#13

February 7, 2012

With our scare behind us, Elaine was intent on focusing on rehab. Today, she walked from one end of her room, around the bed, and all the way to the door.  She had some guides and used her walker, but she was very pleased with being mobile.

Fred and Staci spent a few hours visiting the acute rehab center where Elaine will be moving tomorrow. They are telling us that she should be out of hospital by noon and on her way to her new digs. It is not exactly the Four Seasons, but she’s not there for spa treatments – she is there to work hard and get better. They don’t know for certain how long she will be at the rehab center, but they are estimating around 2 or 3 weeks. More details on that in the next few days.

Elaine had her final CT scan to be sure that the clot had dissolved. Thankfully, it has! To ensure that this doesn’t happen again, they started her on Coumadin.  She was actually pretty excited about it.

Elaine’s brother Nick flew down from Utah to see her today. Her sister Vangie is staying in the hospital again tonight. It has been nice having Elaine’s family around.

Kristin also came by the room today and was kind enough to bring Elaine one of her favorite lunches. Elaine is constantly surrounded by so much love: in person, on the phone, or via text or email.  She has touched the lives of so many.

Richie and Julie headed back home today for a fun week of activities with their grandkids. They have truly been angels, and we don’t know how we would have survived the last week without them. Julie is hands-down the single best nurse ever! She is loving, nurturing, caring, gentle, and sweet. She always seems to know just what to do. When Elaine would want to move or adjust the pillows, we would always look to Julie for reassurance to make sure we are doing it rightJ

Richie has been the rock for Fred (and really for all of us). Richie and Julie have been with us and with Elaine every night and day.  They sat and listened to every doctor (seems like about 100). We love you both so much.  Thank you so much!

Tomorrow, we also say goodbye to the nurses.  They have been great to us and to Elaine, but I don’t think they are sad to see us go.  We can be a pretty overwhelming and demanding group.

Thanks to all of you for wearing your bracelets in support of Elaine, and for praying for her speedy and full recovery. Don't forget to continue to pray for our friend Ashley as she wages her own battle!  

Remember to live life to its fullest, enjoy every minute, and never take anything for granted.