Dave Bugg wrote:
> Hi there, everyone.
>
> Just a quick update. Some may have noticed that I haven't posted
> anything for the last two weeks. My mom suffered a series of strokes
> and I have been out of town to be with her and my siblings.
>
> The strokes have left my mom with cognitive functioning intact, but
> with highly diminished gross and fine motor coordination and
> function. She is too weak to walk without assistance, but is able to
> sit. She is able to talk with difficulty, and can be understood
> though her speech is slurred.
>
> Mom was discharged from the hospital 5 days post-stroke to a
> transitional care facility with the appropriate physical therapy care
> when it became apparent that she was stable, and in no further
> medical danger. We have been warned, however, that her current
> condition produces an increased likelihood of a massive stroke within
> the next 30 days; a risk which lessens each month that passes.
>
> It is very possible that with the physical therapy, mom will be able
> to return home under partial assisted care. I have a single brother
> who is a manager of a Home Depot store who lives in the house with
> mom (it is our childhood home from after my dad retired from the
> military), and so is able to provide for her needs as well. In
> addition to spending a lot of time with mom, I have been remodeling
> and repairing the house in anticipation of her return home.
>
> I just returned to my home to take care of some stuff here, pay
> bills, grab some tools, and head back to mom. I didn't bother reading
> the NG 'cause there's two weeks worth of unread postings. I just
> marked everything unread to dump the backlog. Sorry if anyone has
> tried to give me a ping and I missed it.
>
> I feel blessed that Mom is still with us, was not damaged as severely
> by a massive stroke, and that I have more time that I can spend with
> her.
>
> OB food: Eating and drinking have become difficult hurdles; not so
> much because mom can't eat and drink, but because she simply doesn't
> feel like doing so. And she has to eat and drink in order to get her
> strength up. I have been cooking and bringing her high calorie
> comfort foods that are compatible with her need for a soft mechanical
> diet. So far, she likes my meatloaf the best. And Sees chocolate.

Dave, you know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
I don't know what to say. I'm truly saddened for you. Give her a hug from
Allan and me, please.

kili