Everything Will Be Alright

 Whenever I don't update the blog for a few days, it usually means things are going well and I don't have anything to say. We've been home 17 days now.  Rie, thankfully, has had no pain and has been making steady progress.  No setbacks. Praise God! House adjustments and renovations are gobbling up all of our free time but going well.  Many thanks to so many that have helped or offered to help.  A special thank you to those who pray for us. A couple of friends have visited.  We've enjoyed reconnecting. The best news of the last few days is that Mia is voluntarily spending more time out of her room hanging out with us, having normal conversations with mom and seemingly enjoying it.  That's a huge blessing! ❤️🙏

 Posture much better, at times normal.  Voice louder. Three small areas of the scalp incision are slow to heal but no signs of infection or breakdown; will be reevaluated by the plastic surgeon in a few weeks.  Appetite is excellent and eating very healthy and balanced; strictly maintaining caloric intake in mid-range adjusted for activity level.  Cognition and decision-making much improved with faster response time.  There is still significant right-sided weakness but continues to improve slowly.  Transitions from lying down to sitting to standing are much more independent requiring almost no exertion on my part.  Walking the length of the room to wheelchair with minimal assist for balance and safety only.  A rollator (a walker with four wheels and handheld breaks) is on the way which could take the place of the wheelchair for room to room transfers. Practicing self-propelling wheelchair skills and getting good at moving around the living spaces....

To watch Rie's birthday "Tribute" video, click here:  Tribute  

 I asked Rie what she thought of her birthday celebration.  She said, "It was awesome"! Many thanks to Rie's sister, AnneBerit, who organized the whole thing remotely, at times from airports on her way to Africa.  She had LaMadeleine deliver Rie's favorite coconut cake.  She also organized the "Tribute" video.  Many friends and family contributed.  See link below. We were blessed in many ways.  In contrast to living in hospitals for five months, a quiet brunch with just Rie, Mia, and brother Foad reminded us of how we will never again take for granted the mundane, ordinary, "life-as-usual".  Jennifer and Jacob, our dearest friends of 20+ years, came over and helped us with some chores and some cheers!  They always remind us of the comfort that comes from special friendships.  We watched the "Tribute" video together.  It is a montage of pictures and video clips of friends and family from all over the world wishing Rie a happy birthda...

Add a video montage ("Tribute") as a gift for Rie.  H ere's a link to the page where you can submit your video: https://www.tribute.co/rie- 48006/

 The ride home was smooth. The new wheelchair ramp nicely negotiated the 10 inch rise from the pavement to our front door walkway. It made it so much easier to get from the car to the inside of the house. Before unpacking, we worked on our tans on the balcony! We could feel our bodies' Vitamin D manufacturing "factories" grinding it back up after months of sunless shutdown. Daniel, the young son of a dear friend, came over and helped us unpack and declutter the living space.  He is an amazing young man, a devout believer, active in the church, always positive with a divine glow!  The respect he has for others is an inspiration.  When I whined to him for having been in hospitals for five months, he, with a deeply thankful tone immediately said, "She's alive & she's here".  That's all I needed to hear! So the rest of the day was blissful. Rie, Mia, my brother Foad, and I, ate and cleaned and chatted and lived.  I repeatedly thanked the Lord for Rie...

 Rie pushed hard through the last day of therapy yesterday. Performed well in all areas. Her excitement about going home was palpable.  As soon as she wakes up, I'll finish packing and beg the staff to expedite our discharge process.  Prayers for a smooth transition back to the house is appreciated.  Love & Blessings❤️🙏

 For Rie' birthday on Feb 12th, sister AB has created this: https://www.tribute.co/rie-48006/. Also, there may be a video link for the remote birthday party that AB may add in the comments here.

For the first time in 28 years, we were separated, but now we are  Reunited, and it feels so good .💗💗

 Five out of the last six months, we've lived in medical facilities. Our daughter was never allowed in. To top it off, we endured ten days of COVID isolation. We are thankful for all the hospital staff that saved and restored Rie for us. We are thankful that soon we will be home.  Mia seems very excited.  Please pray that the Lord keeps us out of hospitals. 💗🙏

The room was clean.  Rie looked good.  She ate well. The Techs help her with every food tray set up.  Daily therapy has resumed. I may be allowed to stay Monday night.  The tentative discharge date is 2/10/22, two days before her birthday!

 A group of surgeons will be moving in to my office space.  On March 1st, 2022, my office will be closed permanently.

 Rie and I realized we didn't have to end our facetime session.  It was on for 10+ hours, through the meals and the naps and the idle chats and the silent stares.  It was lovely!  Praise God.💗🙏

 The director of the rehab hospital called me yesterday afternoon.  She said the infection control department will not let me in till Saturday and then only for two hours a day.  I can move back in on Tuesday if Rie is still in the hospital.  While I was wondering how to break the news to Rie, she facetimed me (a first!) and took the news relatively well.  Thank you, Lord.

 I rested in bed all day.  Only mild cold symptoms now.  FaceTimed with Rie.  She doesn't have any residual COVID symptoms but still occasional spasms which might be from a UTI followed by COVID.  She did speech and occupational therapy yesterday. The doctors said both of our blood tests are perfectly normal.  Praise God! Thank you for the prayers. 💗🙏 I am going to pack the car tonight so I can head out to the hospital at 5 AM before the freeze.

 Rehab hospital will let me move back in with Rie after the five day quarantine period which will be in 48 hours.  I'm going to drive to the hospital on Thursday at 5 am to avoid the deep freeze.  I've been in contact with Rie's doctors and charge nurse.  She is doing well.   It has been a rough few days.  Rie and I have never been apart this long but things are looking up. Praise God.❤️🙏