Thursday, September 19, 2013

From Rehab to Recovery


Mom and Dick in the rehab center the day I left for home. Lookin' good!

Life's challenges come and go, and they've been coming a little more than going around here lately. Most of you know that August and September have been rough months for my mother (two strokes and a broken hip in the space of six weeks), and Dave and I have been back and forth to her home in Palm Desert enough times to feel like human yo-yos...or far-flung boomerangs. Suffice to say that our car is beginning to know the full splendor (?) of I-5 in the summer, 100+ degree heat and all. And I am beginning to know that my mom is one heck of a fighter.

Good news is that she will be getting out of rehab on Friday and going home, which is literally and figuratively just what the doctor ordered. The ball of her broken hip was replaced a week ago Saturday, and at 86 years of age she has recovered more rapidly than we ever dared hope or expect. Of course, Mom still has some hard work ahead of her, but she is able to get around rather well with a walker already and will continue to receive physical therapy at home three times a week for an undetermined period of time. Best of all, her wonderful husband is TLC personified, and I have a feeling she is in for a heavy dose!

If bad things come in threes (and while I am not a bit superstitious, in this case I sincerely hope they do), then Mom should be free to stay at home and enjoy life without further ado. I think she's earned King's ex for a looong while, don't you?

Having satisfied the "R" requirement with Rehab and Recovery, I think a "Q" portion of this post might be in order, since I missed that round of Alphabe-Thursday altogether last week:

What I have learned from my mother throughout these three consecutive ordeals is to "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Paul was speaking of the Holy Spirit, but I am also thinking of the human spirit that my mom exhibits so abundantly, refusing to be beaten down by whatever life has to offer. She knows in Whom she has trusted, and she puts her faith in His plan for her, no matter what it entails.

I only hope I can learn from her example.

Love you, Mom.

=)

for more R and Q posts, click below

26 comments:

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Oh Sue, My visits around to my blog friends such as you, have been quite sporadic since selling our Georgia home in August 2012. I am sorry to hear about all this with your mom, but happy to hear that she is doing better and better! She does look wonderful in the photo.

Blessings & Aloha!

Anonymous said...

Lots of healing energy hugs for your Mom and you ~ good news ~ she is beautiful! ~ Great post for R ~
carol, ^_^

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm so glad your mom is healing more quickly than expected. Must be her positive attitude! In the photo she appears to be a very dear person. I like her smile.

Cathy Kennedy said...

Your mother is an amazing woman. Many elderly folks simply do not fair well after such health issues. I love her determination to get up and get going. That's one factor that makes a huge difference in recovery. My prayers are with your lovely mother.

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Rocky Mountain Woman said...

What a blessing that she is on the mend!

4 Lettre Words said...

Well, it sounds like your Mama is one tough lady and I adore that smile! Praying for lots of healing...

SarahBeth said...

So glad that your mom is able to go home -- she must be glad too... just look at that sweet smile!

karen said...

Such great news! She looks none the worse for wear, and I know her determination knows no bounds. She'll be back to her old self in no time, knowing her. How thankful she must be that you were able to be down there with her - and truth be told, what a blessing to be able to go down and help her recover.

Susan Anderson said...

It's true, Karen. We are fortunate that our time of life allows us to help Mom. And I love having Dave go with me.

=)

fredamans said...

What a beautiful sentiment of your mom at the end. Made me cry!

Cheryl said...

What a tough time for all of you. I'm so glad your mom is on the mend and heading home. You all must be exhausted. Raising my Diet Coke as I wish you a bit less medical drama and time to relax.

Brian Miller said...

i am glad all of this did not quench your spirit and i am glad she is moving in a positive direction and can get home....its good to see you as well....smiles.

Karen Mortensen said...

So glad she is doing better. All the best to you and your family.

Stacy said...

I so glad things are on the mend with your mother.

You are amazing for doing all you do!

Annesphamily said...

Goodness, your mom is a true champion! She looks really wonderful! You are so blessed to have her. I know she deserves that TLC she will be getting at home! You did an excellent job using the letters Q and R! Happy weekend!

yaya said...

I'm so excited that Darlene is heading home! I knew she could do it and with the help and love of you and the rest of the family she'll continue to do well. She should sit and talk to my Mom...they could compare war stories! Let's see, my Mom is 87 and in the last 7 years she's broke her hip, shoulder, pelvis, nose, and 4 months ago both wrists! She's still living in her home (with my sister) and doing fabulous. We keep your Mom in our prayers. Please give her our love!

Nancy said...

Everything changes, but how you deal with these changes makes all the difference. Sounds like mom is a strong lady -- happy she is doing better. xo

Unknown said...

I am glad your mom is doing well. What great news!

Amy said...

I am so glad she is doing so well. She certainly seems to be quite the fighter!

Grandma Honey said...

So good to know your sweet Mom is on the mend. I love her happy smile inspite of all she is enduring. She has a place in my heart.

storybeader said...

So nice to hear your mom's going home. I know she will be happy to be there. And you too! {:-Deb

Unknown said...

Your mom is beautiful and looks very happy :) I am happy that she doing very well.

Hugs,
Scudss

VK said...

Sounds like we all need a little dose of your moms spunk.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh no Sue where have I been not to know this about your precious mom. I tried going to her blog just the other day but could not get it to come up.
I think of her often and I hate to hear that she has been through so much.
Would you mind giving me her address. My email address is maggiemallard888@yahoo.com
Love
Maggie

LeAnn said...

I am so happy you posted about how she is doing. I know she is a fighter and I just love her and pray for her to get well quickly. She really has had a rough ride and I pray she can have a longer healthier time. I really think the picture is precious. She has such an sweet smile on her face. Give her hugs from me when you do see her.
Lovely post as usual and blessings to you all.

Jenny said...

Your Mother is quite a remarkable woman...

You have definitely had a really rough couple of months... I pray that her recovery continues to progress rapidly!

I'm glad that you are remaining positive through all of this too...

Thanks for linking to the letter "R" and "Q"!

A+ x 2