Getting Stronger

  My dad was moved to a rehab center one week ago yesterday. They take him to physical therapy and occupational therapy and assist him with his daily tasks. He will be there for three weeks (two more weeks to go). He wanted to go there to get stronger, and after a little bit I finally came around that this was the only way to ensure he would get better and not fall at home. He is at Central Park Rehab on King's Avenue in Brandon. They are very sweet and caring there. While we are there to visit we also are able to go upstairs to visit Bobby's grandmother (Abuela). 

  Abuela is not too fond of leaving her comfort zone upstairs, so it didn't go so well when Bobby's mom tried to take her down to my dad's room for a visit. She told him hello and then repeated in spanish over and over again for his mom to take her back upstairs. The good thing is my dad thought is was funny too. 

 We found out yesterday dad has another cold. It is already really dragging him down, emotionally and physically. We pray his body can rebound quickly and not turn down the path that he is trying to leave. It was a simple cold back at the beginning of March that started this journey. 

 My mother continues to attempt to balance working and going to the rehab center and home. All of which are no less than 40 minutes from each other. She seemed to have a nice mother's day as we had lunch together and she played in the pool with the girls. Something she rarely has a opportunity to do. As we sat on my new swing and rocked she seemed to be very peaceful, first time I have seen her that way in awhile.

 Haley and Bobby are battling cold's as well. It seems to have settled into their chest and has been a real energy zapper for both of them. 

 Haley is looking forward to having a friend from school come over and play today. She is quite the little social butterfly. And Mercedes is back is swim lessons. It can be a little freaky watching her underwater for so long. But she is determined, and quite fearless. 

 Haley watched a recorded part of the Today show with me about the Statue of Liberty the other day. She then decided she really wanted to go to New York. So, she now has decided  to convince her dad to go there on a family trip for her birthday this summer. Poor Bobby, three active outgoing women in his life. He doesn't stand a chance. :)

 

A Weekend to Enjoy

 Today is Friday and I am so excited to be taking my little girls over to Caldesi Island for the day. We have never been there and are excited about exploring this little island we have read so much about. It will be about an hour drive. 

 I must share that it has been a hard couple of days regarding the pain I feel in my legs and back. I know without a doubt now that the appointment I have for June 22 at the Mayo Clinic is a must. My mother is always so sweet and encouraging as she listens to me complain on the hard days. She has always seemed to know when to push me and when to just let me complain a little. Last nigh,t as it was so difficult to move and I physically felt sick from the pain, Bobby came beside me when I sat up and just held me. He has loved me and comforted me during these times when it seemed hard to see the light. 

 I will press forward. I constantly look to what I have adopted as my lifetime verse, 2Corinthians 12:9. It tells that in my weakness HIS grace is sufficient. This verse has meant so much to me in so many ways all my life. It pushes me forward and reminds me of my hope in the future.

 I think of those things when I reflect on what is happening with my dad. I went to see him yesterday with the girls. I brought him a chili hot dog from Checkers. Which goes against all reason but when he kept asking for it the dietician agreed that with his protein so low and all the weight he has lost, one hot dog would not be so bad. And he ate it all !!!

 You can tell the girls really brighten him and he enjoys our visits, despite Mercedes volume level (either crying or laughing). He sat up voluntarily on the side of the bed to eat and when he brought his legs out it just made me want to cry. They are so skinny. He has lost sooo much weight. His skin just seems to hang off of him. But if I look at the big picture he is getting better and stronger. He will be going to a rehab facility today. Which is so hard for me to come to terms with, but I know after talking with the therapist and doctors it is the best thing for a couple of weeks. Although he is walking with a walker and a physical therapist, he is so weak that he has a high potential for falling. He needs 24hour assistance and all day therapy which cannot be provided at home. When I spoke to him this morning he said he felt it was the best choice and he wanted to get stronger and go home. So, I will love and support he and my mother through this time and continue to take one day at a time. 

 My mother was dealt another blow financially yesterday when she was told she would have to pay $150 a day for the first three days of his stay at the rehab facility. She said she will fight this with insurance but it is not likely to be remedied. 

  In all these circumstances, and so many more than cannot and should not be discussed, God is still so good to me and my family. He has taken care of us and brought us through so much. I know without a doubt that I must press forward with joy and anticipation for all the good things in the future. For I know I have a God who loves and cares for all of us.