Happy Valentine's Day

Thanks for checking in on us. We have not been as good about updating, simply because there has not been much change. Mom is doing physical, occupational and speech therapy in Farwell several times a week. This is a huge blessing, not only because of the convience of it, but because we are really lucky to have this facilty with expert therapist right there in our little town! We cannot thank the people enough who helped this be possible for Mom.

Mom continues to improve daily. It is hard to believe that eight or nine weeks ago she could not walk at all, and now, especially around the house she is walking without a walker with very little assistance! Daily routines that were impossible just a few weeks ago, (putting in her contacts, brushing her teeth, feeding herself, ect.) she now has licked and can actually tell us how we should be doing it different....a good 'ol trait of the pre-stoke Gwen! We have all been stretched by this. Mom has always been such a proud, independant woman who prided herself in taking care of all of us, and now it is her turn to be on the recieving end. Charla is the Sunday night through Thursday morning assistant. Dad is the late night/early morning & weekend caregiver....and for anyone who is interested to know....Special Ed CAN do hair and make-up, should you ever get in a bind!:>) Thankfully Aunt Tammy and Aunt Loy are both close enough and have given so much of their time. We could not make it without either one of them. Aunt Tammy is doing "Thursdays with Tammy", and when needed come over on Fridays, too. Aunt Loy and Uncle Joe come from Friona several times a week, to help with anything they can. I have been running back and forth on the weekends and last week I got to be her nurse for several days in a row.:>) Clint and I both brought Gigi her much needed grand kid therapy last weekend. We realize that each of us brings something different and valuable to the table as far as caring for Mom. At first, we were a little concerned that by depending on so many different people, the inconsistency might be a problem. However, we now know that by so many people doing a little, Mom has to be flexible and each person can keep her stimulated differently. Also, with so many helping, nobody (especially Dad), has had to carry all of this by themselves. We have also had to depend on friends and family around Farwell to check in on her if there is a day that we couldn't cover, and if you have done this, "thank you" simply doesn't seem like enough....but we really appreciate your love and help! Mom is a true living miracle that is improving all the time!

We have heard and read that many times stroke victims have a major personality change. Some are depressed, some are violent, some like to stay isolated, but fortunately with Mom this is not the case. As you well know, Mom has always been the one that pulls the rest of us back to reality. In the past, when we would get really silly, or be wise crackin', she would always laugh and participate for a few minutes and then say something like, "That's enough," or "Oh, I cannot believe ya'll"......but since her stroke something amazing has happened. Mom has the biggest giggle box any of us have ever seen. She seem to laugh all the time, which is definitely contagious to anyone in the room...what a true blessing!

Sorry for the wordiness. The main point is that Mom is still on the up and up. Again, we cannot thank you enough for your countless prayers, visits, notes of encouragement, & delicious meals. Each and every one of you mean so much to us, and continue to be such a blessing to Mom in her time of need! Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming/multiplying as they are surely working and being felt by all of us!

Love, Christi