I have been visiting my sister for months as she travels from hospital to hospital. Even though she could not speak in those first weeks of her illness she touched the hearts of those that attended to her. Well you can just imagine how it is now that she can speak. Everywhere she goes she makes friends with her neighbors, and just because “home” right now is a hospital room she still is very neighborly. She knows all her fellow patients, her nurses, all her medical staff and greets them warmly.
Earlier this week Dee invited me to her rehabilition session as she tested out her new electric wheelchair. That first day she tried out her wheelchair was something to behold; round and round she went down the hallway, laughing all the way, I was doing my best to protect my toes! By day two with her new wheels she was a pro.
At this rehab center Dee is learning everyday functions, which include, dressing herself, using the bathroom, grooming, transporting herself from the bed to the wheelchair and other daily functions that we sometimes take for granted. It is wonderful to see her pick up the phone and dial the number with her thumb and use a TV remote to tune in her favorite TV shows(which include the Young and the Restless and Lost).
We received word today that Dee will remain at this rehab center for another week; next Wednesday, April 22nd she will get evaluated again to see if she can remain yet another week. The process of approving her to stay (by both her medical team and insurance company) is done weekly. We ask for your prayers…we need her to remain there as long as possible. Dee is making huge strides in her rehab program but she still is fairly weak from her ordeal and has a long ways to go.
Dee will be getting a 4-hour pass to go home on Easter Sunday; what a miracle! She is anxious to go visit her permanent “home sweet home” even if it’s only for 4 hours.
Please don’t forget her benefit show coming up in May, Dee plans to be there.