Wednesday was truly a "letter day" for Beverly! She sent her first two emails (letters) in over three months! Jocelyn, her occupational therapist, brought in a laptop with a special ball-type mouse. She was able to get on line and then, using a pencil secured in a band around her hand, she typed the emails using the eraser end. You know how she enjoys her computer so this is a big step. And it was slow of course. Because of the lack of dexterity in her hands right now, using the laptop is like trying to type with big, bulky ski mittens on you hands. Try it, and you'll see how strong her determination is!


hi, pauletta, i am doing this myself, see you at 3, deedy
hi chris, i am doing this myself. deedy

Another big event on Wednesday was the removal of the trach. The tracheotomy was done on October 8th in Baton Rouge and finally was completely removed on December 17th. She was told the hole will just fill in within a few days and she'll never know it was there. She still will have breathing treatments and exercises to strengthen her lungs and voice, but it's nice to get rid of another tube!

Her daily physical therapy is exhausting but she is always ready to do meet the challenge. She is practicing on balancing herself on the side of a bed and can now do this for 5 minutes with no assistance!

Beverly is looking forward to a visit from our mother on Friday. Chris is bringing her from Tahlequah, getting here in time for lunch with Deedy. Then Pauletta and Steve will take Mom back to Tahlequah Friday afternoon as they head for Chicago. Since Deedy has been Mom's main caregiver, they've really missed each other and we'll all enjoy the visit.

We thought you'd enjoy seeing the sign that is posted in the hallway, outside of Beverly's room: