Mom was wide awake this afternoon, looking in the direction of people and voices.  I can’t really tell if she recognizes me, or anyone else; I’m inclined to think, just based on observation, that she cannot.  Certainly, her meaningful words, maybe even her gestures, are locked into her brain, blocked from emerging and explaining her thoughts, her feelings, her wishes.

Tomorrow, Mom will move back to the Mather.  The staff in the Life Center will be assisted by staff from Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center. You may want to see their website: www.carecenter.org .

We do not know what the future holds, although the doctors say that she is unlikely to talk again, and even comprehension of what we say is probably not in the cards. Whether she will become aware of her plight is unknown, but if she does, we all know that she will not be satisfied with her condition. She so valued her independence and ability to assist others. She didn’t want to be a burden or an invalid.

For now, the important thing that we’re doing for Mom is to keep her comfortable, and to allow all of you who wish to come and visit the opportunity to bring your good wishes and love to her.  Hopefully, that will give her the best chance to be able to recover as fully as she can.