1st Blush Impressons from Tom

Folks,

I'm in TN and have seen Mom 2x today. It was better than I thought. She definitely recognized me and was weepy and happy for a moment. The Speech Therapist was working w/ her-- w/ verbal prompts Mom can say "I love you" and "HI".

I looked through a special Cox family Memory Book that Kelli (my wonderful wife) made for her. She seemed to recognize and enjoy seeing folks. She put a finger before and after the words "Red Sox" to frame them and draw them to my attn, so it seems she can read a bit! However, she had recently been unsuccessful identifying some words printed on a white board...

She looks pretty good and has gained 10+ lbs, putting her weight back to where it's been her whole adult life. Perhaps the biggest dvlpmt is that she is feeding herself (left-handed) 3x daily. She is taking soft foods: bkfst today was eggs, OJ w/ thickener, etc. Her swallow is greatly improved: answered prayer.

She gets lots of mail. Martha reads every piece to her and most of it gets taped on a wall. I bought her a bird-feeder and attached it (w/ suction cups) to the outside of ther window. Perhaps the Lord will send her some little visitors.

Martha and Mom and I sat in w/ the social worker, terapists, etc for her 1st Care Plan mtg today. Perhaps I will write about that another time. It is a blessing that I was here for it. Mpm has been at the NHC rehab center for 1 month today. Medicare/-caid? pays for 100 days of rehab (per episode)-- so we'll be making a discharge determination down the road.

Frank started the sorting/packing process on Mom's apt when he was here last wk. That kick-starts the process for us. I can tell that Mom was glad to see Frank too. I will aim to continue in that mode, perhaps even tonite.

I am grateful for caregivers. I am glad that Mom recognizes and knows me. Mom has hard a pretty hard life in a number of ways, but remains positive and determined. She is a stubborn Finn! I know that the Lord is good and He is in control. It's still hard.

Martha and Bo have been knocking themselves out to see that Mom is well-cared for. Bo still cooks a mean steak, of course.

The security personnel at the airport took away my apple sauce (3.9 oz. cup exceeds standards)and my Tide-to-go pen (it has bleach in it). Okay, now that I am realy telling you more than you want or need to know, I should og.

Because Christ is Our Only Hope,

Tom