Angela's Blog

Angela not sleeping last night had nothing to do with Angela.   Our neighbor had a hard night - yelling - and this made for a fitful sleep night.   Oh well....just another reminder that family and friends are so important during recovery.   Our neighbor is quite frightened and has no family and no friends in the area.   Sure makes a difference in the care received and the support provided.   

No sleeping aside, we had a BIG last full day at Park West.  After breakfast and a shower, it was off to Occupational therapy where the arm got stretched and the FINGERS GRASPED a washcloth!   What a significant step.   It was heaven sent to see this and to have Angela see it too.   We spent a fair amount of time reviewing the progress Angela has made since arriving at Park West just on her arm.   

Then, we went out to lunch at a nearby restaurant.   Angela got to experience ordering off the menu and just sitting and visiting with Mom and Josh.   It was the start of the Anniversary celebrating and I felt blessed to be a part of it.   Angela was quite convinced that she had a neon sign indicating she was "broken"...so, in true Angela fashion, she finally just asked the waitress...."Do I look broken to you?   I had an accident a little while ago and I am still healing.  Can you tell?"   I could have hugged the waitress when she calmly replied, "Honey, you look absolutely beautiful.  I would never have known if you hadn't told me and I pinkie swear it."   Angela was able to believe the total stranger what she is certain her husband and Mom just tell her to be nice.

After lunch we returned for final speech therapy where Angela still remembers that phone number she was given two days ago.   Angela also got to process some of her progress and some of her anxieties about what is coming.   The session ended with hugs and thank-you's and a strong nudge to get to PT.

In PT, Angela was strapped into the lite gait machine where she walked forward on the treadmill and then backward on the floor, before having the assisted walking in the hall.   Angela got coaching on knee bends, heel strikes, toe curls, hip swings, weight bearing balancing, and foot placement.   WOW...do I take walking for granted.   There is a lot going on to make walking work.

Bill got back from a month in China so we had the distinct pleasure of getting to see his delights at Angela's progress over the month.   It was a nice reminder.  Thanks, Bill.