So much progress the past couple of days that it's fun to be able to choose what you'll share...
We do want to again thank each one of you for the incredible ways that you've chosen to support and love our Mom, her children and our families. It means the world to us that God knit together this amazing bond of people from all over the world who faithfully pray and send their warmest thoughts. We have relatives and friends from Boston to Canada to Hawaii to Hong Kong and in between...
Mom had a chance to speak to Auntie Lane, who I believe, called from Hong Kong! They chatted in chinese for a bit and both were so happy and encouraged afterwards! Then she talked with Uncle Tony yesterday and Auntie Diane and Auntie Wendy today. Every day, Mom connects with one of her siblings. Ming, Mom's friend and neighbor, came by and visited with her in the lounge, talking more chinese and bringing the remaining beautiful flowers from her garden - sunflowers and hydrangea. Then as a fun surprise that just tickled Mom, Auntie Berit showed up yesterday, and they so enjoyed their time together!!
As far as progress, Mom has practiced swallowing thickened cranberry juice this week, along with eating tsps of apple sauce. On Monday, a Modified Barium Test will be given to her to see how she does with food, and whether she is swallowing it down her throat. This will be a definitive next step in the process of her eating! At therapy, she took a huge leap in walking today with a walker down the hall, and a therapist by her side, guiding her in balance and in speed. Balance exercises include standing up, relying on one arm for weight adjustment, while throwing the bean bag in the 'bean bag toss game'. She is conversing so well with all of us in chinese, but there are still many moments, when she won't answer you, or drifts in her own thoughts or get caught up with the surrounding distractions around her.
To think that it's only been 2 weeks from today that she was wheeled into the hospital, unable to stay awake, much less, move her limbs, turn over, nod or the simple things in life that we've done for decades.
She continues to encourage us with her words that 'God arranged everything'. You can really see it in her eyes how much she loves having her family around her and how she so appreciates our presence. Typical Mom, the nurses tell us that she is such a sweet, appreciative patient, and she really is...taking their hand with both her hands to thank them, asking them if they've eaten yet, asking questions about them and giving them a thank you smile and nod. God wastes nothing. We gather together every evening in praise and thanksgiving, and then pray for her, the nurses, doctors, patients, our families, friends and one another.
We wish you all the most wonderful weekend with your loved ones.
Enjoy every moment you have together!
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13
To send cards or letters, please address them to:
Ramona Chin (Room 224)
c/o Whittier Rehabilitation
150 Flanders Road
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
Tel 508.870.2222 (Ramona Chin Room 224)
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