Together we're 141!

It's been almost 3 weeks since I last wrote and I have no idea why it's taken me so long. Celebrated a wonderful 65th birthday/retirement on the 10th. The whole family was with us for church that morning--best birthday gift ever. Then on the 17th we celebrated Tom's 76th birthday with a family game of dominoes. He handily beat us all!

I'm learning to hold ALL I have in an open hand, knowing it's all God's anyway. Just when I think I have met that challenge something else comes up and I learn I've still got a ways to go.

We met with the surgeon on Monday and he is very pleased with how Tom has healed. We are delighted that there have been no more runs to ER. We're on another one of those plateaus where we know how to deal with all that is going on. Tom is on a good sleeping med that has no hangover feeling. The neck has healed well and I know how to take care of it. The next challenge I see coming is Tom's strength. He is having more difficulty getting in and out of bed and off the couch. I am looking into getting a lift chair for him. I've suggested he start thinking about a hospital bed that will be much easier to get in and out of and we can regulate it to a comfortable position. He's not ready yet so we will wait until he is comfortable with the idea.

Tomorrow Kemp is taking Tom to the aquarium. They will use the wheelchair for the first time. I am very proud of Tom for being willing to use it to make getting out easier.

He's also talking about wanting to get out and see people so I will set up some "dates"--trying for mid day to make it easier for him. I am so glad he is feeling like he wants to do something other than just be home. We also look forward to visits from friends and the hospice staff. Today the chaplain visited and we enjoyed him very much. His name is Steve Poole--just like the weatherman--easy to remember. We look forward to getting to know him better.