Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

It's been a long couple of days and I'm pretty worn out, but the picture above says it all. Mom is home once again and thrilled to be there...and based on her strength and perseverance just in the time she's been home so far, I think it's going to stick this time.

Some highlights of the past 48 hours:

* Phim from Maryville has agreed to take care of Mom from midnight to 7 AM for the first month of being home, assisting with bathroom visits and whatever else is needed. This is a huge weight off Dad's shoulders and once we arrange for some day visits from home care staff, Mom will have the coverage she needs and Dad will be able to get out and about for errands when needed.

* We took the door off the bathroom and knocked out both door frames to make it easier to get in and out with Mom's wheelchair, a change that has already made a difference in two bathroom visits.

* We removed the bed frame which brings the bed lower and makes it more manageable for Mom (i.e., closer to the height she's been used to for the past 25 years).

* Mom's visit to the audiology doc at Costco went off without a hitch, but Mom needs to go back in two weeks once the molds are done to get fitted and have it tuned. This took them both by surprise, but I think it's going to be ok. But in the meantime...

* At Ed the Renter's suggestion, we picked up a sound amplification device that Mom can wear around her check and use with headphones. It's a little conspicuous but Mom really doesn't care, and at $25 (vs. the $899 for the hearing aid), it's a steal...she can hear better with it that she did with her previous hearing aid (which went missing over a month ago), and it's stereo to boot! She seems absolutely thrilled.

* Guy graveled the driveway and it looks flat and terrific. We've also got all the cars out of the way so even before we get a nice concrete landing pad installed, it's great for picking up and dropping off at the end of the ramp:


(Please ignore the cat in the picture...we try to.)

There's of course lots still to do and we're all a little nervous about this second try, but all things are looking really positive. Thank you all for your continued support, and thank you Eydie, Chris and Kathy for your continued culinary contributions!