How could it possibly be DECEMBER ???? Will someone explain this? It seems like just the other day that we received the call about Beverly's accident! Over the days and weeks, there were times we were by her bedside in the still of the night, sometimes on the floor leaning against the wall, eyes fixed on the monitors, counting her breaths, counting her heartbeats, and thinking, will this night never end? So how did the time pass so fast?


Today was a busy and exciting day. Early in the day, we met Dr. Ahmed, her new primary doctor (the critical care doctors did not "move" with us to the other ward.) He started saying things like "Well, why is she here?" Pauletta thought to herself, "Oh no, I have to educate one more doctor?" As she started telling Beverly's "story" he interrupted, saying, "No, no, I know all that, I have read her charts, but why is she HERE?" It quickly became obvious that he thought she was ready for rehab! The only change he made was to reduce the amount of oxygen she is getting in her flow-by, and call the social worker to make contact with the Jim Thorpe Rehab facility. So, tomorrow, we expect a visit from someone at Jim Thorpe to begin the assessment process. We are trying not to get too excited, as there is a possibility that they not deem her ready, but Janie and Chris were very optimistic after their tour of Jim Thorpe today that perhaps she is very, very close!

In this new room, it is apparent that she will get less and less nursing care and more and more therapy work (physical, occupational and speech). This is exactly what she needs, so we are happy with that. The physical therapists Ashley and Mallory came by to get her into the chair, where she stayed for about one and a half hours. Then the occupational therapist Pauline ,along with Kendra, got her back in bed and did some "long sitting" exercises. She did great, and even "helped" remove her socks while sitting up, supported. Pauline was the first OT we met, and has been a constant source of support and encouragement ever since we arrived at OU Med Center. Today she mentioned that she had never heard Beverly speak. So Pauletta got her speaking valve inserted. Beverly looked at Pauline and said "Thank you so much for every thing you have done. You have been so encouraging." That brought tears to Pauline's eyes, as well as everyone in the room. Bill came by twice today to continue breathing muscle work, but most of all to uplift and encourage us about her continued improvement. and to talk to us about what to expect at rehab.

So, Tuesday will be a big day for us! We hope that they will determine her readiness for rehab, but if not, they will give us some specifics to work toward. Thanks for checking in!