November 28th, 2008 pm

It's 7:43 pm. I'm actually writing a little early tonight as I left the rehab facility a little earlier than normal. Mary had a pretty busy day today with quite a bit of rehab and also quite a few visitors. Some of the rehab exercises that she did today really spent her energy. They had her doing quite a lot of lifting and strengthening exercises for her left arm and hand today. She really did quite well with them. She is trying so hard to make things happen on her left side. It seems like every day she gets a little bit stronger with the left. Her fingers move a little bit more, she lifts her leg a little higher, lifts the arm just a little bit more than the last time. I am starting to see more and more of the fire and fight that Mary has. During one of her conversations with Ed Sanderson this afternoon before he left, Ed told her that he did not want to hear that she was slacking on any of her rehab. Mary said she would not slack and would be walking by Christmas. I found that to be a big step in her attitude on her recovery. That was the first time I have heard her say anything about a "goal" or time frame of any type of recovery. It is really starting to click in Mary that she feels she can get better and recover. How far and how quick she gets there is really up to her. I am try to do my part and push her to do small things, mainly in her down times between therapy. Yes, this is annoying her, but she knows that I am doing it for her. She may not truly appreciate my being annoying to her, but I hope someday she will know that it was out of love, and the desire to get her back home sooner. I am reading a couple of books to help educate myself on stroke. For those of you who know me well, you know that reading books and Scott Berryman, do not go in the same sentence together. However, I am finding the books to be interesting and for some reason I really don't mind reading them. Have I discovered a new hobby? I'm not sure yet. Mainly I'm reading for Mary. I want to be as knowledgeable as possible when we get home to start this new chapter in Mary's life. I think she is starting to realize that it may be sooner than later when she will come home. Although for Mary to say it, she can't be home soon enough, but just the fact that she will be coming home to us, is a blessing in itself. Thanks again for all the prayers. Let's hope she has another good day tomorrow. Personally, I think she will. Thanks.