Happy Thanksgiving from Beverly and her family. It was ten weeks ago Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) that she had this life-changing accident. There have been so many tears, fears, disappointments and frustrations during these weeks. And now today we have so much to be thankful for! Not only did Deedy make it ALL NIGHT off the ventilator, she has now gone over 38 hours without it. And last night around 9pm the ventilator was even moved out or her room and off the floor. She slept "OK" and had no problems breathing at all. She had her normal respiratory therapy sessions, and her speech therapist showed Janie how to put on her speaking valve. After a few minutes Janie told Deedy that if she has really been wanting to say something - now is a good time. After a pause Deedy said, "Well... there IS something I have been holding back..." (I thought she was going to reveal some deep secret, worry or concern and readied myself for a deep discussion.) "I've been wanting you to help me floss my teeth. I just can't get this piece of bacon out!"

After Pauletta arrived around 2pm, the physical therapist helped Deedy get into the wheelchair where she stayed for a couple of hours. Dr. Carlile told us this morning that probably tomorrow she can be moved to a "step-down" unit since she's doing so well off the ventilator. Then around 3pm, to everyone's surprise, Dr. Carlile said there was a bed ready NOW in the step-down unit and they really needed her bed for a new ICU patient. So Pauletta packed up her things (again, Chris!) and she was moved to Room 206! She seems very happy to be in a different, bigger room. She still has the assistance of the flow-by oxygen if needed. Now she and the therapists can concentrate more on strengthening her upper body and getting her ready for rehab.

She was surprised by a visit from her new pastor at First Baptist Church in Tahlequah and his daughter. And she's looking forward to visits from her nephews Kevin and Stephen (flying in from Colorado), and her niece Susan with her three children, Luke, Levi and Sarah from Tahlequah. It's a great time of Thanksgiving.