Saturday July 14

Well a comfortable quiet Saturday with only a few noteworthy items.  No significant change in Donna's status.   Donna proved overnight that she is still as innovative as ever.  The mitten we put on her left hand when we sleep to protect her from grabbing her trach has a firm wrist-securing strap.  Well twice during the night she managed to get the mitten off.  The funniest was when our little Houdini managed to shed it when John walked down the hall for only 2-3 minutes today.  We were perplexed as she is not using her repaired right hand for anything.  Well after careful exploratory observation, she was using her teeth to hold it and then deviously working her hand out.  Armed with that info we have elevated our security process till she outwits us again which, if you know her well, is likely to happen quickly.  Fortunately she has begun to lose interest in the trach as the process of outwitting her is surely going to ultimately result in a failure.

With the therapists not in on the weekend, I'm sure Donna expected a lazy comfortable day.  Not so.  We reverted to the Bob range-of-motion exercises and commenced a 3-a-day program.  She will be longing for her friends the therapists to show again Monday.

Lastly, in the process of our 3-a-day exercises, it was clear that her awareness of pain in her repaired right arm has been materially enhanced.  On movement she is quick to grimace and reach across with her left to grasp a particular spot that hurts.  As it is unlikely that her arm is hurting more, it seems she is feeling and responding to more.  A good sign but still only a baby step on our journey of patience to the milestones we seek.

Our girl is in her beauty sleep now (I'm sure plotting more escape plans).  I will try to join her ( in the sleep that is).

Still haven't reached the first milepost and the finish line is still only something we are told may exist but we remain confident in our prayers and commitment.  Thanks for yours also.

Bob