November 24, 2008 pm

It is 8:57 pm and I am writing this from my new home for this week. Thanks Elaine for the use of your house. You don't know how much it means to me. Also, thanks again Rick for the use of your home. It was great to talk to you. Mary had another good day today. Really no set backs of any kind. She was pretty much herself most of the day. She once again worked hard in her rehab today. I think she is trying the hardest when I see her walking with her therapist. She is concentrating so hard. I know it is so very difficult for her to do this at this point, but seeing her determination is inspiring. You just take for granted every little thing that you can do. Who would have thought that Mary would be working her but off, just to take a few steps, or move her fingers? Even though part of me wants to cry when I see her going through this, another part of me is so happy to see her just trying to do it. It's kind of hard to put in words what I am feeling. I am definitely getting stronger, as Mary is getting stronger also. The first time she walked with the therapist's help she went about 5 feet before she had to sit back down in the wheel chair. That was 5 days ago. Today she went 51 feet. I thought that was awesome, and I think she was happy with herself for accomplishing that. She should be proud. She is moving her left arm and leg a little more than a couple of days ago. She says that it is so hard to do. She gets frustrated with the therapist a little when she is working with her on the movement on the left side. I can only imagine the frustration she must be feeling. I know that she still wants to get home very badly. Just in the last few days I think she knows she can't go home yet. She is getting into her routine here. I think that Mary is realizing that she can't do this by herself. She has really never said those words yet, but as I left her tonight, she looked at me and said "thanks for taking care of me." Like I would do anything else. I am so very fortunate to have employers that are truly understanding of this event in our lives. You guys will never know just how much it means to me to be able to be here with Mary during this time. I promise I will be back sometime very soon. This time is just so critical in her progressing to live a productive life at home. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be here for her. I think I am going to change the format of my writing a little bit, starting tomorrow. For a while, I think I will only be doing one blog for the day, and it will be at night. The morning entry is mainly just telling you how I slept the night before, and really, big whoop! So, I will start just doing one in the evening to let you all know of Mary's entire day. Thanks to all of you who read this. I have been told there are quite a few people that read it daily. I really means a lot to me, and I know it will mean a lot to Mary. Pray for another good day. Thanks.