Flowers and absent friends

Mum is settled into SACU now and it’s been all go since she got there. The unit continues to work her intensively with physio, OT and speech. While it’s just speculation, I get the impression the new unit is enjoying the challenge of a severe-stroke patient and they’re trying every toy in their arsenal.

Mum’s enjoying using the “magic box” in OT: a mirror box designed to train the brain to see her left hand as being her right. She also got lifted to the treadmill the other day on a hoist where she managed 8 steps (8 steps!) before her legs gave out and she collapsed into the harness. She’s still rocking the leg presses and standing and everyone remains optimistic.

Sally flew up to Townsville last week to see her Aunt and came to Mum’s physio session and saw her walk half the length of the gym (with a great deal of assistance of course).

Seeing Sally made Mum realise how much she missed all her Brisbane friends: Sally dropping in; Anne chattering; Jane’s flowers; Sandy Siddle’s good sense and Jane Box’s school stories.

Mum said on the phone the other day, “I miss them and I miss all the fun, talk and laughter”. So this post is to all Mum’s wonderful friends who’ve been there for her since she had the stroke. Thanks so much for the flowers.