Monday 22:08 PDT

I was at the hospital this evening waiting for Joanie to return from her latest test--a TEE. This test is to given to provide a closer view of the heart from inside the esophagus. I believe they are looking for blood clots. When Joanie returned, somewhat sedated from the test, I asked her how the ride was. She said, "It was a very bumpy ride--much like the roads of Tuolumne County!" I had a good laugh over that comment. A few minutes later two mothers of former students of Joanie (and mothers of current students of mine) showed up with a "plan". They proceeded to wash Joanie's hands and face. They then washed and massaged her back with body cream. I was forced to back out of the way as these two attended to Joanie. When they finished helping her brush her teeth, they retreated. I'm hoping to be somewhere else when they descend tomorrow to wash her hair! Joanie, by the way, loved it. My reward tonight was when she gave me the best smile I've had since Friday.

Thank you for your prayers. They mean so much to both of us!