Monday, 01/27

     Nelson Mandela has said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
     PT today was teaching Caren how to get out of bed by herself, using just her left arm (as opposed to the injured side).  Caren not only got up and out of the bed, PT wanted her to walk - WITHOUT the walker.  Scary stuff!  Our courageous Caren walked out to the hall, into the hall holding just the railing along the wall, past the nurses station, and back to her room again.  Wow!   
     She was so exhausted when she called to tell me that her words were slurry.  No, you sillies, not from the meds.  Caren was tired out from the sheer exertion!  Remember that roller coaster descent we were talking about?  Well, I think we are just at the bottom of the ascent, slowly but steadily making progress upwards.
     *standing ovation*  You go girl!
     When I got to her room today she had finished lunch, and was sitting up in bed and on her computer.  We will see what adventures still await Caren today, for the day is young, :-)
     By the way, last night before she left Mary decorated Mom's room with all these wonderful affirmations.  The "Wish it, Dream it" is above the bathroom door.  Every where Caren looks whether in bed or out of bed, she'll see messages of hope and encouragement.
     AND, for those who have asked about visiting, Caren is ready to receive visitors.  Visiting hours are 9 a - 9 p, every day.  The address is listed below under "Mailing. . ."