Friday

Good news, all of it good. Agnes has been freed from the trach tube, and she is back to talking like herself again. Talking and talking, making up for a month of silence! Probably on Monday she will go to St. Mary's, the place where miracles of rehabilitation are worked, to get her on her feet and on her way home. When we are sure that happens, the address will be here and I am sure Agnes will be ready to welcome visitors from her new digs. Finally, finally, I am confident she is on the road to go home. Hallelujah!

Tuesday June 9

It has been one month and one day since I have gotten to speak with my mother. Today we talked on the phone, briefly. It was good to hear her voice again. Her case manager tells me she is doing very well, but I haven't had the chance yet to find out what the treatment plan is at this point. More phone calls later, but the most important one has been made.

Monday June 8

The very good news is that Agnes has been off the ventilator all weekend. Unplugged, moved out of the room, gone for good. She should be able to do more now that she is not hooked up. It will be a few days before the trachea tube is removed, to be really sure she can continue to breathe on her own, and we will see how she progresses.

Friday, June 5

Agnes had a good day today, they tell me. Breathing on her own, a little oxygen and humidity added for comfort, but no other assist. She is sitting on the bed, and able to eat a little bit. We hope when she is finally free of the ventilator, she can get around a little bit.

Wednesday, June 3

Agnes is making good progress weaning herself from the ventilator. Everything continues to point to progressively getting well. Not much to say, because I can't see her for myself, but I hear she is laughing with Carol (bless her).

Monday June 1

The news continues to be good from St. Louis. Agnes got to watch a couple of ballgames this weekend as the Cards played the Giants - she even got to watch them win one although the Giants won the series (I get bragging rights here). She is eating, she transferred to a chair, and she took a step in her walker. We should have some plan as to her treatment toward the end of the week. Sounds like she is strong enough to have visitors, although of course she is not talking at this time.

Saturday May 30

Hard to get much information on the weekends when my usual contacts are off enjoying the rest of their lives apart from work. Agnes appears to be resting comfortably, eating a little bit, getting weaned from the respirator with no apparent medical issues. Another day for baby steps on the way to coming home. Thank you Pastor Mitch for bringing her communion. That will be a great comfort to her.