a truly "good" friday....

what a difference a day makes.  as i have mentioned, my mother's main struggle has been her nausea (and ability to eat).  so much so that they put a camera down her throat to check it out this morning.  the good news is that they didn't encounter anything "down there" that was causing the problem.  i think this might have been the first test (except the bone marrow test) that didn't uncover a new problem.....

yeah!

some people had the theory that the pain medication was causing the nausea so the old bird decided she would forego the pain pills, except the tylenol, and try to whip the nausea.  as of this posting, i'm happy to report, it has worked.  when i was there this evening, she was elbow deep in a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  (it actually looked pretty good ~ as hospital food goes).

the good omen (don't jinx it, tim) was the parade of nurses and other caregivers who stopped by to tell my mother good luck....

IN CASE SHE WASN'T STILL THERE WHEN THEY GOT BACK ON MONDAY!!!!!

whoaaaaaa, nellie.

could that be an inkling of light at the end of this tunnel?

(shut up...you're jinxing it)

anyhoo, i'm happy to report that i saw "my mom" today at the hospital.  i didn't see a tired woman who was convinced she would never get out of the hospital.  i saw a (bald) woman who was frustrated that she wasn't out of the hospital, yet. that is such a change from the last few weeks.  a pleasant change.  hopefully, this change will carry her home in the next few days.

the countless prayers, cards, letters, blog comments, emails, gifts, and phone calls have been the most consistent caregivers to my mother.  i am truly humbled by her circle of relationships that have, literally, showered support her way.  when my parents do go home from the hospital, they will need help carrying all of the cards and gifts.  each one of them precious.  

my dad has always been quick to point out how much "stuff" my mom saves and is fond of asking "now what are you going to do with all that?".  i'm guessing they will save all of the cards and notes.  they may even get a little "dog-eared" from handling.  my mother is already trying to decide how she can thank everyone for their support and prayers....

for me, i get my mom back.  what more thanks could i need?

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

- Washington Irving

i love you, mother.

blessings,

tim