August 29th, 8:30am

Morning Everyone.

Yesterday was a very good day for Mom.  She had her speech valve in for over 12 hours!  This is great news on several fronts.  She was able to communicate at length and learn more about her future treatment, make her comfort preferences known and talk to visitors and medical staff.  She had a playful look in her eye as she surprised visitors by saying hello to them as they came into her room.  The look on both theirs and Mom's faces was priceless.  She was able to have unlimited ice chips to soothe her parched mouth and throat and was even able to have a bit of chicken broth.  This is very important as this means she may be able to soon get her nutrition orally - a very important step.  This also means her lungs are getting stronger.  Both of these are important to her progress toward further treatment and recovery.  Way to go Mom - as always, you're an overachiever!

Mom and I also had a bit of a "spa" day triming her nails and doing her hair.  I'm not sure she liked the ponytail I put on her head - apparently I have no future as Mom's hairdresser.  Another career option denied to me.

Rich continues to do well.  He did overdo it a bit his first few days at home and ended up very tired Sunday with a slight fever.  This is probably no great surprise to all who know Rich.  He is learning to pace himself and respect his body's boundaries.  We spoke several times yesterday for our "Snuggle" updates.  I am heading to Willow this morning (as soon as I finish typing this update) to do some needed errands with Rich.

More later.  Have a great day.  Sam