Author Archives: Mary Ann Falk

Well, Arla is “jumping” ahead quickly.  While we do not know the exact date she will move to rehab, she has improved enough and made enough progress with her therapy to cause her neurology team to recommend intensive inpatient therapy.  … Continue reading →

It was simply one busy day.  Arla did well with physical therapy today.  It is very clear that she is able to follow commands and work toward improvement.  It is also becoming very clear that her number one supporter and … Continue reading →

The changes are minimal these days.  But Arla continues to move forward in her recovery.  Today, she had many meaningful visitors and spent time sitting in a chair.  She may be weak in body, but the joy she shows when … Continue reading →

The agony of this process demands that we have patience, but we must be vigilant as well.  We are now Arla’s advocate, and, though we never applied or trained for this job, we must do it well.  This is a … Continue reading →

Today, Arla was visited by 5 of her 8 grandchildren.  Her facial expressions clearly matched what she was thinking and feeling.  It was clear that she recognized the voice of each person as he or she entered the room and … Continue reading →

Forty-five years ago today, Arla was in the hospital.  She was giving birth to her oldest daughter Mary Ann.  Life intermingles with joys and sorrows.  Just like in childbirth, joy often comes with pain.  And the pain makes the joy … Continue reading →

Janeen (Arla’s middle child and youngest daughter) wrote on Facebook today,  “Mom has proven to be unpredictable in her recovery. She has been moved from the Critical ICU to the other side of the ICU unit. The initial stroke has … Continue reading →