Thursday, August 29, 2013

Overcoming

 
 
Overcoming. A couple of weeks ago, my letter M post was about my marvelous mom, who was recovering from a stroke and doing it rather well. We were all buoyed and uplifted by her grace and determination as she fought her way back from not being able to speak and remembering only her name to fully regaining all of the function she had lost. I don't think I have to tell you that we were feeling blessed by her spirit and tenacity.

Last Saturday, two weeks to the day after her first ischemic stroke, Mom had a second one. Needless to say, it was frightening for my stepfather to hear her go from talking on the phone one moment to not being able to say much at all the next. She was reluctant to go to the hospital (yes, she is a stubborn one), so he called the paramedics, who immediately rushed her to the nearest medical center. Once again, she was hit directly in her speech center; and this time, her left side was slightly affected as well. The recovery in the hospital was more up and down than previously, and a positive outcome seemed less predictable. We worried; we prayed; we worried; we prayed. We bargained with the Lord; we surrendered ourselves to His will. We bargained, surrendered, bargained, surrendered. When push came to shove, we realized that the outcome rests in His hands, that He has a plan for Mom, and that we need to trust in that plan.

I arrived in town yesterday (my sister Nikki was here for the first few days), and Mom came home from the hospital hours before I arrived. Happily, her mental faculties and acuity have bounced back once again, but physically she has some healing to do. Walking is difficult, not only because of her stroke but because she is suffering from an attack of gout. Clearly, she will need some physical therapy to strengthen her legs and restore her mobility, but we are all putting our money on her. It would be crazy not to, as she is the epitome of my N post last week: Never, Never, Never Give Up! And boy, are we glad.

A happy note is that a sort of impromptu family reunion has sprung up all of a sudden, with my siblings and my children driving or flying into town this weekend to offer their love and support in person. While Mom was aware that Dave and I were coming, we have decided to surprise her with the rest. Nothing makes her heart happier than to see her kids and grandkids walk through the door, and lifting her spirits in that way is bound to help her heal. Of course, we will be careful not to tire her out and will pay close attention to balancing her competing needs for companionship and alone time.

Thanks for so many emails sent, good wishes offered, and prayers extended. Every one is much appreciated by Mom, our family, and me. All is well; the Lord is in charge, and we are grateful.

=)
 
for more O posts, click below
 

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Am so sorry to hear about your mum. Was just talking to E about her the other day. Please send her our love.

yaya said...

She needs some of my famous, healing chicken soup! I think I'll just keep saying prayers for her instead. She sounds like my Mom..always doing her best to bounce back. She's a great lady. Please give her our love.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

I am sending all the good mojo I can muster her way!

Grandma Honey said...

Oh Sue, I am sorry to hear about the latest stroke, and just when we were all thinking she was doing so well. I hope you do a post on this upcoming "reunion" ....and that you take lots of pictures. This is most likely the best thing in the world you could do for her right now....to bring her family all together.

fredamans said...

Sending more prayers!!

jen said...

I missed your M post somehow. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I'll keep you all in my prayers, and hopefully the reunion will be just what she needs!

Gail said...

So sorry I'm just finding out!!!!

You and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy the weekend. Tell your mom I want to be like her when I grow up.

Unknown said...

She is one tough cookie!! This business of worrying for aging parents is HARD!!

karen said...

How wonderful that she is doing so well! Having her family around her will do wonders, I'm sure. She has some of the best medical professionals anywhere in her area, and that, combined with her strong will, and the love of her family will surely help her gain her strength and physical skills back. Give her a big kiss from me.

Stacy said...

I'm glad you are there to offer her some cheer and balance. Love your ending testimony, so sweet and so true.

Splendid Little Stars said...

awesome! such good news!
I've been through a similar situation with my mom. My husband dubbed her the "Comeback Kid."
Have a great visit with family!
(Others are saying "sorry." I'm sorry, too, that she had another stroke. But I'm glad she is recovering. And how great is it that family is coming to visit!)

Brian Miller said...

hugs. i am sorry. sending prayers for healing and that gathering all the children will lift the spirits and promote healing within her.

Ames said...

Sorry to hear about your mom Sue. Our moms are so dear to us. Even though I lost my mom 15 years ago on August 28th, I still feel the sting.

I dug up her rose and brought it to our new house. On August 28th it bloomed.

Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your mom.~Ames

Friko said...

Very best wishes to your mum.

As a family you will help each other, and your mum will derive strength from you.

Amy said...

So sad to hear about your mom! I am sure having all the family up will certainly help her spirits, which in turn generally helps the body. What a great surprise! Prayers and hugs!

Jenny said...

It warms my heart to hear about the way your family united and maintained an optimistic attitude during this overwhelmingly difficult time...

Your Mom's strength is absolutely remarkable... I see that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers!

Thanks for linking to the letter "O"!

Hugs and A+







Pondside said...

Sue, I missed this post. How did I do that!? I can't believe that I've just written and asked you about your summer - now I see how it's been. You mother is a marvel, so intent on bouncing back. I'm sure the presence of her children and grandchildren will buoy her!

Karen Mortensen said...

This post was so nicely said. All the best to your mom and your family.

Caroline said...

Saying prayers for your family, Sue and sending love and hugs your way.

Your mom's strength is inspiring.

Love,
Caroline