Monday is the Day by Lane

OK, here we are a few days since the last post. It seems when things are going great, you just forget to do everything. Yes, Diane is progressing well. It is just after 7 PM and we are watching the Hallmark station together. Boy the Fonz is really grey now.

Diane is doing quit well. Though she can't really get around unless she has a wheel chair or a walker when she is really adventurous. She tires out very quickly when exercising or walking, but she is growing stronger every day.

So Monday is the COMING HOME DAY!! She is a bit scarred not having the 'hospital' attention, but we have assured her that friends, family and countrymen will be pitching in to help and assist.

Her voice is a bit different...I think because of the trach she had in, but no problem talking and getting her point across. Before she went in to the hospital she had problems speaking and with hand tremors. No more. Seems something happened to get rid of all those problems.

Once we are home we will need a few days to settle in, so if you wish to visit call Lane @ 801-571-7857 in the evenings and we will get you in as quickly as possible. We just don't know how she will be feeling. I am sure that will be day to day.

We are so thankful that Diane will be home for the holidays. It was hard not having her home for turkey day, but so happy she has been blessed and recovered quickly.

Special thanks to Nikki at hospital, her swallowing coach. Ever done swallowing exercises? First, tongue out and swallow. Second, do that again and again. Third, hold head up for 35 seconds 5 times a day. Fourth, lift head up 15 times, up and down, 3 sets a day. Fun, huh?

She is working on wheel chair 101 and 102. Well you can see she is busy learning basic things again.

Enough for now. We will get further info out soon.

Love you all! Lane

Andy's New Son -- Riley Dixon Clark

OK here is # 5 for Diane and Lane.. Riley Dixon Clark.... Dixon after Diane's maiden name. We are all excited.

Friday Night Lights

Today was another great day for Diane. She is working hard on the bike and walking. And, of course, she is loving life with being able to chow down. Tonight was trout, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, dinner roll, and orange sherbet, along with a cartoon of milk. She is smiling from ear to ear. And her eyes are full of light again.
Diane is the most popular patient with the staff. I am not kidding, this gal has a sense of humor like never before. All the nurses want to take care of her cause she cracks 'em up.

We are now planning her return. Release date is expected to be 12/14...that is a week from this Monday!!! She is excited to see the Christmas lights and be in her own home. Warm fire surrounded by the family...especially the 5 grandsons. It is going to be a very special Christmas at the Clark home.

We are planning to get a wheel chair for her. We are not quite sure how everything will play out, but we are enjoying our time together. Also in the plans is a retake of Thanksgiving dinner. She wants her stuffing and cranberries!

Thank you all again for your love and support. We must have a good welcome home party at some point.

God bless and stay tuned. Lane o

Swallowing... and some REAL food

Yesterday was the day. The much anticipated swallowing test. They took mom to the hospital for her 2 hour test to see if she had a strong enough swallow to be able to eat real food. The smell of toast has been haunting her for weeks. Well.....she passed!! And according to her, with flying colors. She is a level 3 which means she is not really limited on want she can eat. So I'm sure you can see where this is going. She got her hands on the menu and wanted to order everything and she pretty much did. She told me she had ordered the Quiche, Navy Bean Soup, Fruit Cocktail, Salad, a Dinner Roll and Dessert. For upcoming meals they took her order for she told me she felt guilty and a little selfish. She worried about the starving kids in Africa. Could she really eat 2 Brownies, 3 Sugar Cookies, 2 Pork Sandwiches.....you get the point. She's outta control, making up for weeks and almost months of no eating and food cravings. Good for her!

She is staying busy. She has been working on lot on her different therapies and has made drastic improvements. She now has her hands on a cell phone (thanks Nancy) and it has given her great comfort in being able to now to get hold of everyone....at all hours of the day and night. She is also busy planning Sub for Santa for some of her beloved staff. She's really networking and feeling more a part of the world. She appreciates the visits but is also quite occupied with her busy social schedule. If you'd like to stop by, let us know ahead of time and we can tell you the best time. Short and Sweet is best right now. Thanks for the cards and caring.