Settling in

Personal note from Jeany: I arrived Wednesday around 11am. Initially I was shocked to see mom and spent the first few minutes just bawling and staring at her, while holding her hand. It had only been 10 days since I had last seen her, but the changes were significant and permanent. However, only two days later I am totally comfortable with mom, enjoying her company, rubbing lotion into her bald head, her feet and arms, taking kisses when I can get them.

I'm sure this is the reaction of most people who haven't seen mom since she was up and talking. I wonder how tiring or even irritating it gets for Andrea, Bob and Gramma who have been caring for mom daily and witnessing these reactions on a regular basis as family and friends come over. They patiently pass around the box of tissues and go about their usual business of making mom comfortable and talking to her and all of us.

Mom and I watched the slideshow again early this morning when she was quite alert. And again, it was so enjoyable. It was nice to have some one-on-one time. I told her about my Christmas shopping.

Mom has done so many amazing things in her life. Her body has served her very well - it made and nourished 5 babies, bungee jumped, travelled, competed in various sports, her dexterous fingers knitted and sewed and now it has a chance to rest. Good job, Ma. Her lungs (of all things!) are still working strong. She has some good sleeps and you can see her chest rising and falling rhythmically as she takes deep breaths.

TGIF!