December 7, 2008 pm

Hello all, It is 9:13 pm. I just got back to my, I mean Rick's, apartment. I spent the whole day with Mary, as I always do. She had a small amount of therapy today, but what she did was very productive. During her physical therapy she walked with very minimal assistance, a total of around 400ft. Her best up until today was around 250ft. This distance is what she is able to go without sitting down because of fatigue. Without a doubt, she is getting stronger each and every day. It is so nice to hear her talk about how she's feeling like she is making improvements and getting stronger. Today while she was walking, the therapist asked me if I wanted to step in and take her place. Without hesitation, I jumped in and walked with Mary. It felt really nice. Her walking form and cadence has dramatically improved along with her speed. We also went to the fire escape staircase and climbed 2 flights of stairs, then came back down. Mary basically does these all by herself, as we are just there for support in case she becomes unstable. She wants to practice on this staircase, because it is about the same amount of stairs we have at our house. She is really working to get home. I really am starting to feel that her days here may be numbered now. The staff is having their team meeting tomorrw morning on Mary's progress, and what they recommend on her remaining stay. I am going to stay around tomorrow for the results of their meeting. I know that they will not send Mary home until they feel she is completely ready. Whatever they say tomorrow, we will accept, and keep pluggin' away. Mary told me pass on the following; "Please say thank you to everyone for praying for me and thinking about me. It is so nice." I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks.