November 18th, 2008 am

It is 8:29 am. Once again I apologize for my lateness in getting this out. Yesterday was just a good day all around. Mary did quite a few things that were just wonderful. One of the first things was in the morning. As we were talking about a few things, she was laying on her left side. As she usually does, she raised her right arm up wanting me to help her get up. As I leaned in to let her pull up on my shoulder, this time she just raised herself up to my level, and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. Needless to say it made my day! She was doing more talking yesterday, most of it making sense. There are still times that she talks a little confused. I asked the doctor about that, and he said that will go on for months. Mary passed all her swallowing tests yesterday, so she had her first meal last night. She didn't eat too much, but it was eating and drinking real food. While she was getting ready to eat, a man tapped me on the shoulder and introduced himself as Father Chuck. He was from Quincy from a few years ago. He was good friends with Julie, so he was in to say hi to Mary. She did remember him, and that was great. After he left Mary asked me if I had my cell phone. This time I obliged and said who do you want to call. She said she wanted to call her Mom or Julie to give them Father Chuck's number or something. I opened my phone for her and asked who do you want to call. She said "I'll do it". I gave her the phone and she started dialing. It took her twice, but she dialed her Mom and Dads house phone. She raised the phone up to her ear and waited. She had her helmet on at the time, so it was a little awkward. In a few seconds she said "Hi Mom". I can only imagine what emotion was felt on the other line. Darlene was taking a phone call from Mary. From my end it was a beautiful thing. Mary and her Mom talked for at least 3 or 4 minutes, and it was a conversation! Mary was talking good to her and focused on the conversation at hand. I couldn't believe it. She ended with a "OK, bye, I love you too." Later I called Dar to ask her what she thought, and she said it completely made her day. She also got her catheter out last night, which was a great thing for Mary. She has hated every minute of that. Really, the only thing that is hooked up to right now is the monitor for heart rate, blood oxygen and reparations. If all details can be worked out, and I feel they can, Mary will be moving into the Rehab center today. Unbelievable. As one of comments said, She is showing us. I have to make some phone calls to see if the move can happen today, so I'd better go. As always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Mary will need plenty more of them, as she begins her rehab. It will be a lot of hard work. The doctor thinks she is up for it. So do I. Thanks.