Progress....

We're just going to start today's update by letting everyone know that it's simply not the same around this place with Ray having left yesterday. The weather is still so beautiful, but the jokes aren't flowing, the looks are not being exchanged, and the food simply doesn't taste as good.... Additionally, we noticed that the nurses and aides looked a little bit 'off' today, acting bored as well, without the crazed chinese man around....maybe it's just us...

Anyways, the pick line in Mom's arm, used the past 7 weeks to inject medicine, was removed today!!! Meds for the gtube area to avoid infection has now been stopped, which is another step towards complete healing. Today they began to 'count calories' for every meal, as they assess how much food mom is eating, vs. the nightly feeding tube. Should Mom successfully eat more during the day, the feeding tube use at night will be reduced.

We like to provide concrete examples of Mom's therapy to give you an indication of where she is at, as so many of you, aren't able to assess her yourselves because you aren't able to visit her:

In Speech Therapy, she was asked to name 10 animals. She gave 3 examples and then her mind wandered and went blank. She freely expresses that she can't remember the names, but when prompted with hints, she is than able to guess the animal. Mom is asked a bunch of questions and provided written questions to challenge her to stay focused, finish instructions, and practice memory and sequence processes. It takes Mom a great amount of time to find answers and express them, but we trust that this will come back in full force, in time.

In Occupational Therapy, Mom did balance and strength exercises, which included, standing in place, while reaching for clothing pins and placing them successfully on a wood block. You can see how much more confidence Mom will gain as she continues to practice in this area.

In Physical Therapy, she did a bunch of balance and endurance moves, which included having her stand in place with her eyes closed, stand in place with her two feet planted one in front of the other, and step on and off a foot high box. There is such room for growth in her confidence, trusting herself that she can balance her weight while standing or walking. We continue to encourage her along the way.

Mrs. Kennedy, a dear friend, who knew our Dad and has been friends with our Mom and our family for over 30 years, drove up from Cape Cod to spend the afternoon with her. She was able to see Rena, Renee and Reta today as she watched Mom's therapy session and spend alone time with her. There is nothing like long time deep friendships, as she has seen all Mom's children grow up, get married, and make our way in this world. She's supported the Chin's since forever....Again showing up and loving up Mom was Auntie Berit, with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her own garden! Short, sweet and loving visits from her Swedish best friend!

After dinner, we had the fun ability to SKYPE with Ray, Auntie Wendy and Cindy (our cousin). It was so much fun connecting with Auntie Wendy as Ray interrupted constantly showing us food from today's Dim Sum meal, pictures off his phone of the meal itself, and screaming made up Chinese words...Ray's biggest fan, Renee (as Jeff calls her), was literally crying with laughter because to get Ray in a room with Auntie Wendy, can be pretty funny. It was super great for Mom to giggle as her crazy son was being himself!

As siblings, we continue to speak to mom on a very consistent basis offering her all different options for her future. She knows, wholeheartedly, that each one of her children and their spouses open our home to her. Additionally, should she choose to go back and live independently in her house, we will come together as a family, to support her, and do whatever its takes to get her house in the condition that will be safe and comfortable for her living. We are taking this journey one day at a time, but always talking together, looking at all options for the long-term.

We end tonight's blog with the words Ray wrote on the very last page of the 200 page book that he made for her for her recovery and therapy....God has blessed Mom with a great life!
We are blessed with an amazing mother who gives God all the praise, glory and love.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6



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)