Sunday July 29

After weeks of trying to make Donna comfortable in so many ways, a caretakers dream happened this morning at 5 am.  Donna woke, got my attention by speaking and I wiped her down with a towel like we have been doing for weeks during one of her sweaty spells.  She looked at me and said, “ Helps so much”.  Suddenly weeks of effort by all were fully validated.  A few minutes later she was comfortable and back to sleep but not me.  I was too happy about our reemerging Donna.

The downside of the road to consciousness is something I have been thinking/worrying about for weeks.  It is the frustration and confusion that has to be associated with trying to understand what is going on and dealing with it.  I think most of us can understand the challenge, waking and not knowing where you are, how you got there and why everything doesn’t work right.  Well later today I saw some of this.  It is bittersweet as it is a step in the growth process but very hard for Donna.  As she is not yet at the point where we can really explain the whole thing to her, the best we can do is comfort her.  My solace is that she is surrounded with love and prayers, we all know she is a tough lady, and I am confident we can work thorough it quickly as she continues to improve, all pretty hard on us (and her) though.

Sundays tend to be slow days and today was no exception.  Donna got a lot of rest which she will need as we start back into the therapy regime tomorrow.  She shows us something cool most days in these sessions so I welcome them very much.   I am also confident that the resolution of our move must happen soon.  As you might imagine, she has charmed most of the staff and they all love doting over her improvements.     It will be a big week with Donna moving, our support model changing and Sarah and Nate making a short trip to Houston on Thursday.  Sarah has been very busy at work and I believe we will have a hard time separating her from her mom for the short time she will be here.  Then she will be off for another few weeks of commitments in Alaska.  I know many will want to see her but I suspect there will be little free time, just a warning for all.

Thanks so much for all the help and support that has flowed from my passing insurance comment a few days ago.  Just another indication of the support for Donna which never ceases to amaze us.

Off to a big week of change.

Bob