Day 33-34

We continue to be impressed with how great Joanie's therapists are. Scott, the PT, comes to the house and finds practical things to have her do. Today, Wednesday, he had her putting some dishes in the dishwasher and putting come canned foods in the pantry. He has a great personality and Joanie really responds to him. He even had her going down the stairs from the back deck to the yard. She was very nervous but he was right with her and she did great.

Yesterday Robin, her ST, came by and did some mouth, lip, and cheek exercises with her. Sandy, the OT, was also here giving suggestions to improve her left shoulder, arm, and hand movement. Joanie finds them difficult but continues to make small improvements.

With therapist approval, Joanie & I made a short run to the market. It is the only time she's been in the car since coming home a week and half ago from Transitional Care Unit. She sat in her wheel chair and used her feet to propel herself around. We needed to try it out since we're down to the Cardiologist this afternoon.

Teri D just called to say that she had two voice mails from Joanie about three weeks apart. The most recent one, form last Saturday evening, sounds just like Joanie. The voice mail from three weeks earlier shows the great progress she's made. We're exploring ways to record that and listen to. Joanie does not enjoy talking on the phone and still feels that she doesn't "talk right". When she hears this, she will be amazed.

Romans 15:4
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."