It has been confirmed that there was some heart failure Monday morning when Mom was rushed to ICU. There are several factors that could have attributed to this condition or a combination there of: infection, age, heart muscle, heart valve(s), fluid in the lungs from the pneumonia or asphyxiation from the swallowing of fluids going down the wrong pipe. What ever the reason, we are back to early december 03 status where you don't take each day for granted. (not that we should anyways) Mom is...

Mom has been moved to a secure ICU unit. There was an infection from her pic line a few days ago and a suspected blockage in the esophagus or intentine. X-rays were taken that has ruled out the blockage for now. Mom is having problems with breathing and has been put back on a ventilator to stabilize her. It has also been detected that she has a blood infection. The breathing problems could be contributed to the infections, pnemonia, swallowing issues or all of the above. More news will fol...

Visiting Mom today, she was sitting up eating some shredded chicken, rice and beans. Lots of water was being consumed. After lunch was settled down to tackle the NY Times crossword puzzle that Mom faithfully tried to complete every Sunday. She got 4. I ....guessed.... at 5.( I know Keith Palmer concur with that statement ). She talked with Marty over the phone expressing in so many words how much she is enjoying her 5 ft by 6ft valentine heart with everyone's valentine message. The fam...

Mom seemed to be in good spirits for the most part. She is anxious to come home though. Mike and I tried to explain to her that more rehab time would be necessary before that happens. I told her the best thing she can do to make it happen is to continue working hard with her therapist. I did notice that she was able to operate the tv remote control with her right hand. There has been such a night and day difference compared to when she was admitted to rehab and yet so far to go. Good n...

Mom's progress is slow and cumbersome, but there is progress. She has a long way to go and with God's grace, she will return home this year hopefully. She continues to move and exercise her extremities with very limited movement of the left arm and hand still. Her speech is progressing but not yet able to put a full sentence together. Her memory is good from what we can tell up until the accident when it is suspected she blacked out. It's suspect with short term events. This may improve o...

Apparently, my update on 2/4/04 somehow got deleted. I know I did it, because it was an eventful day. I've since changed the password in case we have a hacker. Let me review.... Wednesday, 2/5 : Mom has a germ, VRE, that is causing problems similiar to a bad case of a intestinal bug. The hospital and family are asking that there be no more visits except immediate family until this passes and she has had a chance to build up her strength and immune system. Actually, the strength may no...

Reading my last update, 2/1/04, I must have been very tired. I reread it today, and there's just a few sentence fragments. Sorry. The trach will possibly come out tomorrow. They will see what weight Mom can bare on her hip this week also. Mom is very tired at the end of the day but continues to progress slowly with her speech and movement. If you are going to send a valentine to Mom via this medium of communication, this will be your last chance as my wife and Bonnie will be cutting...

Mom seemed tired today. She said a few things today while there, but resting peaceful for the most part. My of her clothes and the keyboard were brought to her today. We'll see what king of motivation the keyboard brings. I told that I was planning on her giving my girls and Noah piano lessons soon. Please pray for strength and endurance regarding Mom. Always a priviledge, Skeele Family

It was a day of saying to Mom, "As you wish." (If you have seen the movie "The Princess Pride" then you know with what degree of affection this means) She asked for TV service. As you wish, Mom. She asked for her electric piano. As you wish, Mom. She asked for my pen to write. As you wish, Mom. Unfortunately, I couldn't make out most of the message. There is a name for her mental condition that escapes me. I'll give you a word picture though. Imagine that every word you know is a fil...

Last night, I went to see our little "chatter bug". She said, "hello". She was very tired from rehab and fell asleep during our devotional reading. Dan, I did read your New Year's letter to her. When I showed Mom the picture of your beautiful pride to be, she had a big grin on her face and stayed awake for the entire letter. A grin also came across her face when I told her about Steve in Texas (son) looking for a bigger 3 BR or more house to buy both wondering the same thing......hmmmmm...

1/28 Today is Shea's birthday. 33 yrs ago, he and Mom were on there way to the hospital behind a snowplow leading the way that was called out so they could make it to the hospital. This morning, Shea stood in his driveway waiting for me with the plow because he could not get out due the the 2-3 ft drifts in his driveway. This all came to mind with Shea and was somewhat depressing I think. So what birthday gift could bring the biggest smile ( and some tears of joy in this case also)? Read o...

Mom's pneumonia is clearing up nicely where she breathes a lot easier now! Her rehab is going well where evidence of coordination particularly with the right arm is most evident. Mom is struggling with her sleeping habits. Please pray that this would become more regulated and consistant for her. She tires easily still where by 7:30pm, she has often fell asleep while I read. I do try to sound upbeat and talk with passion when reading, but I am sure she's just exhausted. Talking wit...

Visiting Mom in the early evenings, it's obvious she gets tired around 6:30-7pm due to the rehab. Her gym time has increased some. Two things I noticed before leaving was her guiding the right hand to grab the bar on the side of the bed and grasping it. The ability to coordinate that movement and carrying it out is very encouraging. When walking away to leave, I waived bye. She picked up her right hand and forearm and waived gently good bye also. The pneumonia is clearing up! Her brea...

Mom has had a good week in rehab in that she has endured it's rigors and shown a willingness for the most part to embrace what they are doing there. The good news is that she will remain at this rehab center in Syracuse and not have to go to a less aggressive rehab center in Albany. The one thing I have noticed this week is Mom's overall awareness of people and eye contact with them. The statement, "the eye is the gateway into the soul", has never had more profound to me then when I look at...

My wife, Martha, has cut up a bunch of hearts for people to write a valentine to Mom. Simply post your valentine in "comments", and we will print off the valentines and paste them on a heart. These are put into a decorated Valentine box where they will be read to Mom on Valentines Day, provided she can't read them herself by then.