before Mom went into the hospital. "I don't know where to start," Dad says. I volunteer to help. Dad grimmaces and walks out of the room.

"I want to work on the office, but I find I can't stop and bend or I'll lose breath," Mom says. She wants to get all the junk out of there so she can enjoy it again. "We need a garage sale," she admits.

Mom's new transitional home - Willowbrook

Since anniversaries have been a theme this week, I figured I'd keep it going. In about 60 minutes Mom will celebrate her 24-hour anniversary in her new transitional home, Willowbrook Christian, a skilled-nursing facility. She's already on a first name basis with many of the staff there and will likely know everyone's name and life-story very soon.

The following is a report from this morning from daughter Jen, who visited with Mom briefly.

"At the home with mom. She is getting a shower with the help of Darshawn I think that is how she spells her name. Her body temp was 96.4 this am! Like a popcycle. Lol.

Dad is walking around doing God knows what. Some of her friends, Cathy and Ed, just showed up. No clue who they r. So I won't b staying long. They r walking around too until she is done with her shower. I hope they put her in regular clothes. That hospital gown is so damn ugly.

She said she ate a lot of her fish last nite and luved it. She ate eggs and oatmeal for breakfast. Her lunch will come soon. Then the ambulance will come to take her to hospital at noon.

Ok. That is my update for u."

Jen can get her point across in a hurry.

I'll be stopping by later today to see Mom in her new digs and find out how she's feeling.. I'll try and take a photo or two to post to the site.

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)