First the confession…Today is the first day I (Mary Ann) have seen Mom in 8 days.  My last physical visit was Friday, Sept 16.  I was unable, and chose not, to visit Mom due to my own illness.  Since I have more energy and feel I am no longer contagious, I visited her today.

The observation… Mom looks better today than she did on Sept 16.  My personal diagnosis is that Mom was developing a urinary tract infection on Sept 16, and that this infection knocked her down and knocked her down hard.  I also believe she is better understanding the reality of her situation.

She and I “talked” today about these realities and her care.  She has been very emotional the last few days.  Some of this is normal for a stroke patient, and some of it is Mom just knowing the reality and being depressed.  Mom knows she is unable to care for or move herself.  I am sure she misses her home and her old life.  And she TOLD me that not being able to talk is frustrating.  She is able to participate in therapies again but not at the level you would expect two weeks in to rehab.

The reality…. Arla is with us, both in body and in spirit.  She has the ability to improve, but this pace will be much slower than we had hoped.  She wants so desperately to communicate.

Miracles… After years of having leg swelling, with the left worse than the right, Arla has no leg swelling at all.  We are also forming a stronger relationship with our immediate and extended family.  God is providing time and opportunity for us to talk and spend time with those who He gave us as our kin.  There is nothing more special than time to be together. These are miracles and reminders.  God does work in mysterious ways.  God does work for the good of his people.  Thanks be to God.